There were days when the right correctly identified crony capitalism and syndicalism. When government chose winners and losers. Or propped up a business so that government officials could get good publicity or enrich themselves or both. Now that most of the right is either a devotee of the Cult of Trump, a sycophant hoping to graft the devotees, or tribal sheep, all of that is just fine.

After all, it’s all good about the deals just foisted on Intel and Nippon Steel.

There was the outcry of the executive branch ruling by decree, until it was Trump holding “the pen and the phone.” Then there was almost orgasmic glee as EO’s came fast and furious – even when they weren’t thought out. Then there were the tariffs that were set out by decree. The refusal to enforce the TikTok ban.

Now, it’s troops in U.S. cities – and it looks like Chicago is next on his list. I try not to critique Trump until he actually does something. He’s a master of putting things out there to troll his opponents, gin up his base, or both. After his actions in LA and DC, it’s not hard to envision Trump sending national guardsmen into Chicago. Because it makes him feel strong and his opponents weak. Forget anything like laws or the breakdown of order.

This is why I will not be a populist. Because populists will surrender everything to the whims of their leader and tribe.

Your boos mean nothing to me.