W. H. Bernstein |
by W. H. Bernstein, Reposted from Facebook, Feb. 4, 2024- A feature of revolutionary regimes is that language changes from its ordinary meaning. That Trump represents a revolution in American politics should not be especially controversial. The unprecedented changes in how we are governed--from laws passed by Congress to EOs signed by the President--should indicate this.
One of the biggest language changes is the term "qualified" to describe a job applicant. In normal terms "qualified" means "possessing the knowledge, skills, and experience to carry out the job successfully."
But in Trump speak that is not what qualified means. Under Trump qualified means "utters the slogans, cliches, and phrases that people approve of."
Consider Pete Hegseth, not the worst Trump nominee only because the bar is low. For a Secretary of Defense qualifications might include overseeing a large complex organization, experience commanding a large military unit, and knowledge of current Pentagon weapons' systems and priorities.
Hegseth has none of that. He is a part-time soldier who reached major and a commentator in the media. Additionally, he has a personality disorder that manifests itself in an inability to self-control, chiefly with alcohol and women. In normal parlance Hegseth is unqualified, both by experience and personality, to oversee the Defense Department.
But in Trumpspeak none of that matters. Hegseth is against DEI. He opposes transgenderism. He wants no sissies in the Army. He voices all the attitudes and opinions that support the Trump agenda. What is his view on how many Navy ships we need? Who knows? What is his view on new low tech weapons systems like drones versus traditional systems like fighters and bombers? Who knows? Hegseth talks the talk. That's all that matters.
As anyone who has observed authoritarian regimes that fill out their ranks with loyalists rather than professionals, this will not go well. Competency means something.
Bill Bernstein, formerly of Nashville where he was owner of Eastside Gun Shop, now lives in Sumter, South Carolina. He is a scholar with a BA degree from Vanderbilt University and degrees in Classics from Corpus Christi College, Oxford, UNC-Chapel Hill, and University of Pennsylvania.
Top Stories
No comments:
Post a Comment