In a playful discussion about winter in Alaska, anecdotes set the stage for deeper topics. Key debates ignite over Orwell’s views on political language and the pitfalls of oversimplifying political comparisons like 'Trump is Hitler.' A closer look at Eva Perón reveals the complex legacy of Peronism, while the chaotic nature of personality-driven politics highlights shifts within the Republican Party. The concept of the 'deep state' is unpacked, examining the nuances of political power in Washington, D.C.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Zoe's Van Aversion
Jonah Goldberg's dog, Zoe, dislikes their Sprinter van.
She exhibits stress and refuses to enter, preferring hotels.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Orwell's Essay
Read George Orwell's "Politics and the English Language".
It offers insights into language's impact on political thought.
insights INSIGHT
Hitler as Metaphor
Political figures like Hitler become metaphorical stand-ins.
This simplifies complex realities and fuels unproductive debate.
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The Secret History of the American Left, From Mussolini to the Politics of Meaning
Jonah Goldberg
In 'Liberal Fascism', Jonah Goldberg presents a controversial argument that fascist movements were and are rooted in left-wing ideologies. He contends that the original fascists, including Mussolini and Hitler, were on the left and that their policies and principles share similarities with those of modern liberal progressives. Goldberg explores how fascist elements, such as statism, eugenic racism, and the suppression of individual freedoms, have been present in various forms of liberal and progressive movements throughout history. The book challenges the mainstream view that fascism is exclusively a far-right ideology and argues that the totalitarian impulse is a common thread among these movements[1][4][5].
The Myth of Left and Right
None
Verlan Lewis
Hyrum Lewis
Politics and the English Language
George Orwell
In 'Politics and the English Language', George Orwell argues that vague and imprecise language can obscure truth and manipulate public opinion. He critiques the 'ugly and inaccurate' written English of his time, particularly in political contexts, where language is used to 'make lies sound truthful and murder respectable'. Orwell emphasizes the importance of clear and concrete language, suggesting that poor writing fosters poor political thinking and is a danger to society. He provides examples of bad writing and offers guidelines for effective writing, including six rules to avoid the misuse of language. Orwell believes that language and thought are interdependent and that improving language can help improve political life[1][3][5].
After attending to the various and sundry, Jonah Goldberg explains why you should read George Orwell's Politics and the English Language, why the conflation between "the swamp" and "the deep state" irritates him so much, and the issue with saying "Trump is Hitler."
The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including Jonah’s G-File newsletter, weekly livestreams, and other members-only content—click here.