A Weekend in the Hanging Gardens and in the Troubling News
Feb 8, 2025
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Delve into the legal battle as Trump sues major media over the Russian hoax narrative. Explore the troubling ties between political funding and news organizations, revealing concerns around USAID's alignment with American interests. A thought-provoking debate on gender identity in sports challenges fairness. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon serve as a backdrop for discussions on cultural decay and university accountability. Meanwhile, political leadership dynamics highlight the disconnect within the Democratic Party and the evolving values of the middle class.
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Quick takeaways
The ongoing defamation lawsuit against major media outlets reveals challenges surrounding accountability and accuracy in journalism related to political figures.
Concerns over USAID's funding priorities highlight a need for transparency and alignment with American interests in international aid initiatives.
A rising backlash against progressive social policies suggests a cultural shift towards traditional values, reflecting unease with government overreach and elitism.
Deep dives
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Defamation Case Against Major Newspapers
The ongoing defamation case against The New York Times and Washington Post highlights the complex relationship between media outlets and public figures. The allegations center around the dissemination of false information about Donald Trump's purported collusion with Russia, which Trump argues led to significant reputational damage. Legal experts suggest that the case could expose internal communications revealing whether the papers acted with malice, further complicating their defense strategies. The outcome may set a precedent for how media organizations are held accountable for the accuracy of their reporting.
Analysis of USAID’s Funding Practices
Recent discussions have cast a critical light on USAID's budget and priorities, particularly its funding of foreign initiatives that may not align with American interests. Concerns have been raised over the transparency of expenditures, notably payments to organizations that seem to propagate ideologies at odds with traditional American values. This scrutiny extends to the effectiveness of financial aid programs, particularly where people's needs on the ground could be overlooked in favor of political agendas. Advocates propose reconsidering the structure and purpose of USAID to ensure that American taxpayer money is used more effectively.
Counter-Revolutionary Trends in American Society
A growing sentiment among many Americans suggests a counter-revolution is underway, reacting against perceived extremism in social policies and governance. This includes a backlash against DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) initiatives in both corporate and educational settings, with calls for a return to more traditional values. Critics assert that the cultural shifts pushed by progressive movements have provoked backlash and fostered a renewed dialogue around free speech and civic responsibility. The evolving political landscape reflects a populace increasingly wary of government overreach and cultural elitism.
China's Growing Influence and Threats
China's strategic expansion into regional and global arenas poses significant challenges to U.S. interests, particularly regarding military installations in nearby regions like Cuba. Recent analyses suggest that China's ambitions extend to disrupting American trade routes through the Panama Canal while leveraging its economic foothold in Latin America. Experts warn that this maneuvering is indicative of a broader strategy to exert control over global supply chains and assert dominance over critical maritime passages. The potential fallout from such actions raises serious questions about national security and the effectiveness of current U.S. foreign policy.
Listen to Victor Davis Hanson's weekend episode with cohost Sami Winc: suing the NYTimes and Washington Post over Russian hoax, new leadership for Democrats, Politico and Associated Press paid by USAID, Cooper Union university sued by harassed Jewish students, and Trump executive order barring biological men in women's sports.