We're Governed by Callous Children

Americans feel increasingly disheartened, and our leaders don't even notice

Peggy Noonan, Nov. 2, 2009 , The Wall Street Journal

Editor’s Note: Likely you’ve felt it, but couldn’t quite put it into words. Renowned columnist, author, and former speech writer for Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush, Peggy Noonan recently penned this excellent explanation of why so many Americans are “disheartened.” Unfortunately, America also has a leadership void, and she offers some insight as to why. We strongly recommend you read the entire editorial by clicking here. Below are excerpts to whet your appetite.

“When I see those in government, both locally and in Washington, spend and tax and come up each day with new ways to spend and tax—health care, cap and trade, etc.—I think: Why aren't they worried about the impact of what they're doing? Why do they think America is so strong it can take endless abuse?”

“We are governed at all levels by America's luckiest children, sons and daughters of the abundance, and they call themselves optimists but they're not optimists—they're unimaginative. They don't have faith, they've just never been foreclosed on. They are stupid and they are callous, and they don't mind it when people become disheartened. They don't even notice.”