It’s the end of the year, and I feel fine, well sort of anyway.
It’s that time when so many write their observations of how the year played out and some even predict next year. I’ll make one prediction. Pundits on the left will try to further the narrative that Trump is a racist. Can we get to more important real-world analysis?
Americans have the right to the occasional trepidation they feel. We are in a game of leverage played at the top level of politics. There is leverage being applied on the economic front, in national security and at the ambassadorial level. It’s a geopolitical “Game of Thrones” with real world consequences for better, undefined or worse. The outcome will be written in history.
{mosads}
Culture
Too many in America, including moderate Democrats, took it on the chin from the hard left. They did not see the threat until it was too late. The pendulum hasn’t begun to swing back yet, at least not noticeably. According to some long-standing Democrats I know, they’re ready to kick back and hard. They do not like the little pocket poodles nipping at their left flank.
Antifa and their often amorphous cohorts may well get the occupy movement repudiation they did not expect. The violence of antifa, which has been classified as a domestic terrorist threat by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, will eventually anger more Americans than it threatens. Tacit backing by many elected Democrats, or outward support as Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) displayed, has further exacerbated the situation.
Economy
We as a country are not out of the woods but we can see through the trees. The North American Free Trade Agreement becomes the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the new regulations are being written. There are some positive changes for all three countries. The lesson is to adapt as needed, not maintain outdated agreements.
Look at China and tariffs for example. We have seen the fake plays (Kentucky bourbon, bacon, soybeans, etc.). Ask yourself what is the mechanism that would force other nations like China, Mexico, Canada or the vaunted European Union to change behavior?
Take China and auto tariffs, for example. U.S. auto tariffs are 2.5 percent. China’s were 25 percent, which they offered to cut to 15 percent. Then they increased to 40 percent. Now they say they will cut to 15 percent. Now we have a grace period in the first quarter of 2019. Negotiations in this period will be rough.
Nothing of substance has been done by anyone about debt and deficit, but let’s be realistic. Until the economy is sound, the conversation wouldn’t even take place.
Security
North Korea, the Middle East and Turkey are wild cards because of NATO. Eastern European nations such as Poland and Hungary are struggling for national identity that is not caught in the European Union whirlpool.
Can’t talk security without Russia. Yes, they tried to interfere and the Democrats helped deliberately, willingly or unwittingly. Russia conducted social media efforts regarding 2016 elections and black voter suppression.
Who is surprised?
The recent Senate report tells us nothing new about Russia’s actions in America and is reflective of what they do in other countries.
Our elections are run at the state level and it’s incumbent on the states to secure their systems. Every American gets to vote their choice when they enter the voting booth and this is no different than a candidate trying to influence your vote. It’s your responsibility and choice, man up and make it.
On the southern border and in immigration as a whole, the executive branch has the legal power to shut it down until proper solutions can be put in place. Reopening immigration as visa reform, processes for lawful entry and targeted handling of illegal aliens, starting with the criminal elements down to the civil violations, are in place and working.
Former President George W. Bush did the same six times and former President Obama did the same six times. If it wasn’t racist for them, why is it racist now? Answer, because … Trump. It’s a sad and dangerous reflection on the leadership of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and open borders Republicans.
Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld wrote about known and unknown. That is an apt phrase today. It’s unknown how much of this plays out in real-time and the known tend to be revealed in the rear view mirror of history.
Problem is that many on the left and the never-Trumpers want to sell an outcome. We are in an unknown period.
I know it sells books, and sure it solidifies a fan base, but I challenge readers to look beyond one-liners to actions. I do not support racists nor do 99 percent of Americans. I can also differentiate and fairly critique the president.
After all, in being fair, what the hell do you have to lose? Sound familiar?
Webb is host of “The David Webb Show” on SiriusXM Patriot 125, a Fox Nation Host, Fox News contributor and a frequent television commentator. His column appears twice a month in The Hill.