Jon Reisman

“Energy in the Executive is a leading character in the definition of good government. It is essential to the protection of the community against foreign attacks; it is not less essential to the steady administration of the laws; to the protection of property against those irregular and high-handed combinations which sometimes interrupt the ordinary course of justice; to the security of liberty against the enterprises and assaults of ambition, of faction, and of anarchy. Every man the least conversant in Roman story, knows how often that republic was obliged to take refuge in the absolute power of a single man, under the formidable title of Dictator, as well against the intrigues of ambitious individuals who aspired to the tyranny, and the seditions of whole classes of the community whose conduct threatened the existence of all government, as against the invasions of external enemies who menaced the conquest and destruction of Rome.

“There can be no need, however, to multiply arguments or examples on this head. A feeble Executive implies a feeble execution of the government. A feeble execution is but another phrase for a bad execution; and a government ill executed, whatever it may be in theory, must be, in practice, a bad government.”- Publius (Alexander Hamilton), Federalist #70, March 1788

Donald John Trump is paying homage to the Founding Father who supported capitalism, trade deals, a strong dollar, and a strong, energetic executive. The difference in energy, drive, and policy success between senescent Biden and energizer bunny Trump really brings Hamilton’s words and warnings into sharp focus. Policies and actions to achieve and allow for peace, prosperity, security, and the pursuit of happiness are coming fast and furious. They were notably absent during the “feeble” Biden’s four years of senescent treason. That’s what I call opening the borders to criminal gangs, fentanyl, and child/sex trafficking. I realize the left has different terms for it — equity, social justice, and “Democracy.”

President Trump’s visit to the Middle East was an example of Hamilton’s energy “in the executive” advice and analysis. Trump’s actions and energy are isolating Iran, strengthening alliances, securing investment, and articulating a vision of peace, prosperity, and the blessings of liberty. He was wrong about one thing, though. I’m not even close to getting tired of winning.

Hamilton foreshadowed the deep state and the seditious left in discussing “the intrigues of ambitious individuals who aspired to the tyranny, and the seditions of whole classes of the community whose conduct threatened the existence of all government, as against the invasions of external enemies who menaced the conquest and destruction of Rome.”

As to those on the left, who constantly carp of the danger of dictators (they call it fascism and Trump Hitler), I have this response/retort: At least we know who is signing the executive orders and running the country, which is a big change from Dr. Jill.

Jon Reisman is an economist and policy analyst who retired from the University of Maine at Machias after 38 years. He resides on Cathance Lake in Cooper, where he is a Selectman and a Statler and Waldorf intern. Mr. Reisman’s views are his own, and he welcomes comments as letters to the editor here or to him directly via email at [email protected].