Renew the Republic

Renew the Republic

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Are We Failing the Twin Commitments of Democracy?
Democracy isn’t just a form of government. It’s the commitment to two entwined ideas—the powerful obey the rules, and the powerless can hold them to…
11
Southwest Airlines, and When Finance Wrecks the Real Economy
Capitalism and markets are supposed to be about spreading prosperity and making America stronger, not weaker. Why allow finance-led arbitrage and…
14
A Reality Check in Serious Times
The first step to properly navigating this delicate moment in America is acknowledging what’s going on. This isn’t chaos. Someone has a plan.
11

February 2025

Bring Back the Middlebrow
You're more than just a worker. Learning and bettering yourself are necessary to be a democratic citizen.
17
The Brokenists Did Not Move Right
People haven't moved politically. It’s a different fight. It’s also transitional. This isn't the final form of the Republican or Democratic Parties.
71
DOGE, Action Bias, and the New Deal
Put aside whether you think DOGE is good or bad. What interests me is why it hasn’t happened before in my lifetime.
24
Five Reflections on the First Month of the Second Trump Presidency, in Light of the Realignment
Here are the five most surprising developments, and what I think they mean for the current realignment and future of America.
16
You Should Become a Virtuous Citizen
A self-help program to become the American you ought to be.
8
Should America Be a Bully?
Is it in America’s interest to throw around its considerable weight to get its way? That depends on your view of Thucydides and China.
1

January 2025

Work is Warping Politics
Americans rarely touch their government directly. They engage with the American system at work.
11
Further Reflections on the Obama Coalition In Light of the Executive Orders
For years, these policies were on a steady march through the institutions and society. With one small push, the whole thing wisped away into vapor.
5
Political Fundamentalism is the New Religion
The problem is no longer just one of churches and gods. It’s crusades over moral belief, of which churches and gods are just one manifestation.
3
© 2025 Frank DiStefano
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