In most foreign policy discussions the only part that’s accurate regarding the phrase "conventional wisdom" is the fact it is conventional. The "wisdom" part is few and far between.
Donald Trump’s announcement that Jerusalem is indeed the capital of Israel and not a trailer park located somewhere west of the Jordan River is simply a recognition of reality. A reality that has been in existence for the last 50 years, regardless of what "conventional wisdom" would posit.
This whole controversy brings back memories for me. In March of 1983, during the third year of his first term, my father made a speech during which he referred to the Communist block as an "evil empire." The shock was felt all across the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The stripped pants crew and various and sundry "wise men" of the East were appalled.
In unmistakable terms, this Hollywood actor had just thrown a decade or more of "détente" and appeasement of the Soviet Union out the window; and he insulted those running the vast prison known as the Iron Curtain. Even worse, my father made the speech during the National Association of Evangelicals Conference. So as far as the "experts" were concerned he made a belligerent speech before a convention center full of religious fanatics.
The fainting couches in Washington, D.C., New York and the U.N. were completely full for weeks.
The fact the Soviet Union was an evil empire and that our struggle pitted the forces of light against the forces of darkness was beside the point. What mattered was the conventional wisdom regarding the Cold War, that these people had been milking to their benefit for years, was now in danger.
Trump’s declaration that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel has produced an almost identical response. First commentators attack the intelligence of the president. Then they attack his experience in foreign affairs. Then people inside the White House, who are slaves to conventional wisdom, go into a leaking frenzy. Hoping to prove to their friends in the opposition media that they had nothing to do with this foolhardy decision and please keep the party invitations coming.
In both instances it’s supposed to be the wise and prudent choice to let thugs and murderers determine U.S. foreign policy foreign policy. We can see how well that worked in North Korea. The same ideological ilk that criticized my father in 1983 criticizes the president today. They are equally as wrong now as they were then.
Anyone who regularly reads this column knows I have been very critical of President Donald J. Trump in the past. But not this time. Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital shows the world the U.S. supports its allies and it won’t be buffaloed by threats of violence. Bravo and mazel tov.
Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Reagan, is a Newsmax TV analyst. A syndicated columnist and author, he chairs The Reagan Legacy Foundation. Michael is an in-demand speaker with Premiere speaker’s bureau. Read more reports from Michael Reagan — Go Here Now.
Michael R. Shannon is a commentator, researcher for the League of American Voters, and an award-winning political and advertising consultant with nationwide and international experience. He is author of "Conservative Christian’s Guidebook for Living in Secular Times (Now with added humor!)." Read more of Michael Shannon's reports — Go Here Now.
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