est—the Magic of Brutality

Confidence has been at a low ebb lately. Hunger for injections of invigorating optimism runs high. Politicians recognize the need to bolster the national ego and stoke collective hopes. Jimmy Carter repeatedly exhorts us to have greater faith in ourselves, to trust our strength and virtue. At a time when the economy is feeble, America’s prestige impaired, and the authority of its government undermined, there are good reasons for public doldrums. Even though it is not clear how faith can...