The war in Ukraine continues, and so too establishment enthusiasm for it. Many were the voices that joined TAC in commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the Iraq disaster, soberly discussing the lessons learned. But calls for peace in Eastern Europe remain subject to public scorn. As contributing editor Sohrab Ahmari observes in his column this week, “Criticizing the failed wars of the past is a much easier business than standing in the way of the current rush to war and escalation.” Stand strong.

From the print magazine and out from behind the paywall: Christopher Brunet’s reflection on a six-month attempt at being an expat in Mexico. Brunet sets out to address the taco truck meme, “the belief that open borders will just mean more taco trucks and otherwise no major changes to the American quality of life.” It isn’t true, he writes. Every day of his time in Mexico made apparent that the country’s mores, civil or otherwise, are opposed to those of middle class America. In 2022, illegal crossings at our southern border broke the previous annual record by over 1 million, and with the end of Title 42 this year’s border crossings have been off to a wild start.

Matthew Freeman caused a notable stir in the classical Christian education world with his broadside against woke infiltration last month. Freeman is back this week with a response to the responses and an articulation of his goal for the movement. It will not be enough for classical Christian schools to create a renewed pious and patriotic folk culture for the country. They must also select for and produce a genuine counter-elite, students ready to assume mantles of authority in American life. An education in hero-worship should aim to produce new heroes.

Best,
Micah Meadowcroft
Web Editor

P.S. American Foreign Policy has rarely been more complicated than it is today. That’s why I hope you’ll join us June 8th at our upcoming Foreign Policy Conference on Capitol Hill, where you’ll hear from Sen. Rand Paul and multiple U.S. Representatives who are promoting a genuinely conservative foreign policy.

Beauty: Siren or Savior?

Gracy Olmstead