Showing results by narrator "Joel B. Pollak" in All Categories

Win or lose, Trump brought several unique qualities to the presidency that his successors ought to emulate. I explore these qualities—these virtues—in a new book, The Trumpian Virtues: The Lessons and Legacy of Donald Trump’s Presidency. I begin by reviewing the history of Trump’s first term in a step-by-step account, organized 100 days at a time. Then I turn to the Trumpian virtues themselves, the unique approaches that our 45th president has brought to the nation’s highest office, which have helped him succeed, and which could help him—and other presidents—in the future.

Through an exploration of the Book of Kings, and close study of the kings and prophets, we can learn valuable lessons, both political and personal, that apply today. The Book of Kings is a tragedy, the story of the decline and fall of the ancient kingdom of the Jews. From its height in the days of David and Solomon, to its division into Israel and Judah, and to its final defeat by Assyria and Babylonia, the Israelite monarchy faced constant challenges. Many of the kings were abject failures.

Johannesburg in the 1940s is an optimistic, thriving metropolis—one about to be torn apart by racial segregation. For South African Jews, it was a time of exhilaration, as the State of Israel was about to be born. But it was also a time of trepidation, as the National Party, which had opposed South Africa's entry into the Second World War, campaigned on an apartheid platform. One Jewish family, having found refuge in South Africa from Lithuania, launches a successful building enterprise. But the death of a sister sets two brothers against one another.

Clara is a high-powered Los Angeles corporate attorney, married to Dr. Nick Louis, an emergency room doctor on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. They have a 14-year-old daughter, Bernice. But as their relationship has become strained, she has started an affair with Juan, a maintenance worker in her law firm's building -- with her husband's encouragement. Meanwhile, Nick and Bernice decide to escape the post-election dreariness with a daring trip to Argentina, maneuvering around coronavirus restrictions to see the total solar eclipse of December 14, 2020.

Before the U.S. embarks on a dangerous political journey, it should consider the lessons—both positive and negative—of South Africa's experience. This book draws on President Donald Trump's infamous alleged quip about "sh!thole countries." Though he denied making the profane comment, it is a useful shorthand for what neither the U.S. nor South Africa would wish to become, but which "transformation" could condemn them to be.