Dear Reader (particularly those disappointed to find out that we ran out of Dear Reader gags and weird links one week before the end of the year),

I'm writing this from the Big Island. I said the Big Island, not "Big Island" the sinister sobriquet for the cartel behind all island-related industries.

In other words, I'm in Hawaii, with my family and a big chunk of her family. I could tell you it's not lovely, but it is. I could tell you I'd rather be back in Washington, but who would believe that?

Almost 36 hours into island living, I've had time to reflect. And one of the things I've learned is that I don't want to work too hard at this "news"letter, but I also feel, as many Hawaiians who work at road repair do, that I should at least put in the bare minimum.

My column today is on how the most important factor driving our politics isn't ideology or partisanship, but symbolism. Rather than repeat the whole argument again, I'll wait while you go read it.

Okay, whether you did or ...

December 28 2018

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The Power of Symbols in Our Politics of Disgust Jonah Goldberg Dear Reader (particularly those disappointed to find out that we ran out of Dear Reader gags and weird links one week before the end of the year), I'm writing this from the Big Island. I said the Big Island, not "Big Island" the sinister sobriquet for the cartel behind all island-related industries. In other words, I'm in Hawaii, with my family and a big chunk of her family. I could tell you it's not lovely, but it is. I could tell you I'd rather be back in Washington, but who would believe that? Almost 36 hours into island living, I've had time to reflect. And one of the things I've learned is that I don't want to work too hard at this "news"letter, but I also feel, as many Hawaiians who work at road repair do, that I should at least put in the bare minimum. My column today is on how the most important factor driving our politics isn't ideology or partisanship, but symbolism. Rather than repeat the whole argument again, I'll wait while you go read it. Okay, whether you did or ... Read More ADVERTISEMENT Top Stories Trump's Strategic Unpredictability, Its Pros and Its Cons Colin Dueck What can be an asset against adversaries is often a liability with allies. Trump's Fake News Mona Charen The president complains about falsehoods, but then spreads his own. Trump Threatens to Close Border if Democrats Don't Fund Border Wall Mairead McArdle President Trump threatened to close off the southern border and halt aid to Central American countries if Democrats continue to refuse wall funding. ADVERTISEMENT Nothing to Envy in EU Membership Michael Brendan Dougherty The European Union is a brilliant and insidious construction. American Character Expanded and Refined Armond White Clint Eastwood's The Mule is honest and down to earth, and it achieves new rich classical Americana. Trump Should Chill About the Stock Market Rich Lowry When Trump hears complaints from employers that they are having trouble hiring, his answer should be: "Good. Pay your workers more." Democrats Hate the Wall because Trump Loves It Deroy Murdock Democrats will keep a quarter of the federal government shuttered, if that will stop Trump from fulfilling his biggest campaign pledge. U.S. Jobless Claims Stabilize, Signaling Strong Labor Market Mairead McArdle New claims for state unemployment benefits sank to the seasonally adjusted 216,000 during the week that ended December 22. ADVERTISEMENT JOIN NRPLUS All Our Content. Fewer Ads. Members-Only Privileges. NRPLUS is everything you would associate with a digital magazine subscription, and a whole lot more ─ including up to 90% fewer on-site ads, access to our private Facebook group, full commenting privileges, and invites to our writer/editor conference calls. SAVE 30% TODAY Photo Essays Cartoons of the Day: December 28, 2018 Cartoons of the Day: December 27, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Follow Us & Share 19 West 44th Street, Suite 1701, New York, NY, 10036, USA Your Preferences | Unsubscribe | Privacy View this e-mail in your browser.