Tags
Making News, economy, foreign policy, Walter Lippmann, The New York Times, globalism, Plastics News, Frank Esposito, Ronald Steel
I’m pleased to announce one item of special interest that appeared last week: The New York Times obituary for Ronald Steel – which contains a quote from a book of his I reviewed for The Times.
But I feel the need to provide some background here. Ron is probably best known for his literally magisterial 1980 biography of the influential twentieth century American philosopher and journalist Walter Lippmann.
As noted in the review, however, for decades he was also a leading and indeed pioneering analyst of American foreign policy. More specifically, he was one of a handful of critics who departed from the globalist national leadership consensus that developed on Pearl Harbor Day, and that hardened into a rigid dogma soon afterwards. As such, he was a major influence on my own thinking and writing.
In that vein, I feel privileged that he also became a very supportive friend and mentor. So at least much as the nation will miss his insights (especially these days!), I will miss his never-ending kindness, generosity, and encouragement. And I know that anyone reading this post would profit from delving into his writings.
One correction: The Times obit said that when I wrote the review (the whole of which is linked,and that I sure enjoyed reading after many years), I worked with the Washington, D.C.-based Economic Policy Institute. Well, that’s close. I’ve long respected that organization’s work, but I was then on the staff of the (also D.C.-based) Economic Strategy Institute.
In addition, it was great to be quoted on the confusing state of the American economy in Frank Esposito’s May 5 post here in the respected industry publication Plastics News.
And keep checking in with RealityChek for news of upcoming media appearances and other developments.