I read an interesting piece on Italy yesterday.  It seems like people despair of the place, and never think it'll get better.  (Except in a few corners of the country, anyway.)

What’s interesting about this is the degree to which physical comfort and quality of life has clearly not translated into confidence in the political community. I suspect what the people are lacking is story, some meaningful framework within which to understand their local actions, and connect them to the regional and national and international actions.

Then I came across this book by David Ricci. Politics without Stories suggests there is an axiological basis to the asymmetry between left and right on the large story issue.  I think he's right.  Trump clearly has a story like this. It is not clear right now but any of his appointments at one as well. I think, more than having plans are policies, this is what we need: large visions, of national purpose.

I've been thinking about this for some time, and this seems absolutely right to me.  I suppose it might, given my theological training and proclivities (and--let's be honest--increasingly, reflexes).  I hope to return to it in future posts.

Just a small post today, albeit on a bit topic.