
The extradition of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro under President Donald Trump has unleashed a torrent of pundits on the Right passing moral judgement on the action. And once again, one might be led to conclude that their differing opinions are yet another symptom of the ‘fragmentation’ of the Right.
From Robert Barnes‘ “strict constitutionalist” conclusion that Trump’s action is an “unconstitutional illegal act,” to Glenn Beck‘s conclusion that “this is the most ‘America First’ thing I have ever seen,” it is understandable that many might interpret these contrasts as evidence of such ‘fragmentation,’ but it is not necessarily so.
For example, despite Beck’s joy over Trump’s America First action, he nevertheless acknowledges that the “strict constitutionalists are absolutely right.” And despite Barnes’ “strict constitutionalist” stance, he too acknowledges that an act can be “illegal and moral” or “legal and immoral” and applies the same standards to policies and laws.
Thus, the real differences of opinion (and seeming contradictions) originate within the context from which they are expressed (i.e., legal, moral, or pragmatic). But which is Right? Continue reading »




