The Dying Citizen

Introduction

In "The Dying Citizen," Victor Davis Hanson explores the various threats facing American democracy and citizenship in the modern era. Hanson, a renowned historian and political commentator, argues that a combination of factors including the erosion of the middle class, unchecked immigration, the rise of the "deep state," a resurgence of tribalism, attacks on the Constitution, and the negative effects of globalization are all contributing to the decline of the American citizen and the democratic ideals that have long defined the nation.

This thought-provoking book challenges readers to consider how recent social, political, and economic trends are reshaping the very fabric of American society. Hanson contends that many of these changes, often championed by progressive elites under the banner of progress, are actually undermining the foundations of citizenship and threatening the long-term stability of the United States.

The Decline of the Middle Class

One of the central themes in Hanson's book is the critical importance of a strong middle class for maintaining a healthy democracy. He draws parallels between modern America and ancient Greece, where philosophers recognized the middle class as the most reliable guardians of democratic values.

The Middle Class in Ancient Greece

In ancient Greek society, there were three main economic groups:

1. The very rich
2. The very poor
3. The middle class

Greek philosophers believed that only the middle class could be trusted to uphold democratic principles such as legal equality, property rights, and fair political representation. They saw several key advantages to the middle class:

• Self-sufficiency: As landowners producing goods like olives and wine, they had resources at their disposal.
• Time for political engagement: Released from constant toil, they could devote energy to political thought.
• Balanced perspective: Unlike the idle rich or easily manipulated poor, the middle class combined hard work with independent thinking.
• Interest in stability: They wanted to improve legal and political systems to protect their assets and pass them on to their children.

The Hollowing Out of America's Middle Class

Hanson argues that today's Western middle classes still retain many of these valuable characteristics. However, he warns that the United States is witnessing a dangerous erosion of its middle class, with troubling implications for democracy.

Key points:

• A new "peasant class" is emerging, reminiscent of medieval Europe.
• About 46% of Americans now fall into this category of impoverished citizens who:
  • Don't own their homes
  • Live paycheck to paycheck
  • Are financially exploited by the wealthy

This decline creates a sharp divide between rich and poor, which Hanson illustrates with the example of Stanford University:

• Wealthy students drive luxury cars on campus
• Just outside, hundreds live in trailers parked on the streets

Hanson emphasizes that this growing wealth gap and shrinking middle class pose a serious threat to the functioning of American democracy.

The Threat to American Identity

Another major concern Hanson raises is the weakening of America's collective national identity. He traces how the United States, a nation of immigrants, historically managed to forge a unified people despite its diverse origins.

The Melting Pot: America's Historical Approach to Integration

Hanson outlines several key factors that allowed America to successfully integrate waves of immigrants in the past:

1. Foundational principles: The Declaration of Independence and Constitution's assertion that "all men are created equal" provided a unifying ideal.

2. Expectations for new citizens:

   • Adopting English as their primary language
   • Gradually replacing old customs with new American traditions

3. Rationale for integration: The founders feared that allowing separate cultures to develop within different states could lead to conflict, as seen in Europe.

Modern Challenges to American Citizenship

Hanson argues that this successful model of integration is now under threat due to several factors:

1. Unchecked illegal immigration: The number of illegal aliens has grown from 5 million in 1986 to nearly 20 million today.

2. Lack of integration pressure: Many newcomers either remain illegal or obtain residency status without becoming full citizens.

3. Diminished emphasis on adopting American values, language, and traditions.

Hanson contends that this shift away from the historical "melting pot" model poses a significant threat to American unity and the very concept of citizenship.

The Deep State's Grip on Power

Hanson turns his attention to what he sees as another threat to American democracy: the outsized influence of unelected officials and institutions, commonly referred to as the "deep state."

Defining the Deep State

Contrary to some portrayals, Hanson argues that the deep state is not a secret conspiracy but an openly visible network of power brokers, including:

• Intelligence agencies
• Military leadership
• Top civil servants
• Elite universities
• Major media outlets in New York and Washington
• Wall Street financiers

How the Deep State Wields Power

Hanson outlines several ways the deep state exerts influence:

1. Shaping education: Influencing what is taught at top universities

2. Controlling information: Determining what stories receive coverage in certain newspapers

3. Bureaucratic power: Unelected officials in regulatory bodies directly control what individuals and organizations can and cannot do

The IRS Scandal: A Case Study

To illustrate the deep state's impact, Hanson points to the actions of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) between 2010 and 2013:

• The IRS investigated the political leanings of nonprofit organizations seeking tax exemptions.
• Right-wing leaning groups (using terms like "patriots," "tea party," or "constitution") were unfairly targeted and often denied exemptions.
• This weakened organizations that might have campaigned against Barack Obama in the 2012 election.
• Despite an eventual apology, no one was held criminally responsible.

The Growing Bureaucracy

Hanson argues that the problem of unelected officials wielding significant power is worsening:

• As of 2019, there were 450 federal agencies.
• These agencies employed around 2.7 million bureaucrats.
• These unelected officials enforce over 175,000 pages of federal rules that Americans didn't vote for.

This expansion of bureaucratic power, Hanson contends, represents a serious threat to democratic accountability and citizen control over government.

The Resurgence of Tribalism

One of the most alarming trends Hanson identifies is the re-emergence of tribalism in American society. He argues that the country is splintering into different groups divided along ethnic, religious, and racial lines, undermining the unified American identity.

The Historical Dangers of Tribalism

Hanson reminds readers of the dark history associated with tribal thinking:

• Before nation-states, tribes frequently competed and warred with one another.
• Tribal societies often distribute jobs and rewards based on connections rather than merit.
• When societies split along ethnic or religious lines, it can lead to discrimination, war, and even genocide.

Examples of tribalism's negative impacts:

• Jim Crow laws in the American South
• The Holocaust in Nazi Germany
• Genocide in the Balkan states

The Progressive Push for Modern Tribalism

Surprisingly, Hanson argues that it's now left-wing progressives who are driving a new tribal agenda in the United States. He cites several concerning examples:

1. Bernie Sanders advocating for racially segregated campus housing, despite fighting against such policies in the past.

2. The University of Chicago English department openly discouraging applicants who don't plan to study Black authors.

Hanson sees these developments as a dangerous regression, undoing years of progress in moving beyond racial divisions in academia and society at large.

The Consequences of New Tribalism

By emphasizing racial and ethnic identities over a shared American identity, Hanson warns that progressives are:

• Undermining social cohesion
• Potentially setting the stage for increased conflict and discrimination
• Reversing hard-won progress in creating a more unified and equitable society

Attacks on the Constitution

Hanson dedicates significant attention to what he sees as a growing assault on the U.S. Constitution, particularly from progressive circles. He argues that this attack on America's founding document poses a severe threat to individual liberty and the nation's democratic foundations.

The Original Purpose of the Constitution

To understand the current debate, Hanson explains the founders' intentions in crafting the Constitution:

• Primary goal: Enshrine personal freedom and liberty for American citizens
• Protect private property rights
• Limit government power
• Not designed to enforce equality of outcomes or promote egalitarian values

Progressive Criticisms of the Constitution

Hanson outlines several reasons why some politicians and activists are pushing to diminish the Constitution's influence:

1. Perceived limitations: They believe the Constitution restricts the government's ability to address issues like inequality, climate change, and immigration.

2. Desire for expanded presidential power: Some argue that progress on key issues requires giving the executive branch more authority.

3. Rejection of the founders' authority: Progressives often characterize the founders as outdated "dead white men" whose views should no longer shape modern, diverse society.

4. Shift in societal goals: A desire to move from equality of opportunity to equality of outcomes.

The Politics of Envy

Hanson argues that much of the push against the Constitution is driven by resentment towards successful individuals in America's meritocratic system. He contends that instead of acknowledging differences in talent and work ethic, some prefer to blame societal structures for unequal outcomes.

The Dangers of Constitutional Erosion

Hanson warns that weakening or replacing the Constitution could lead to:

• Loss of individual liberties
• Unchecked government power
• A shift towards a more socialist system
• The erosion of the meritocratic principles that have driven American success

He emphasizes that the Constitution's focus on individual rights and limited government has been crucial to America's prosperity and stability, and that undermining these principles could have dire consequences.

The Impact of Globalization

In the final section of his book, Hanson turns his attention to the effects of globalization on American citizenship and national interests. He argues that while globalization is often presented as a positive force, it has significant downsides for the average American citizen.

Defining Globalization

Hanson describes globalization as the process by which nations begin to think of themselves as part of a world community, often prioritizing global interests over national ones. While this might seem benevolent, he argues it can have negative consequences for individual nations.

The Costs of Globalization for America

Hanson outlines several ways in which globalization has diluted America's resources and weakened its citizens:

1. Job relocation: When American companies move factories overseas, it may benefit the global community but hurts American workers.

2. Foreign investments: When U.S. business leaders invest heavily in countries like China, it makes them less likely to criticize that nation's authoritarianism or anti-American policies.

3. Climate policies: International climate agreements often impose restrictions on the U.S. without going through the American democratic process.

4. Cultural dilution: The emphasis on global citizenship can weaken national identity and shared values.

The Illusion of Global Unity

Hanson argues that the supposed benefits of globalization – greater harmony and shared prosperity – are often superficial. He contends that fundamental differences in laws, cultures, and values remain strong between nations.

Example: The COVID-19 pandemic

• China's response (concealing information, harsh top-down measures) revealed stark differences with American values.
• This showed that economic ties and shared policies don't necessarily lead to shared cultural or political values.

The Need for National Prioritization

Hanson's key argument is that America needs to refocus on its national interests and the welfare of its citizens, rather than constantly deferring to global concerns. He believes that:

• Unchecked globalization weakens American workers, the economy, and democratic institutions.
• A strong, sovereign United States is better positioned to be a positive force in the world than a weakened nation overly beholden to global interests.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

In "The Dying Citizen," Victor Davis Hanson paints a sobering picture of the challenges facing American democracy and citizenship in the 21st century. From the erosion of the middle class to the resurgence of tribalism, from attacks on the Constitution to the negative impacts of globalization, Hanson argues that the very foundations of American society are under threat.

Key takeaways from Hanson's analysis:

1. The importance of a strong middle class for maintaining a healthy democracy cannot be overstated. The current hollowing out of the American middle class poses a significant danger to the nation's political stability and future.

2. America's historical success in integrating diverse immigrants into a unified national identity is at risk due to unchecked illegal immigration and a shift away from assimilation policies.

3. The growing power of unelected bureaucrats and institutions (the "deep state") threatens democratic accountability and citizen control over government.

4. A resurgence of tribal thinking, ironically driven by progressive policies, is undermining social cohesion and potentially setting the stage for increased conflict.

5. Attacks on the U.S. Constitution, particularly from the political left, endanger the individual liberties and limited government principles that have been crucial to American success.

6. Unchecked globalization has weakened American workers, the economy, and national sovereignty, often without delivering on promises of global harmony and shared values.

While Hanson's perspective is undoubtedly controversial and may not align with everyone's views, his book serves as a powerful call to action for those concerned about the future of American democracy. He challenges readers to consider how recent social, political, and economic trends are reshaping the very nature of citizenship and national identity in the United States.

Hanson's proposed solutions, while not always explicitly stated, seem to revolve around:

• Reinvigorating the middle class through economic policies that prioritize American workers and businesses
• Returning to a more traditional model of immigrant assimilation and integration
• Reducing the power of unelected bureaucrats and strengthening democratic accountability
• Moving away from identity politics and tribal thinking in favor of a unified American identity
• Reaffirming the importance of the Constitution and its principles of individual liberty and limited government
• Balancing global engagement with a renewed focus on national interests and the welfare of American citizens

Whether one agrees with all of Hanson's arguments or not, "The Dying Citizen" provides a thought-provoking analysis of the challenges facing modern American democracy. It serves as a stark warning about the potential consequences of current trends and a passionate defense of the traditional ideals of American citizenship. As the nation continues to grapple with issues of identity, governance, and its place in the world, Hanson's book offers a valuable perspective on the importance of preserving and revitalizing the concept of citizenship in the United States.