The Brutal American: Custom Made for the Chaotic and Rough Times We are In

“Donald Trump and J. D. Vance have created a brand new stereotype for America: Not the quiet American, not the ugly American, but the brutal American,” @anneapplebaum wrote in the Atlantic (Source: https://x.com/TheAtlantic/status/1903722178463273263). 

I believe she meant this as an insult. The irony is that this is being held up as a good thing by many Americans. I saw many follow on tweets with many frankly iconic American images of soldiers, tough movie stars or professional fighters with the comment: “Stop making us sound cool.” Very funny. But there is something to this. 

Our enemies are on the rise. The CCP, Russia, North Korea, Iran, Venezuela, are ruthless and brutal. To beat them, we need to be ruthless and brutal too. Soft power is fine but it’s worthless without being backed up by hard power. 

Quoting @chilvaryguild: “you can count on your enemies to be cunning, committed, opportunistic, and brutal. You need to be preparing in every way possible. Half-heartedness stands no chance against these guys.”

(Source: https://x.com/ChivalryGuild/status/1904260609148866628)

Just look at most of the countries of European Union and Canada. No one takes them seriously despite their wealth. Having a limited military has not done them well at all. They cannot be counted on. I’ve said this before, the world is very cruel to the weak. 

So here we are: “The Brutal American”. This is unfortunately what is needed to win in this new ugly competitive multipolar world. Losing is not an option.