The article argues that recent executive overreach and politicization have severely undermined established norms of U.S. civil-military relations. To restore professional standards, the incoming Congress must actively exercise its oversight powers, moving beyond mere criticism to demanding transparency in defense policy and personnel decisions. Key reforms include enforcing meritocratic promotion processes, requiring documented justification for senior officer removals, and preventing the partisan use of the military. These actions are crucial for bolstering public trust and ensuring the military remains a nonpartisan instrument of civilian control.
Early-life adversities and support for income redistribution: An American paradox
English Summary
The analysis finds a significant positive correlation between experiencing early-life adversity and increased adult support for government income redistribution, particularly in high-income nations. Using cross-country data, the study demonstrates that higher rates of childhood hardship correlate with greater public demand for state safety nets, suggesting a potential self-correcting mechanism. Policy implications emphasize the necessity of government investment in disadvantaged children and robust social safety nets. To overcome public skepticism toward state intervention, policymakers should frame these programs not merely as income redistribution, but as essential social insurance against life's hardships.
中文摘要
本分析發現，經歷早期生活逆境的個體，與成年後對政府收入再分配的支持度呈顯著正相關，尤其是在高收入國家。研究利用跨國數據證明，童年困苦的比例越高，公眾對國家社會安全網的需求也越大，這暗示了一種潛在的自我修正機制。政策意涵強調政府必須對處於不利地位的兒童進行投資，並建立穩健的社會安全網。為克服公眾對國家干預的懷疑，政策制定者應將這些計畫的定位，不應僅限於收入再分配，而應視為抵禦人生困境的必要社會保險。
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