I see that my friend and colleague Bret Stephens is "trending" and that his latest column has caused a "backlash." Good. Every columnist worth his salt ruffles feathers, and causes a backlash, now and then. Bret is doing his job -- and I'm sure he will keep it up.
It is impossible to write honestly and straightforwardly -- or interestingly and stylishly -- without giving offense. Trust me -- or, better, trust Bill Buckley, Alexander Cockburn, et al. Someone will ALWAYS take offense -- even at something you consider innocuous (trust me).
You can arrange never to give offense to your "side," I suppose -- but even that is no sure thing. Plus, what a lousy, timid way to live.
Writers are not supposed to be politicians. They do not live to ingratiate themselves -- they aim to tell the truth, as far as they can discern it. Today, a great many journos act like politicians, appealing for votes (clicks?), cultivating and massaging constituencies. Blech.
