In a series of observations, various commentators have likened the current state of the United States to a dysfunctional entity. Frank Luntz, a political and communications consultant, criticized American leaders for prioritizing appearances over honesty, suggesting the country has 'lost respect for the truth,' a sentiment he shared in a conversation with John Cleese. This sentiment was echoed in an opinion piece by Lance Morrow in The Wall Street Journal, which described America as resembling a 'codependent household,' characterized by a lack of trust, recognition, and the assertion that 'things aren’t normal.' The article has sparked further commentary, with some, like Jeff Giesea, expressing disappointment that it did not explore specific political figures more deeply, referring to the concept of a 'dry drunk.' Meanwhile, others expanded the metaphor, arguing that if the U.S. cannot adapt, it risks becoming a 'lost civilization.'
From @WSJopinion: America feels like a codependent household, writes Lance Morrow. Things aren’t normal. We don’t trust one another, and the country doesn’t quite recognize itself. https://t.co/NRIFfsE9VY
I was hoping this Lance Morrow take would touch on my thesis that Trump is a dry drunk... but alas. "America Feels Like a Codependent Household" https://t.co/SsnfqwvmEe
MyPOV: Are we talking about America as a dysfunctional household? Or as a lost civilization? Both. The former, if it can’t change, becomes the latter. America Feels Like a Codependent Household https://t.co/bvSABdxHkH
America Feels Like a Codependent Household by Lance Morrow https://t.co/zFLHIWazTY via @WSJopinion
‘Our politicians, our business leaders, the substance of these conversations are so important. But we say things to make ourselves look good rather than what we truly feel.’ Frank Luntz says America has ‘lost respect for the truth’. @FrankLuntz | @JohnCleese https://t.co/vIpEZt6so0