Institutions and American Values
America’s institutions depend not only on laws, but on the ideas and values of those entrusted with them. Free societies require leaders committed to the nation they serve, institutions capable of resisting foreign and ideological influence, and citizens willing to question authority when government overreaches.
This week, Mike Pompeo, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, and Stephen Moore examine different challenges to those principles—from the political rise of Abdul El-Sayed, to the expanding influence of political Islam, to the lessons of America’s pandemic response. Together, these pieces raise broader questions about national identity, institutional accountability, and the ideas necessary to preserve a free society.
Mike Pompeo ‘23
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warns about the political rise of Abdul El-Sayed, arguing that his record and associations deserve greater scrutiny as he seeks a U.S. Senate seat from Michigan. Pompeo points to El-Sayed’s positions on Israel, past rhetoric, and political alliances as evidence of a worldview he believes extends beyond ordinary partisan disagreement. The piece raises a broader question about what Americans should expect from those seeking positions of national power.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali ‘23
Ayaan Hirsi Ali examines the growth of large Islamic institutions in America, focusing on a new $20 million mosque complex in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Ali argues that the scale of these projects—and, in some cases, their connections to foreign governments—deserves greater attention. She contends that protecting religious freedom must be accompanied by vigilance toward foreign influence, political Islam, and movements that may conflict with America’s liberal constitutional traditions.
Five Lessons From the Fauci Fiasco
Stephen Moore ’24 & ‘26
Stephen Moore looks back at America’s COVID response and identifies five lessons he believes should guide the country during the next crisis. From lockdowns and school closures to the power granted to public-health officials, Moore argues that the pandemic demonstrated the dangers of concentrating authority while discouraging dissent. His central lesson is that neither scientific expertise nor an emergency should place government officials beyond scrutiny.