In Defense of Washington
The Charge: We’re out of touch with the heartland. The Defense: The whole country should be grateful for that.

Yes, yes, America, even here in Washington—the city that can’t feel your pulse—we have a dim sense of how you feel. You consider us cloistered elitists, unaware of how life is lived. All of our ideas, you sneer, are based on books and white papers, not the gritty reality of “real” America.

In fact, that view of Washington is unlearned, impoverished, and un-American. Because the sad truth is this: Washington is not out of touch enough....

...The Charge: We’re obsessed with power and position. The Defense: Maybe—but at least we’re not obsessed with money....