While that was an interesting read, things like this always sound like they are written by a person who has options. The option to leave on a permanent vacation to Italy, or some other beautiful coast line.

the resistance to a corrupting demagogy should take first priority.

This is blunt, but ultimately useless, the way a knife gets when you don’t sharpen it.

And, as you pointed out, this is Cigar Aficionado. What a strange place for this to land.