https://pjmedia.com/barryrubin/2012/04/06/why-is-the-political-situation-so-bleak-because-the-elite-fears-being-unfashionable-more-than-being-wrong/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usWed, 10 Jun 2026 10:05:06 -0400<![CDATA[“In the attics of the students, in the garrets of Bohemia, and the deserted offices of doctors without patients and lawyers without clients there are [the revolutionaries] in bud.&#8221; &#8212; Hippolyte Taine, writing about France in the 1860s &#8220;We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.&#8221; &#8212; Patrick Henry to the Virginia convention, March 23, 1775]]>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:47:37 -0400<![CDATA[Barry Rubin]]>https://pjmedia.com/barry-rubin/2012/04/06/why-is-the-political-situation-so-bleak-because-the-elite-fears-being-unfashionable-more-than-being-wrong-n132884