HERBERT LONDON IN THE HILL: The ‘Trump doctrine’ is the antidote to modern cynicism.

In his July 6 speech in Warsaw, President Trump pledged America to the “defense of civilization itself.” Here in simple terms is the emergence of a Trump doctrine: “The bonds of culture, faith and tradition that make us who we are.” By referring to the spiritual foundations of Western civilization, the president echoes our collective civilized humanity: The laws and culture that undergird western civilization.

During World War II, Winston Churchill declared that we were fighting to defend “Christian civilization.” When this statement was criticized by detractors as narrowly ethnographic, he defended his position by noting what separates our civilization from others is the protection of individual rights, the rule of law, free markets and freedom of conscience. President Trump has taken up its mantle just as so many in the West and elsewhere reject it. He asks in Churchillian language whether the West has the will to survive.

Admittedly the core of liberalism Trump represents has undergone progressive debasement. Trump’s assertions are certainly welcome since they are a needed antidote to the cynicism now afflicting parts of the West. But the progressive left bristles at the talk of God and country and any positive references to Western civilization.

They’ve succumbed to Gramscian Damage.