A Second American Revolution

Welcome to A Spy's Guide to America's Future

2016 in America may well be seen by future historians as comparable to 1789 in France, 1917 in Russia, and 1979 in Iran. We can now discern that 2016 marks the beginning of a period of revolutionary change. Nobody has the slightest idea how long this period of revolutionary change will last, whether it will turn violent, or how it will ultimately turn out. What is certain, however, is that the democracies of the world are in for a dangerous ride.

Donald Trump is the historical man of the hour. He intuitively recognized and unleashed the frustrations pent up in post-9/11 America. His age makes it unlikely that he will see the outcome. Younger people around him are already taking steps to protect themselves financially should events turn against them or position themselves politically should events turn in their favor.

All revolutions are complicated. The root cause of this one is easy to see, however. It is the disaffection of decent and patriotic middle-income Americans with our established political leadership, both Republican and Democrat, during the 15 years that followed the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Why This Blog

As the saying goes, we are cursed to live in interesting times. I wish we did not. I would prefer to enjoy a quiet retirement, dabbling at writing The Great American Spy Novel.*

But since we are so cursed, this old intelligence officer craves to understand what is happening around us and to share that understanding with others in the same boat.

This blog will not chase the headlines. It will not be politically partisan. It will calmly focus on two inter-related issues that I believe are of central importance to our nation’s future: (1) the economic well-being of middle-income Americans and (2) the outlook for America’s alliances in Europe and Asia.

It is a matter of faith for me that middle-income Americans are the bedrock of our democracy. Our nation does well when they do well. Politicians usually get voted out of office when middle-income Americans do poorly in the short-term. When middle-income Americans do poorly in the long-term – as they did during the painful 12 years at the beginning of the new millennium – then trust in our national institutions weakens.

Since World War II, America has been the leader of the world’s democracies. Middle-income Americans selflessly supported our leadership role as military service members, taxpayers and voters. Now, their shaken trust in our national institutions jeopardizes that role.

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are unabashed dictators who make no secret that they mean harm to America. Publicly, they have affirmed a “no limits partnership” to forge a new world order more to their liking.

In the next few weeks and months, America’s position on Ukraine will directly impact our long-standing alliances in Europe and our position on Taiwan will directly impact our long-standing alliances in Asia. These alliances have enormously benefited America for 80 years.

But Putin and Xi know that these alliances will not survive their challenge without the support of middle-income Americans.

So, welcome to A Spy’s Guide to America’s Future!

Kind regards, Bruce

* If you need a fun diversion from the news, please read my new novel “The Intimate Spy,” an homage to accomplished women and the flawed men they love. It is available via the button below, $9.99 Kindle, $14.99 paperback.

** At risk of disappointing some of you, this blog will not even hint at classified matters. The simple fact is that I have no access to classified information anymore. I retired from CIA 22 years ago and left the Department of Energy 10 years ago. After 49 years with a TOP SECRET security clearance, I voluntarily gave it up last year to save the American taxpayer the cost of renewing it.