Bits and Pieces

The old order is passing, as it always is doing, and that bit of news is, like the old order itself, a mixture of good and bad.

A few years ago Stewart Alsop, the best political analyst writing from Washington, wrote a charming, wise, informative, and, yes, loving book about Washington, and he-titled it The Center, which is how Soviet intelligence refers to Washington, or at least how it did in days when it was easier to have a healthy respect for the world role of the United States. In his book Mr. Alsop told the story of an elderly judge who was given to muttering, “The sons of bitches are gaining on us.” He never said who he had in mind. He never had to. The good guys knew.

About the Author

George F. Will

George F. Will has been a columnist, beginning with National Review, since 1973.

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The old order is passing, as it always is doing, and that bit of news is, like the old order itself, a mixture of good and bad.

A few years ago Stewart Alsop, the best political analyst writing from Washington, wrote a charming, wise, informative, and, yes, loving book about Washington, and he-titled it The Center, which is how Soviet intelligence refers to Washington, or at least how it did in days when it was easier to have a healthy respect for the world role of the United States. In his book Mr. Alsop told the story of an elderly judge who was given to muttering, “The sons of bitches are gaining on us.” He never said who he had in mind. He never had to. The good guys knew.