To the Editor:
Ben Gose’s recent profile of R Street Institute’s Eli Lehrer — “Building a ‘Conservative Agenda’ for Democracy” (July 8) — should have provided more context and pushback to Lehrer’s views on President Trump’s policies.
In it, Lehrer breezily dismisses concerns about the Trump administration. According to Gose, Lehrer apparently sees a “more nuanced picture” of actions that most others view as clear authoritarianism.
The Chronicle itself has reported on many of these actions and the havoc they’ve caused, including federal funding cuts to universities, nonprofits, PBS, and NPR, as well as threats to revoke organizations’ charitable status. On top of that, the administration is burning 500 tons of now-expired food meant to feed nearly 30,000 starving children.
It’s understandable that the Chronicle wants to present a range of viewpoints on current events. But when it platforms a viewpoint, it implies it’s worthy of the audience’s attention.
Considering the devastation both nonprofits and the country have experienced in such a short time, profiling a so-called center-right policy wonk so he can insist all is well is indefensible. The Chronicle of Philanthropy cannot allow the blithe assurances of those on the right to convince readers that everything is normal.
G. Steve Jordan
Principal
G. Steve Jordan Films
