This post is chapter 2 in a larger book project, The Information Class. The linked page has a general introduction, chapter titles, and the publication schedule. At the time of posting, the Trump regime— I don’t say the United States, because Trump has already violated the Constitution in ways that make it a mistake to regard the Trump regime’s actions as representing or authorized by the American people— has just suspended military aid to Ukraine, in deference to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, and imposed 25% tariffs against our former allies— but I don’t think we really have allies anymore, this version of “America First” precludes any real international friendship— Canada and Mexico. It won’t be obvious from this post, but this book is my desperate attempt at resistance, by bringing together the educated class in a conspiracy of virtue that can carry the torch of liberal civilization through the new dark age, and inherit the mantle of leadership when the Trump regime falls.