Opinion | We Need Leaders Who Understand Our Past

A facts-only brief, written by a local AI model from this article in The Wall Street Journal, October 22, 2026. It may contain mistakes, and it is not the article: the full story is at wsj.com.

Two readers responded to Gerard Baker’s October 20 column, which argued that the United States is jeopardizing its future by abandoning its foundational ideals. Professor Neil Grigg of Colorado State University stated that he uses historical examples, such as the Marshall Plan and the Korean War, to teach engineering students about these values, noting that many current students lack knowledge of these pivotal periods. Grigg suggested that electing leaders who understand the past and can unite the country is a necessary first step. Layne Magee from Ontario expressed agreement with the need for new leadership to restore these ideals, citing generational conflicts observed among his grandchildren. Magee indicated hope that a change in congressional control would occur the following month.

Background

• Gerard Baker’s original piece, published in the Editor at Large section, contended that the U.S. faces peril by moving away from its core principles.
• Grigg, an 87-year-old professor, mentioned using personal remembrances and historical events like the Iron Curtain and the Berlin Wall in his teaching.
• Magee noted that his great-grandfather emigrated from Ireland to Canada in 1923 for reasons similar to those of Baker’s ancestors.
• The responses were part of a reader feedback section accompanying the column.

Read the full article at wsj.com

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