Among the questions I am most often asked by people who don’t like the two presidential candidates: “How did we get to this point where I can’t enthusiastically vote for either one?”

What may be a partial answer comes from an essay by Daniel McCarthy, editor of Modern Age: A Conservative Review.

In the summer 2024 issue, McCarthy writes about “Democracy Beyond Elections.” After recalling what Alexis de Tocqueville found admirable about America during his 10-month visit nearly two centuries ago, McCarthy says: “In the modern world freedom begins in virtue and ends with utility.” He explains that “freedom once in hand comes to be defined by the lack of any clear aim.

“It means everyone can do anything he or she wants and every desire becomes equal.”

Some would call that “license.” Another word for it might be “libertine,” whose definition increasingly defines this country: “a person who is morally or sexually unrestrained…” Must I offer........

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