THE MAGA PLAQUE.

Military historians refer to the term “victory disease,” a malady of overconfidence that comes from too much success.

It often happens that a big triumph, or succession of such, makes the victors think they are invincible or that yesterday’s wins will guarantee endless laurels.

The world of politics tells many such stories. In 1964, Democrats swept the White House snd Congress. In 1968, Republican Richard Nixon won the presidency.

He was re-elected in 1972 and was forced to resign in 1974, ahead of Democrat Jimmy Carter’s victory in 1976. That was followed by Ronald Reagan’s landslide wins in 1980 and 1984.

History tells us that success always has an expiration date

.
The Huntington Beach City Council’s course – solid Red and MAGA – may prompt some future history. It’s not just that all-seven are hardline conservatives and avid devotees of Mr. Trump.

What may be more important is that this group has not made the slightest effort to recognize that not everyone in Surf City is in their tribe, and that a dollop of compromise can turn today’s victories into tomorrow’s success.

A prime example was the council’s handling of the two issues related to the library: the supposed “adult content” in the children’s sections and flirting with privatization of the city’s system.

Were there really waves of people calling for action on those fronts? Didn’t seem like it. Were the masses burning with the need for a MAGA plaque in the Central Library?

Annoying “good government” folks insist on the principle that – regardless of party or faction – a public officer serves all the people he or she is elected to represent.

If I were a friend of the “MAGAnificent Seven,” this would be my Christmas gift: the homely advice of “take your foot off the gas.” Or, perhaps, the wisdom of Proverbs 16:18, which reads: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before the fall.”