It can be uncomfortable, but being honest about what you believe shows integrity
All of us over the past several years have dealt with an excessive amount of anger and frustration. A lot of this was based on political differences, or the emotion that has surrounded the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite our differences, it’s important to find a middle ground. Instead, society appears to be more entrenched than ever in tribalism. Standing in solidarity is difficult, and although we should continue to reach out our hand to those we disagree with, it might be time to accept an uncomfortable reality.
If you were a proponent of President Trump’s policies, you most likely faced unrelentless accusations of racism, without any regard to why you’d support those policies. In today’s hypersensitive world, policy positions don’t really matter. For most of us, it was about energy independence, a focus on America first (no more endless wars) and stronger border security. Yet these typically were not the topics of conversation about President Trump. It didn’t help that social media, and most media in general, created narratives out of soundbites, or that the constant threat of impeachment loomed weekly over Trump’s head. Often, the pettiness went to extremes. Take for example his invite to the Clemson Tigers for winning the 2018 college football championship. Sports teams visiting the White House, whether college or professional, are mostly simple affairs, with players and attendees having photo ops, beverages and a congratulations speech. The President, in the middle of a government shutdown, spent his own money on fast food fare, including Pizza Hut and McDonald’s. The gesture went beyond what usually occurs, but of course, the media, in an effort to create a divisive narrative, got exactly the ammunition they needed to give rabid social media lurches something to feast on. I wasn’t surprised that non sports fans were somewhat ignorant in thinking the US government (taxpayers) would pay for a five course meal for all sports teams invited to the White House, but I was surprised by the cowardice of sports fans that didn’t have the guts to counter the rhetoric. To be fair, the former President often didn’t help matters. There were many times he could have just deflected criticism, and taken a higher road against those who chastised him. No doubt he was often his own worst enemy. Often it’s best to just let some things go. It probably wouldn’t have mattered, but it might not have hurt either.
The approach to dealing with Covid-19 has also become one of the most divisive issues in recent memory. Masks, vaccines, treatments, and policies that either restrict or relax personal freedoms have also taken their toll on our psyche. To be clear, I support vaccinations, and believe the pros outweigh the cons. However, I do believe government mandates are an overreach of power, and people should decide what is best for their own health. That’s health freedom. I also saw the point in restricting gatherings in public places, though I found it downright idiotic to choke off small businesses, and destroy an economy in the process. We could live without some conveniences, but many lost their livelihoods in an effort to “keep us safe.”
On an episode of 60 minutes Australia in spring of 2020, author Bjorn Lomborg stated that we must accept what can and can’t be done about the pandemic. He referenced setting speed limits as an example of safety , but also accepting the reality that we can’t be 100% free from harm. Traveling at a speed of 30 miles an hour would save thousands of lives, but the consequences of this would wreak havoc on a productive society. Life has risks, that’s the way it is. I found Lumborg’s reference to be logical, but when I brought it up with someone I knew on Facebook, the anger that poured out of them was extreme. How dare I compare people dying of Covid-19 to speed limits. It was then that I realized there was no way to present an argument on how we deal with Covid-19, without having to constantly state I wasn’t for people dying.
You can’t have honor without courage, and often this is an uncomfortable stance to take. Those of us that believe cancel culture has become beyond sensible, are often quick to cave to the pressure we feel from others. This is understandable, since no one wants to be labeled a white supremacist or trans phobic for defending statues, or that trans boys shouldn’t compete in girls sports. But think of it this way. Larry Elder was called “the black face” of white supremacy, and Caitlyn Jenner bashed for saying that men do have an unfair advantage over women in certain sports. When emotion hinders logic, you have to realize reasoning is gone.
It’s best to be honest about your values. For one, no one can ever take that away from you, and change can only happen if we speak up. Deflect the accusations, since no matter what you say that’ll be the only argument they have. In other words, it’s best to just “let it go.”
Until next time
JPN