A Challenge To Set The Bar Higher

I think it would be beneficial for both Democratic and Republican voters draw a line they are unwilling to cross in support of their candidates, to determine a depth below which they will not sink. This would establish some small degree of commonality in a society that is more concerned about the sins of the other than the sins of self. Hell, maybe Republicans and Democrats could start a competition as to how high a standard they hold their politicians to, and when they attack the other, they would do so by saying “I hold my candidates to high moral and intellectual standards, while you are somewhat lax in accepting less than sterling qualities among those you choose to represent you.”

Heck, maybe then they could start doing that with their media, as well. They would then say things like “I have a counter argument to the false narrative you have shared from MSNBC, but I am ashamed to share it with you, because it comes from FOX, which is not very diligent in their search for the truth.”

Lastly, and this may be asking for too much, perhaps we can start to set the good example ourselves rather than pointing out the imperfections of those with whom we disagree. We can demonstrate the type of behavior we wish others to emulate, and personify the ideals we hold dear in the hope that our political opponents might appreciate our dedication to our beliefs. This wouldn’t mean that we’d have to keep silent about what we felt passionately, just that we would not let our ideas outpace our behavior. Maybe we could teach respect best by respecting others. Maybe, just maybe, our ideas could be spread best not by force but by showing others they are preferable to the alternatives.

Because right now everybody is making an excuse for their own bad behavior. And right now everybody is justifying violence as a response to violence. But maybe bad behavior is never justified. And maybe violence is never acceptable. And even if it is, perhaps the distinction should be made so damn clear that not even the worst perpetrators of bad deeds and violence would be under any illusion about who is the guilty party.

But who am I to critique the way things are being done when they're obviously working?