Journey Right: Reexamination
It has been some time since I’ve added a story to my “Journey Right” stories. Much of that delay has been due to the current state of our society. It’s in these moments, like the tragic death of George Floyd and the civil unrest across the nation, that give me pause to question and reexamine what I believe.
At this point I have seven entries in my “Journey Right”. My first two entries touched on the division that is ripping the fabric of our country. Compared to pre-Trump 2016, the vitriol now is on another level and the outrage is always on. The same type of division and mischaracterization of individuals, like the pre-Trump era and the 2016 election, are reemerging. This behavior includes labeling groups as racists and bigots, solely based on the color of their skin and living by the conviction of their beliefs. People who stood their ground on what they believe and have now “bent the knee”. I’m also seeing the “unfriend me if…” invitation be extended to anyone who disagrees. It’s the exact behavior I wrote about in March and again, it’s coming from the left, the side that is about inclusion and diversity. This is enabled by what I wrote about most recent concerning self-censorship, safe spaces and echo chambers. This intolerant behavior is not new… we’ve seen it before. We don’t listen anymore.
In one of my first writings, I shared how Professor Jordan B. Peterson’s lectures impacted me, particularly his lectures on the consequences of Marxist/Socialist ideas. Those types of patterns are starting to unfold in America. It’s become apparent that collectivism has superseded the individual. The very idea that the individual is sovereign and that there are individual rights is a foundational principle that has made the United States great. And at the cost of the individual, we are paying the price of liberty. F.A Hayek writes:
“Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word: equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude.”
The behaviors I’ve seen manifest in the news remind of what transpired in the book “First They Killed My Father”. Anyone who has read the book can draw the parallels. The destruction of America’s history is currently the target. We’ve already seen the division of people by group identity, toppling statues, destruction of historical sites, the desecration of hallowed ground, and the public regurgitation of phrases. What will follow, as history tends to repeat itself, is the reeducation camps and then the work camps. I believe this will present itself when “racism” is labeled a public health crisis. By labeling it a public health crisis, it will allow the mobilization of a remedy or prescription which will administered by people who have power.
Finally, I’ve written about the love of country as the biggest divide between the right and the left.
Do I still love the United States of America? Yes.
Do I still believe the United States, with all of its imperfection, is the greatest country and a net good for the world…? Absolutely.
Do I believe the founding principles penned in the founding documents are true, good, and worthy of pursuit… Yes… now more than ever.
I’ve quoted, and I’ll quote again, the words of Fredrick Douglas:
“I have said the Declaration of Independence is the ringbolt of to the chain of your nation’s destiny; so, indeed, I regard it. The principles contained in that instrument are saving principles. Stand by those principles, be true to them on all occasions, in all places, against all foes, and at whatever cost.”
In this time of reexamination I am reminded of a quote in C.S Lewis’s book, “The Abolition of Man”. Lewis writes:
“Their skepticism about values is on the surface: it is for the use on other people’s values; about the values current in their own set they are not nearly skeptical enough.”
In these times of chaos, where emotions can cloud judgement, I would encourage all of us to stop and reflect. Maybe it’ll reaffirm our beliefs but perhaps it will help us to listen to each other.
