Riots, the Mob, and “They” vs “We”
From January 8, 2021
I rarely comment on federal issues. This is an intentional choice by me to resist the temptation to weigh in on every drama, both real and perceived, that is taking place in DC and played out in the media. I do this because: 1) I can’t typically impact these decisions; 2) I often don’t have sufficient information to intelligently comment; and 3) there are countless other sources for constituents to find out about national issues (that is not the case with state issues).
However, the events in DC on Tuesday are so consequential that I feel I must weigh in (on the off chance that anyone is listening).
1) The mob that attacked the US Capitol on Tuesday should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Their actions were far from patriotic, were inexcusable and have no place in a civilized country. Those who participated in the violence must be dealt with severely.
2) Excuses – As with prior riots, I have become tired of the excuse-making by those who are in support of the rioters. Thinking your cause justifies violence is dangerous no matter what the cause. Full stop.
3) Blame – I am also disgusted by those who paint half of the country with a broad brush based on the actions of a few.
4) They – “They” has become the most dangerous word in politics. By using “they” we take the worst examples from any group and then assign their actions as being representative of the whole group. The violent actions of the rioters in DC were the actions of the rioters in DC. They are not representative of half the country. The violent actions last year by the rioters in Portland and other cities are the actions of the rioters in Portland and other cities. They are not representative of half the country.
5) We – We Americans have much more in common than we have differences. We live in one of the most culturally diverse and most wealthy countries in the world. We have freedoms that most people dream about and yet take them for granted. Never in the history of the world have a people had so much and thought they had so little.
6) Unfortunately, we live in a time where everyone can curate their news to tickle their ears and make sure they keep their cognitive biases happy and unchallenged. We feel contempt for others who don’t see the world the way we do, which makes us feel better about ourselves (though oddly makes us feel worse about the world).
2) Excuses – As with prior riots, I have become tired of the excuse-making by those who are in support of the rioters. Thinking your cause justifies violence is dangerous no matter what the cause. Full stop.
3) Blame – I am also disgusted by those who paint half of the country with a broad brush based on the actions of a few.
4) They – “They” has become the most dangerous word in politics. By using “they” we take the worst examples from any group and then assign their actions as being representative of the whole group. The violent actions of the rioters in DC were the actions of the rioters in DC. They are not representative of half the country. The violent actions last year by the rioters in Portland and other cities are the actions of the rioters in Portland and other cities. They are not representative of half the country.
5) We – We Americans have much more in common than we have differences. We live in one of the most culturally diverse and most wealthy countries in the world. We have freedoms that most people dream about and yet take them for granted. Never in the history of the world have a people had so much and thought they had so little.
6) Unfortunately, we live in a time where everyone can curate their news to tickle their ears and make sure they keep their cognitive biases happy and unchallenged. We feel contempt for others who don’t see the world the way we do, which makes us feel better about ourselves (though oddly makes us feel worse about the world).
We must do better if we want to live together in peace.
May God bless you and your family,
James B. Frank