For Americans and our politics, these last few years–and months–and weeks–have been highly charged ones. Polarization, animosity, hostility, and violence would seem to be at an all time high…if one forgets the Civil War.
Families and friendships have been split and destroyed by political disagreements that a decade ago would have been dismissed with a shrug and a mutual agreement to disagree.
Not so today.
Sadly, most of the so-called news media does not help. The digital age has decimated newspapers. The 24 hour news cycle has brought on an onslaught of less news and more opinion. Sensationalism and bias have once again become the order of the day.
Only a few bastions of well-researched, thoughtful and balanced news coverage remain, and even they are fraying around the edges as they strive to compete for an audience.
Even more tragic: within about five minutes of conversation, I can ascertain from which sources a person gets their news, what their political opinions are, and how well informed those political opinions are, whether I agree with them or not.
Of course, in recent years I’ve shared some of my own political opinions on this blog. I’ve experienced a few things, mostly what does and does not work. In business. In life. In society. I’m old enough, but not old. This is not my first rodeo.
As things come to a head with our November presidential election, I think it fair to let you know where I stand. I don’t expect to change anyone’s minds about anything. However, to offer a nuanced perspective might be helpful.
Above all, I cherish individual liberty. To be free to think, say, and do as you please is a precious thing. It is the foolish who only cherish this after it is gone. There are a large number of people on the planet who have never experienced it. If you can imagine it, they have no idea what freedom really is. To me, this is the ultimate injustice and the ultimate poverty. Not everyone is blessed to live in a democracy, but everyone should have the chance to live under the rule of law.
Second, I think that with freedom comes responsibility. We have an obligation to behave honorably, not just when it is convenient, but especially when it is costly. As a free person, we must be tolerant of those who have a different opinion, or different way of life, or different opinion than ours. We must take the initiative to learn about others, ask about their ideas, and discuss them as much as we can without judging them.
As a free country, we have been and still are the good cop on the block as far as world affairs are concerned. That is the duty history has laid at our feet. It is a responsibility that we must accept. How we do that is often up for debate. That we do it is not. There are too many bad actors in the world who will push in, invade, and destroy other people and countries if we don’t hold the line on human rights and democratic norms.
Even with my advocacy regarding individual liberties and tolerance, I draw the line with those who would undermine or destroy our democracy here in the United States. I have read enough history and seen enough life to know what tyranny looks like, even when it poses as something else. I am a gentleman, but I do not suffer fascists gladly. Or at all.
I believe in moderation in government policy. To protect the country without too much aggression or too much timidity. To educate the masses. To care for the less fortunate. To create a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs. And a safe environment for everyone. I see too much extremism today.
I stand on a hill in the middle ground. Rooted in principle. In the coming months, I hope you’ll stand with me.
- BGT
I have noticed that your blog does not attract many comments these days, so I thought I would offer my two-cents worth.
Your present post is a complete mystery to me. If you have something to say, why not say it directly? Your reference to fascism is remarkable! Given your left-wing propensities, I assume that you consider former president Trump to be the fascist. Yes? If so, it would be helpful to review the principles of fascism, and explain how his administration adhered to them. For example, a worthwhile discussion might be centered around the observation that his use of military power was the most cautious of all recent administrations. Attention might then turn to a discussion of how calling half of the American population — his supporters — “fascists” brings us together.
In any case, have a look into the attributes of fascism, and talk a little about how either former president Trump or current president Biden fits. I don’t think that either one does. Nor does anyone else who is running for high office in the United States.
Best regards — Hudson Forbes
I agree with you Hudson. It does little good to toss around terms like fascism that don’t actually apply to anyone running for President.
I make avoiding the media, at least in the matter of political opinion, a guiding principle. I’d prefer to hear from the candidates themselves rather than media opinions as to what they said. I find the media tends to distort what candidates say. Best to think for yourself and decide what you want for yourself, your family and your country.
I stand in the middle with you. The divisiveness seems to be the product of two factors – media consumption and cognitive bias with confirmation bias being the stand out factor. Bring up the civil war which was fought for a specific reason: to free enslaved people. I have no idea what weighty issue people think is being argued in the present. There is no “there” there.
As to the facts of this weekend, I am a resident of Las Vegas and my community been through three shootings since I have lived here – federal court, harvest festival, and UNLV where I had loved ones in the building. Now I am merely numbed to the crazy with a legal gun. Hand-wring away. Thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Desertverga. Thoughts and prayers all around. – BGT
I’ve just started to read this blog. I was meeting a French tailor, from a grand tradition, on Saturday in NYC and we talked about this same issue. About America. It wasn’t easy for him to understand us and I’m sure with his elections he’s in a tough spot too. Then there was the assassination attempt on former POTUS Trump.
I grew up around Bedouins and oilmen. Back then I didn’t understand this but now I do: they’re similar. Outlaws, individualists, capitalists, and both believe in a better tomorrow through hard work. With a bit of the gambler and hustler.
I don’t worry too much for my kids. America always pulls forward.
Welcome, J. And thanks for your comments. – BGT
Long time follower here. Thank you for sharing these thoughts. Most of us do fall somewhere in the middle. Unfortunately, we have no representation and no one running for office represents the middle. Optimism in the future is a real challenge right now and I often find myself wondering where all of this will end. History may not repeat itself but it often rhymes, as the saying goes.
Take care
I have attached a link to an article in an online South African business paper which I am on the mailing list for each morning. While the political parties and personalities referred to in South Africa will perhaps to most readers be unknown, (readers) can transpose to more familiar names and acronyms in their own countries. [Of course Marx, Lenin et al are known universally. ] Incidentally, the 42% unemployment rate is not an exaggeration although I believe it refers more to the so-called youth bracket – 18 to 32 year olds’. Q1 for 2024 stood at 32.9% (official government figure).
With so much political upheaval wherever one looks I thought this might be an interesting discussion point to add to this particular blog posting.
Regards,
David.
https://www.biznews.com/thought-leaders/2024/07/21/andrew-kenny-left-despises-working-class
I wish I had a better understanding of what you are trying to communicate in this article. It appears to me that your veiled reference to fascists is an attempt to denigrate anyone who may be conservative in their political views. I may be completely wrong. Again, the article is difficult to fully understand. If this is your intent then it seems to fly in the face of your articulated philosophy which states in your book that “Old money does not wear its politics, religion or net worth on its sleeve.” Being critical of someone’s political views, whatever they may be, seems to be an attempt to “wear its politics…on its sleeve.”
Hi Rick, Thank you very much for your comment. My political posts are sometimes subtle to a fault. My intent is to encourage readers to think without directly telling them what to think. To address your concern: I don’t group conservatives with fascists. Half my friends are politically conservative. I see their perspective, even if I don’t agree with everything they believe policy-wise.
The problem we face at this point in history may be this: the conservatives may be grouping themselves with fascists in their support of the current Republican presidential nominee. As for the use of the term ‘fascist’, it’s not just me who’s tossing the term around. Retired General (and former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) Mark Milley, who served under the former Republican president, called Donald Trump ‘fascist to the core.’
Again, I’m not telling anyone what to think. I’m simply relaying what someone–who is probably not a bleeding heart liberal and who worked directly with Donald Trump–said about him.
Finally, I reluctantly wade into political waters. I’d much rather talk about Old Money Values and life here in the French countryside. However, I’ve benefited greatly by being born in this country. It’s been a privilege in every sense of the word. I’d like to see the United States remain an inspiration and an aspiration to people all over the world, and a safe, productive place for its citizens. And when I see someone trying to tear it down, I will not be silent…or stand idly by.
Byron, thanks for taking a moment to acknowledge my comment. I appreciate that. I know your blog is not intended to argue political points of view so I won’t comment further. However, I am troubled by your statement that the US has been a beacon of hope to the world and its citizens (which I agree with) and that someone is “trying to tear it down.” It’s interesting that that someone successfully led the nation to peace and prosperity by all objective standards and is currently supported by 50% of the American people. Again, I’ll not comment further and try to not “wear my politics on my sleeve.” By the way, I absolutely love your book. I feel it is an amazing work and I have benefited greatly from reading it.