William T. Robinson, Jr.
It seems that each week only supports my thought that there are existential factors deliberately sabotaging the American public’s ability to come together and work for what is in their best national interests. Common sense dictates that we either work together to grow—or we will perish together. Unfortunately, the latter seems to be gathering steam. We are led to believe that we must respect each other’s opinions and there is no wrong or right. But in some cases, there is a definitive right choice, especially if it affects the lives of others.
Rationalizing to support personal bias views that inevitably cause harm or even death to others should be revisited. We are facing vaccine mandates that many are fighting, claiming it is an infringement upon their right to make their own choices governing their bodies. When all is said and done, people may have a legitimate right to feel the way they do. But in holding their ground, they may be putting others in harm’s way, even contributing to other deaths. In too many cases, people make choices that are selfish and inconsiderate of the well being of others.
I would think for those that claim to be religious they would be guided by their moral compass to do what is right—especially when it comes to not putting others in harm’s way. But what do I know? We have fostered a society where too many citizens are led by the machinations of self-serving demagogues or are addicted to social media which is all too often devoid of substantiated facts. In the end, we have divisive individuals and communities catering to their own personal biases.
Let’s note that no one likes to be dictated to or forced to adhere to rules or laws they deem unnecessary, especially as it relates to taking away their right to make a personal choice concerning their bodies. Adhering to personal choices is a daily occurrence. Such is the case of wearing seat belts, adhering to speed limits, how we discipline our children, vaccinations to attend public schools, regulating women’s reproductive rights, etc.
Mandating stipulations on the public is nothing new; however, the way some people are reacting toward vaccine mandates, you’d think it was a first. There are some situations that could make forced vaccines unwarranted for certain people with underlying health situations that could result in their death. But many are defiant because of unsubstantiated information from friends and social media. Such opinions are inaccurately formulated and erroneous. They then affect the person’s choices, and make the situation worst for everyone in the long run.
Whether we like it or not, we must be cognizant that there are those who will benefit from sowing untruths for financial, political or self-serving reasons. Their ‘outrage’ is dependent on how it personally effects them. Their anger is subjective and not necessarily right or benevolent. It would be ideal if we all shared the same moral compass where our righteous indignations were united on issues, but that is not the case. There are too many demonic factors in play, keeping us from tackling our problems and uniting as one.
We are taught that sometimes there is no right or wrong (a gray area exists, open for compromise). But there are some situations where there is no amount of rationalizing that can disguise or cloud what we all know is right.
Governing institutions with histories of manipulation, deceit and lies have fostered untrusting citizens. They are suspicious and skeptical of government imposed mandates, whether good or bad. In all honesty, good and caring people don’t know who or what to believe. This sometimes makes deciphering the truth complicated.
Sometimes there exist concrete, visible, tangible facts that make it easy for the average citizen to determine what is real. That helps them decide what must be done in the best interests of all involved. If we can just get beyond the ‘me’ mentality and think more about ‘us’ as a whole, we can make some major progress in doing what is best of everyone. In conclusion, our emotional anger concerning what we feel is wrong should be unwarranted if it provokes harm or death.
