More Thoughts from an American Patriot
More Thoughts from an American Patriot
Will We Ever Be Able to Talk About the Elephant in the Room?
Wikipedia tells us the expression "elephant in the room" refers to “an important or enormous topic, question, or controversial issue that is obvious or that everyone knows about but no one mentions or wants to discuss because it makes at least some of them uncomfortable…” Well, that sure tells us why we don’t want to talk about it and why we haven’t. I wonder though if that is really the right approach to take in a country that prides itself on many freedoms, one being freedom of speech.
Many of us today are very careful to walk the politically correct tightrope, being ever so cautious, even fearful, of what we say. Most of us are good people and do not want to say anything that could be hurtful to anyone. Many of us even choose to remain silent. We must keep in mind, however, that while all these voices are left unheard, any actions taken based upon those voices that are heard become everyone’s outcome, like it or not.
Therefore, a wise course of action is generally one chosen in consideration of everyone to be impacted. For instance, when righting a wrong, it is important to remember that two wrongs never do make one right, and attempts at making things right when others will be wronged is never right. Then too, when all voices aren’t heard, things are done in a vacuum, and how can that ever be right?
I also understand many people are afraid of speaking their minds in a politically correct age not wanting to be considered intolerant or worse. However, I suppose we all ought to be glad that the founders of our country weren’t afraid. They had so much to lose, including their very lives, but they believed strongly about the ideals our country was created upon, and took the chance.
In general, I think as individuals we lack that kind of faith today, to believe in something so strongly and then take that chance. We all too often allow ourselves to be tossed hither and yon based upon who we spoke to last or what we saw last on social media. We aren’t incapable of thinking for ourselves, we just don’t. Is that because we feel we must always say the politically correct thing anyway?
Quite frankly, I have been wondering for the longest time when many of us, with views that may not be seen by society as politically correct or trending, but perhaps rather seen as old fashioned, will stand up and be heard. Wasn’t that the way it used to be, back in the day? Wouldn’t that be best for America, even today?
