Not the Power of Example, But the Example of Power

One week ago, I opened up with this topic because I truly believe America is in dire need of honesty and objectivity instead of the unbearable amount of hypocrisy and failed promises that exists in politics today. I know, it seems like more of a fantasy than possible reality, but we could at least see attempts at objective reflection or acknowledging your own misstatements or mistakes, especially if that’s the message you campaigned on. With the current 0 effort it will be near impossible to stop the divide we see today.

I’m not only calling on the two political parties that right now seem to be at their necks more than ever before. I believe that everybody has a role to play. Politicians, their spokespeople, media, as well as the public are all accountable. However, it without question starts with the leader himself, who should act as an example and try to include everyone in the conversation and growth of this country.

Despite my reservations and disagreements with many of his policies I have to say that I did have a sliver of hope on January 20th listening to his inaugural speech. I quite honestly didn’t have many expectations based on his history and campaign, but I did have some hope and an open mind. Well, unfortunately so far that sliver is being stomped into the ground and thrown in the trash almost every day.

“And we lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.” These are the exact words of Joe Biden and occasionally his Democratic colleagues. Is it the example of not wearing a mask at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial literally hours after issuing the federal property mask mandate? Or is it the example of pushing through the record number 42 executive orders (with more to come) in 10 days, many aimed to reversing his predecessor’s actions without any input or discussion with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle? Is this unity or just pushing your agenda by the sole executive power you have?

If you are a Joe Biden supporter you will probably tell me that Trump didn’t lead by example, used executive orders to push through his policies (he only signed 7 in his first 10 days), and wanted to divide the country. Well, as far as I recall Joe Biden campaigned with the promise of doing things differently, “the right way,” didn’t he? This is the President’s direct quote from October: "No, well, I've gotta get the votes. I gotta get the votes. That's why -- you know, the one thing that I -- I have this strange notion. We are a democracy. Some of my Republican friends and some of my Democratic friends even, occasionally say, 'Well, if you can't get the votes, by executive order you're going to do something.' Things you can't do by executive order unless you're a dictator. We're a democracy. We need consensus."

Yes, he is pushing a covid relief bill and supposedly debating it with both Democrats and Republicans but if that could be signed into law through executive action what would hold him back based on the trend that we have seen from him? We can have a long discussion about each policy Trump introduced and each new action Biden is taking. Don’t get me wrong, President Trump had a lot to improve on, should have led by much better example, and has made some terrible decisions as well. If you are looking to change things and act differently you have to begin immediately, not first attack and reverse policies of the other side while calling for discussion and agreement.

My main point is this: Hypocrisy is a huge problem, and you must be blind and deaf not to see it on both sides. However, rather than justifying Joe Biden’s actions by saying “Trump did it too” demand change. Don’t call me a hypocrite for criticizing Biden while my opinions lean left. I myself have disagreed with many of these practices by Donald Trump, I just want people to practice as they preach. Seek consensus, not executive power. Be a leader, not a follower that does as others say. Show transparency rather than cook up your own deals. But more on transparency next time…

I always welcome other people’s opinions and feedback so feel free to leave a comment below regardless if it’s a disagreement or words of support!