By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
We have all heard the expression, “my way or the highway”. Some say it was popularized by the great football coach Bill Parcells.
It’s an expression that is not left up to a lot of interpretation. Simply put, it’s my call, not your call; I’m in charge, not you; It’s my rule and you don’t have a say. Taking a hard-line approach to things doesn’t endear you to people. You keep them on the outside and their opinions don’t matter.
We have been at a crossroads in our American politics today. This impasse has hurt the people that live in the greatest country in the world. As I see it, there are no pathways to seeking compromise, at least not now.
I have grown weary and worn over the approaches that some of our elected officials have taken. For instance, some states are anti-everything. Equality and diverse thinking are not welcomed or wanted.
Some states especially in the South are heavily in favor of one party. They are greatly influenced by the current administration. I don’t mind so much that one party has all the cards.
What troubles me greatly is their brand of politics. It’s extreme and punitive. Laws are not laws as they are more punishment. Roadblocks are created that hamper forward thinking. Rolling back the clock seems to be number one on their agenda.
Making it more difficult to vote is high on each state’s list of don’ts. Voting should not be a cumbersome process. Our ancestors fought and died to have the right to vote.
Most recently, the Supreme Court is trying to marginalize the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Plainly stated, the Black voting district in Louisiana is being challenged. Pundits say that this will not have an impact on the 2026 midterm elections but will be impactful in the 2028 presidential election. We will see what happens. However please know and understand that your vote matters.
Do not be discouraged by the ploys deployed to minimize our votes. Keep voting and stay emotionally strong.
Why is compromise so hard to reach in today’s politics? Many believe that fear and distrust play a big role in what is happening today in our country. People in power fear what might happen to them if they are in the minority. They fear discrimination.
If you are in a certain age group, you know about discrimination. It was always having to sign one more form or see one more person. It was never enough and always something else.
Trust in today’s landscape is almost nonexistent. Giving a person or group the benefit of the doubt does not happen much anymore. It is, I have mine and you get yours the best way you can. I don’t care.
Mean speech and bad behavior have permeated the countryside. It is a landfill of negativity that has happened over the past several months. We have distanced ourselves from right and are wallowing in wrong.
Trouble won’t last always and it will not take a stronghold in our lives. Many elected to high offices smile falsely and have bad intentions. Some even carry a Bible as they try to make wrong right.
Now is the time for men and women of good will and courage to band together to speak up and speak out about what is occurring in this country now. The color of our skin does not matter. What matters is that we care and speak up against injustice. We can, we must and we will overcome.
We know good from evil. Evil is cloaked in meanness, hate and retribution. Don’t succumb to politics that are rooted in segregation and dividing people. It didn’t work back in the day, and it won’t work today.
America is the world’s leader because it embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. Respecting and understanding other points of view will always be the hallmark of the United States of America.
