Absent a Moral Compass

The wealthy and powerful made up their minds. They want a Republican President and Congress. Never mind their last Republican President went on trial yesterday. Never mind that corruption is endemic to what they do in the Congress. Never mind 45 failed to follow the most basic protocols regarding the security of national intelligence. They are lining up at the boarding station for the Trump train.

Heather Cox Richardson reported this as the triumph of politics over principle, citing an interview of New Hampshire governor Chris Sununu:

“Just to sum up,” Stephanopoulos said, “You support [Trump] for president even if he’s convicted in [the] classified documents [case]. You support him for president even though you believe he contributed to an insurrection. You support him for president even though you believe he’s lying about the last election. You support him for president even if he’s convicted in the Manhattan case. I just want to say, the answer to that is yes, correct?”

Sununu answered: “Yeah. Me and 51% of America.”

Letters from an American by Heather Cox Richardson, April 14, 2024.

This is another iteration of the phenomenon I mentioned on April 13. Republicans plan to mention Joe Biden, then dissemble about the character of their chosen candidate, lying, and using disinformation and misinformation to advance him. Sununu was clearly lying when he said 51 percent of America would support 45 in the November election. It seems doubtful 51 percent of the electorate would do so.

How did we get to a place where the truth no longer matters in our politics? There has been conflict between faith and reason from time immemorial. How did we become such a rudderless society? How did Republicans lose self-awareness that their brand is one of corruption, criminality, greed, and grifting?

These are questions with a foothold in reality.

I understand we should distance ourselves from the noise and focus on doing what we can to elect Democrats in November. Let’s hope lack of a moral compass doesn’t spread within our cohort. If we do the work, morality and the truth will prevail. At least, that’s the hope.