Have you heard? Some Americans are sympathizing with, even claiming to love, a CEO killer they neither know nor have met.
This is not normal. Yet, in the twentieth century and today, certain Americans evaluate suspects based solely on their outward appearance, disregarding the alleged crime entirely. This blind affirmation of physicality over facts or character is deeply alarming.
There’s a civics lesson here:
Our Founders invoked “The Laws of Nature and Nature’s God” in the Declaration of Independence. These laws, written into our hearts, teach us to distinguish right from wrong. Ignoring them leads to disorder. Murder, like any sin, may bring temporary gain or relief, but it is inherently destructive. When society rewards or excuses such acts—especially with public approval—it breeds further chaos.
Stinking Thinking from Leaders
It doesn’t help when a sitting senator declares, “Violence is never the answer, but people can only be pushed so far,” implying that murder can be justified by personal grievances. That’s not American law. Rather, this type of stinking thinking undermines the rule of law and promotes chaos, not peace.
Stinking Thinking About Women Winning in Politics
Another area where stinking thinking creates division is in accusations of prejudice against electing women to high office. This narrative is clearly designed to create division. After all, Americans have elected women to powerful positions, including the vice presidency.
Victoria Claflin Woodhull, the first woman to run for president, broke barriers in 1872. Since then, women of all colors, nationalities, and parties have sought the presidency. Though none have won, they’ve received millions of votes along the way to get as far as they did. Today, there are 60 women in the U.S. Senate and 126 in the House of Representatives. This clearly demonstrates women’s ability to win high office in America.
Prioritizing Leadership and the Path Forward
So, why is there no female president? Perhaps Americans prioritize leadership that reflects their values and interests, regardless of gender or race. Here’s a thought: Instead of framing the discussion as a failure to elect a woman, why not emphasize women’s contributions to the American government? To avoid stinking thinking, Americans must promote choosing leaders based on merit, not identity.
In summary, let’s evaluate fellow Americans by the content of their character, not their appearance, no matter who they are.
Stinking thinking—whether it excuses violence or sows division—only weakens our nation. Let’s reject it in all its forms and embrace the wisdom of our Founders: that all are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
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