Whataboutism, Moral Equivalency, and Reconciliation

How well does it work when someone points out something you have done wrong, only to have you turn around and point out a way in which they have failed? Does it help resolve the dispute, or does it inflame the grievances that stand between you? If it helps to answer this question, think back to a heated discussion with a friend or family member.

Now look to recent online and TV debate about speech incited violence. “You don’t like pipe bombs by a Trump supporter? What about that Bernie guy that shot up a baseball field full of Republicans?”

That debate is going as well as the fight that started with the wife complaining to the husband he hasn’t taken out the trash for two weeks, and he shoots back she hasn’t done laundry for three.

We need to step back and try something different. A wise man once said “… first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

So that you can see clearly

Shall we try the way of humility and reconciliation rather than the whirlwind of whataboutism and moral equivalency?

It might be worth a try.


Rethinking Political Space

Frustrated, confused, and misled by simplistic copy-paste “Us-Them” political labels like Left-vs.-Right, Conservative-vs.-Progressive, or even Libertarian-vs.-Liberal? Me too. After throwing up my hands for years, a thought occurred to me, yielding the 3D diagram below. I could spend many words explaining it. Instead, I’ll let you ponder it and, after careful consideration, let me know […]


Against the Looming Economic Impacts of Automation, Politicians Can’t Continue on Cruise Control

In response to much of the political debate about jobs being lost to China and Mexico—and other global punching bags—a meek, oft-ignored retort posits: “But… automation.” Indeed, automation has played as much if not a bigger role in job loss as wage disparities and protectionist (a.k.a., tariff-based) policies. Tinkering with market equality and retaliatory measures […]


The Complexities of Splitting Families at the US-Mexico Border

Two days ago, I wrote to condemn the Trump-Sessions policy that splits families at border crossings, referencing in passing the distressed world that has led us to this juncture. This messiness deserves a follow-up discussion. As some have (through conflation) pointed out, the housing of children is not a new practice. It happened, however, under […]


A Not So Happy Father’s Day at the US-Mexico Border

As I hear the stories of immigrant parents separated from their children at the US-Mexico border, I can’t help but be torn. On the one hand I want laws enforced, the integrity of our border protected, and humane, well-controlled immigration. The Rule of Law, foundational to this nation and essential to its continued survival and […]


Climbing Mount Equality ~ A Modern Parable

One hundred people stand at the base of one of the world’s tallest mountains. They have all been given equal access to the trail heads. No one is getting blocked. Yet, even before the climb begins, more than a few of them suspect they will never reach the peak. Some folks are simply better suited […]


Does Equality of Outcome Pass the Giggle Test?

Many of us giggled and grinned as, on our way into a marathon expo, we passed an exhibit above which a banner dared one and all to “Run Like an Ethiopian.” Under that banner, one fit city dweller stood on a treadmill, at the ready, his waist fitted with a belt attached to a sling […]


#VOTMNews: Tracking Jane 4th of July Celebration

I hope you are having a great Independence Day, a.k.a., Fourth of July break. To celebrate, we are running a Tracking Jane promotion. The first book in the series, Shadow-7, is free, while the prequel and books 2 and 3 are $0.99. If you haven’t given this series a try, this is a great time […]


Don’t Miss the ‘Gold for Horses’ Promotion

I want to make sure you don’t miss out on the Gold for Horses promotion. Until April 25th, you can get my newest western novel for 99 cents at the Kindle store. Go grab it before it goes up to full price! And, in case you missed out my earlier announcement, I also wanted to […]


Free Story: Why El Vasco Killed a Man

Following the release of my latest novel, Gold for Horses, I am happy to announce the companion free story, Why El Vasco Killed a Man. This story provides a brief interlude between Gold for Horses and the next novel in the series. Taking place shortly after the end of Gold for Horses, Why El Vasco […]