The recent death of Queen Elizabeth II has sparked a duality of reactions around the globe — both grief-stricken and callous.
While it is understandable that the queen’s death would generate sadness among those she ruled over for 70 years, it is also perfectly justifiable to condemn her wrongdoings. There is a fine line between respect and idolization, and crossing that line into the latter tends to absolve our leaders of their warrant for accountability.
This is not a matter that solely affects the monarchy. America’s intense political climate elicits extreme emotions from the public, causing us to treat the politicians in our favor like celebrities. We praise and fawn over them for doing what they were hired to do as if they are not employed with the obligation of protecting our interests.
Acknowledging when your voice is heard is acceptable, but it is possible to do so in a way that does not put a government employee on a pedestal for doing the bare minimum, and the best way is with your vote.
The problem with revering politicians is that, in doing so, you become blind to their future misdeeds and problematic behavior. And, believe me, there will be misdeeds.
Holding a position of power, in America at least, renders morality nonviable. It is nearly impossible to keep your nose clean while swindling your way up the ranks toward the hot seat. If you are lucky enough to get there, you’ll fall in line with every president before you, committing war crimes and bombing innocent civilians in the Middle East.
Former President Donald Trump has maintained his supporters through every scandal, insurrection and lawsuit of his doing. He has yet to face the consequences of his actions, because of the strength of his reach in politics, and the guaranteed support from his fans.
Non-supporters disapprove of his actions and condemn everyone involved, all while turning a blind eye to the actions of those they have deemed “the good guys.”
In a national survey by Pew Research Center, it found that 45% of people expected former President Barack Obama to be remembered as an above-average or outstanding president. Obama was, and still is, widely admired by a majority of the American people, despite his lawless use of drone strikes.
No president is exempt from this morally corrupt behavior, as it appears to be part of the job description. The job of a politician requires sacrifices to one’s personal beliefs. The give and take required to win elections leave no room for ethics.
This extends to all of our elected officials, even the state representatives attempting to win you over on TikTok. By idolizing them, you are only setting yourself up for disappointment.
It is easy to overlook the actions of a politician whose views and beliefs align closely with your own, but becoming an apologist for their misconduct does every American a disservice. Our country gets too wrapped up in maintaining the divide between us to realize that we are all losing. We have to hold our elected officials accountable, instead of defending them against our better judgment.