Some Observations on Unity and Loyalty

NMB, Florida October 3, 2001 A.H. Schectman

THINKING ALLOWED
Essays on Issues, Ideas and Reflections on the Times. Published Now and
Then. Opinions Pro or Con Are Welcome.

SOME OBSERVATIONS ON UNITY AND LOYALTY
Arthur Schlesinger Jr. in the October 3, 2001 NY Times Op Ed page made this
important observation: "Opposition does not mean an assault on national
unity." I think that this should be thought about quite a bit. We tend to
react like animal herds that go this way and that on the spur of the moment
and are spooked by random noises.

Mr. Schlesinger was making the point that despite wars and hard times the
opposition party usually does well in the off-year elections. He used the
Democratic Party and its leaders during the latter part of the 20th Century
as an example. He urged them to be optimistic.

If I oppose your idea that does not mean I oppose you. It is hard for
children to separate disapproval for some of their acts from approval for
them as persons. In debate, the opponents have at it hard and furious
because they want to win. They should win on better arguments. They should
not win because they denigrate the person who differs from them. We all
suffer from not being able to make such distinctions.

American unity should not be confused with unthinking - follow me to the
death - loyalty. I can be loyal to my country but not particularly loyal to
a leader who I fear is leading my country and me to destruction. That is my
right as an American. It is my right to wish for unity and be loyal to my
vision for my country. I would not be disloyal by voicing criticism
although some might make much of this and seek my downfall.

"If you don't like it here, why don't you go back to your own country?"
This is what you sometimes get when you respond to a forceful statement with
"But." This is almost as classically phrased as the comment by an employer
who tells someone who came to him with a suggestion for improvements with,
"You obviously don't like it here. Perhaps you would be happier working
someplace else."

We should always think carefully before we speak. But, we should never fear
to speak our minds - just think and speak carefully.
Carol's Evaluation: 10 out of 10.