Edition 535 – The Tide

A supposed leader leads by berating. Threatening. Demanding.

Most of the world stands by and watches. No one dares speak up, for fear of being ostracised. Being subjected to those threats. Bearing the consequences.

There are others who observe the leader and admire. Then emulate, in their own way, in their own world.

Any dissent is hounded down. If you’re not with me, you’re against me. So, are you with me? If so, prove it!

And so respect drops. Civility diminishes. Standards lowered. Values compromised. Ethics jettisoned.

To a level where what was once wrong is now acceptable. It’s now right. It’s the new norm.

To skim a bit off the top. To cheat. To get away with it as long as you can, until you’re found out. Then, when you’re found out, shoot the messenger. Question their integrity. Denounce them, for they’re not with you, remember? Just deflect until the noise that isn’t your own noise dies down.

Meanwhile, where’s the thoughtful reflection? Where are those that aren’t noisy, for they don’t rely on megaphones? Where’s the exchange of views, respectfully?

Where are those that stand by their principles? That haven’t wavered? That know right from wrong, and are observing more of the latter than the former?

They’re still around. They’re contemplating. Thinking. Listening. They’re piping up in their own way. One conversation at a time. About what they see, and how it’s impacting others.

The tide will turn. Perhaps not anytime soon. But soon enough. When those with the bluster and bravado overstep the mark too much just one time too many, when even those that are with them will question it?

The envelope will eventually be pushed too far. That will be the first minute after low tide. When the ocean starts to push back. Gradually at first. Eventually, with great force.

What happens at the top drifts all the way to the masses. What is acceptable up there is acceptable everywhere. Until, eventually, kindness, and civility, and respect, and values return. And those that have engaged in poor practices and abhorrent behaviour are then themselves ostracised.

It will take time. Many will be hurt. Few will win, at least in the short term. Yet history does nothing but remind us that the re-balance will happen. Eventually.

This Week’s Tip

“What’s wrong is always wrong. What’s right is always right?”