Objective Reasonableness:
by Michael L. Craver
Someone recently mentioned my ability to have a response for anything. Most of
those moments are spontaneous thoughts. When I hear someone sharing their ideas
a system of parameters come alive. Like a maze rising in an empty field; their
words are now tested to see if they follow a path of logic or integrity.
This is a fascinating series of events. My father stopped me a few weeks back
and shared his feelings about the Presidential Medal of Freedom being described
as superior to the Congressional Medal of Honor. Our family has many living, deceased,
and active members of the Armed Forces. So, I went home to investigate what Dad
shared. It is important to see things as originally framed [in context].
I can’t remember if I registered for my absentee ballot in the same sitting… Nonetheless
one will arrive in my mailbox this week. My mother was sharing her points of
view; as a 40 yr veteran of nursing, professional consultant, and grandmother;
about the family politics that last longer than the 2024 election cycle. She
also shared about my childhood best friend’s discovery that a family’s love is
not unconditional when votes are involved.
Objectivity is the only way I know to approach casting a vote. I agree with my Father
and Mother… Brother… and the entire crew that helped to raise the roof this
past weekend. However, Dr. Fox told me years ago, “If logic didn’t get you into
a situation, then logic won’t get you out of a situation.” I always think about
that. How that can’t absolutely be true, could it?
There are two candidates running to lead the ‘Free World.’ We have one running on
a platform about guns he can’t even possess. Someone seeking the top job; that
couldn’t pass an HR screening to be offered the entry level jobs in government.
One of the candidates is hoping to make sure you can buy a home and get tax
incentives to start a new business.
I can’t feel clear excitement about things like this - because the candidate talking
about balancing the budget and paying down the national debt, also seems to
have no grasp on tariffs. An economic methodology that I can only equate to a
staring contest - which did not pay for the (incomplete) wall at the Mexican
border, though it was promised to turn out differently. Promising lower interest rates which fall
under the scope of the Federal Reserve is another sign that a candidate doesn’t
comprehend the responsibility of the job. Despite the warning, there are plenty
who will still go back to the Pet Semetary of 2016 and take two shovels. Educators
try to instill deductive reasoning into learning for these moments…
Think about the irony of helmets. Jerry Seinfeld says we have them, “so that we
can continue our head-cracking lifestyle.” People aren’t avoiding the activities
and often disregard safety devices like seat belts as well. Being in North
Carolina and seeing the allegiance of ACC Teams, there are no former NSCU
Wolfpack fans converted from UNC Tarheel ranks. Unless the home team gets
eliminated in a tournament… The ballot isn’t changing and November 5th
is almost here.
Values shared by friends, family, and most recently my children brought a
unanimous clarity. Someone could point out that every person to ever serve as
President and VP will vote one way… Dan Quayle, Mike Pence, Dick Cheney, George
Bush are all lined up for one candidate. Thinking about God and country leaves
a simple question for any opposed to answer – why would anyone place a higher
risk on the future of the people in your community?
Were you better off 4 yrs ago? Meaning: unemployment going up to 14.8%,
lockdowns, supply chains broken, and the weekly highlight reel of unreliable
information? Since leaving office Carter, Clinton, Bush, and Obama have done
some amazing anthropological and philanthropic work. Does anyone have any idea
what President 45 did from 2020-now to help any organization, resolve a crisis
or champion a cause? Seems objectively crystal clear to say that one candidate
is a vote for everyone, while the other is irrevocably selfish.
My best objective guess is that no matter what questions or criteria are
written, no one is changing their mind. The comments will come from a place of
inspirational pre-agreement or hecklers who will have a voice without
conjecture. This is not a test of loyalty. My grandfather’s love for football
worked this way – unconditionally cheering for the Cowboys.
My office is full of people who line up in one direction: Martin Luther King,
Jr, Andy Dufresne, Chris Cornell, Dave Chappelle, Michael Jordan, Malcom X,
Clint Eastwood, Kevin Costner, and Noel Gallagher. People who drove change and
united cultures. Objectivity which I cannot ignore, despite the temptation to
rebel.
Selfishness is often the deciding factor in a relationship or vote. This type
of mindset can destroy an individual, family or nation. A similar risk is inherent
in our jury system. Any group can give any individual a pass. I wrote a piece
several years back with the line, “There are some people we love more than the
truth.” Truth is something defined by a series of factors. What you believe
based on opinion; then accepting the evidence with honesty; finally, knowing
the truth through objectivity. Anything else is intentionally dishonest.
Everyone will determine their priorities and values. I hope they consider the possibilities
and especially the consequences… Here are a few quotes to consider:
"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know
for sure that just ain't so."
– Mark Twain
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“The era of procrastination, of half measures, of soothing and baffling
expedients, of delays, is coming to its close. In its place, we are entering a
period of consequences,”
– Winston Churchill
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“There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so
powerful as expectation of something tomorrow.”
– Orison Swett Marden
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“Don't give in to your fears... If you do, you won't be able to talk to your
heart.”
-Pablo Coelho, The Alchemist
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“Have the humility to learn from those around you. “
-John C. Maxwell
