Moral Strength but Tactical Disadvantage

I read an astute observation concerning the conflict between the liberal and conservative sides that made me think about the concept for a while.

“The side that follows rules loses. Especially, when that side follows rules made by their enemies.” – shared by Rhett Neumayer

The following are my observations and opinions as a conservative-leaning male in the United States.

Having kids and being a parent have provided joy, focus, and purpose. Conversely, exhausting, frustrating, and a source of irritation. This is considered normal in both a social and biological sense. It is a source of balance that refocuses my efforts from myself onto others.

My desire to do good and follow the law is part of my upbringing. I intentionally play by the rules, and I expect others to do so. I have a strong moral compass guided by logic. Acting ethically and honestly, as well as speaking honestly, removes unnecessary complications from my life. I learned that allowing my emotions to take over ends up in chaos that I will have to clean up afterwards. No one should clean up after other adults’ tantrums. Blind rage is counterproductive to what I do and what I believe in.

My religious views reinforce my compass and values. Those I interact with at church reinforce my calm.

My mental clarity is integral to the above, and the above reinforces the clarity.

I am mentally and emotionally regulated. Impulses are weighted and considered but rarely acted upon.

TLDR- I am purpose-driven, rule-oriented, emotionally regulated, and guided by both logic and faith. I value responsibility over impulse, calm over chaos, and accountability over excuse-making. My life structures reinforce this, and I actively maintain it.

This is why I will lose. This is why people similar to me will lose. We uphold the law, not break it. Many of those who promote chaos are opposite on many of these factors. What I am seeing is anarchy promoted – it has nothing to do with ICE. Concerns about ICE are just a convenient temporary cause that will change to the next reason to spread chaos. This is strategic.

The people promoting the lawlessness are not restrained. Many are impulsive and emotional. Many have less regard for the law, and order is not necessary. Many will do the things I am not willing to do. Many will act before those like me consider it to be appropriate. Many have shown that their cause is more important than the people or values. I do have to wonder whether the absence of the foundational concepts I described in my own life helps create this discord.

People who are restrained, principled, and rule-bound are structurally disadvantaged when competing against people who are impulsive, emotionally driven, and unconstrained by norms or rules. The loss is not moral failure; it is tactical and asymmetrical disadvantage.

The further this continues, the further we are pulled apart. Plain incompatibility seems to be a goal that people strive for.

Maintaining the course just invites defeat. We are being outmaneuvered. We need to change our tactics. We need to be bolder and more outspoken for what is right. Don’t allow unconstitutional laws to be passed. Ensure violators are not given a pass. Remove people from public office who violate their oaths. No more standing by and letting things happen.