COLUMN: If you can’t say something nice
It is a tired but tried adage that “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” As an editorialist, let me tell you that it’s more fun to be critical than “nice.” A lot more fun, actually.
I’ve made an effort to be fair (or at least well-reasoned) in my articles. Still, I’ve been accused of not showing enough nuance in my article. In my defense, it’s difficult to paint every shade of gray in a 750-word column. But I’ll throw my critics a bone anyway.
Below, I’ve written kind words for some recurring targets of mine.
Hillary Clinton: Hillary is one of the most distrusted, disliked and divisive political figures in America. This fact has been reflected in the overwhelmingly negative press coverage she’s received this campaign season. And I often added my voice to this chorus of criticism.
But now, convinced that she no longer has a shot at the Democratic nomination or the presidency, I feel I owe her a couple compliments – I don’t kick people when they’re down.
When all Obama wanted to talk about was “hope” and “change,” Hillary focused on the issues. Her range and depth of knowledge on disparate subjects impresses me. In particular, I like her plans for universal healthcare and poverty, which are more comprehensive than Obama’s or McCain’s.
Hillary’s presidential bid has also inspired millions of women worldwide, especially those wanting to pursue political office.
Barack Obama: I was slow to jump on the Obama bandwagon. I was never, and am not now, an “Obamaton.” The fawning (if not slavish) adoration many of his followers exhibit is kind of creepy. But I shouldn’t complain; the excitement Obama inspires will be an electoral boon to the Democratic Party. His rock-star appeal is drawing in millions of new voters.
What’s more, people have good reason to be excited about Obama. He is a thoughtful person and a talented politician, the likes of which we may not have seen since Robert F. Kennedy. He has also shown the judgment to lead in opposing the Iraq War from the start.
And let’s not deny that his candidacy, like Hillary’s, represents a historic moment. That America may well elect a black man named Barack Hussein Obama is profound progress.
John McCain: He does not have my vote, but he undoubtedly has my respect. McCain, as you all know, endured five and a half years of torture as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. His captors broke his teeth, severely injured his arms and legs and crushed his shoulder with a rifle butt. To this day, McCain is unable to fully raise his arms because of the torture he endured. The only respite to this violence was the two years that McCain was kept in solitary confinement.
As part of a propaganda ploy, the North Vietnamese offered McCain an early release, but he refused. He would only accept the offer if every prisoner captured before him was released as well; he did not want preferential treatment because he was an admiral’s son.
All this speaks to the steely character McCain possesses.
The Bush administration: I am loathed to praise this administration, but I give credit where it’s due.
Since taking office, President Bush has tripled direct aid to Africa and vowed to double that increased amount by 2010 – to nearly $9 billion. There is much left to be desired, however. Bush denies aid to organizations that provide comprehensive sex education and perform or refer patients to abortion services, even with their own funds. Those criticisms notwithstanding, the Bush administration’s commitment to Africa is commendable and must be continued under the next administration.
Religion: Some readers haven’t appreciated my snide jabs at faith. Irrational beliefs, though, sometimes deserve derision. The First Amendment does not require that I respect one’s beliefs, only their right to hold them.
While I do think religion is wholly absurd, I would never argue that it is wholly bad.
The LDS Church has received special scrutiny from me. Yet, I have little ill-will toward church members. Indeed, most of my friends and family are LDS.
The LDS Church should be applauded for its service. Church volunteers, for example, have responded to several natural disasters, including: the Southeast Asia tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and the recent California wildfires. In all, from 1985-2007, the church has provided $750 million dollars in assistance to 165 countries. Countless other religions, similarly, deserve credit for their humanitarian efforts.
Utah: In last week’s column, I reported that Utah is afflicted with suicide, depression, drug abuse and sexual violence. And I make no apology for asking Utahns to acknowledge and confront these problems. But make no mistake about it: I like living here. It’s a beautiful state and I’m proud to call it home.
Sometimes, Utah is unbearably conservative and close-minded. Ultimately, though, I relish my minority status here. I enjoy my role as dissident and outsider. So I hope this “nice” article gives me license to be more provocative in the future.