We Might Displease Evil People!

I see this headline on an article by George Will: “Democrats seem to forget that LBJ’s Great Society was a gift to the GOP,” and I think, “Good People Forget That Evil People Don’t Like Goodness.”

First, no, they don’t. Good people are under constant attack for the good they do, surrounded by evil reminding them constantly that evil people don’t like goodness. One cannot lift a finger to do anything without being attacked or faulted. There has never been a time when good people forgot that evil people don’t like goodness. All evil people do, every waking moment, is remind good people of that.

Second, good people understand that evil people will take what good is done and misrepresent it as a part of their attacks. Yes, evil people will twist everything in the hope of electoral advantage. Again: that is what they do. If LBJ’s Great Society programs — Medicare and Medicaid — gave Republicans ammunition in subsequent elections, I notice the Republicans did not succeed in ending those programs. Medicare happens to be the most popular social program in America, untouchable these days. Did Republicans win an office or two by lying? What else is new?

Third, is that a reason not to do good? Of course not. If we sat around waiting for the approval of good by evil people, we would all be cobweb-covered skeletons. I am not sure if Mr. Will wishes that or some other outcome. I am not sure what Mr. Will’s point is. Is it, “Do not take actions to help people because some people won’t like it or might use it against you in the midterms”? If so, Mr. Will does not understand that Democrats do not win office to do nothing but keep office. They win office to do good. If doing good costs them their offices, at least they have done good. It’s a matter of caring about someone and something more than just oneself.

It’s also odd that anyone would think we have the luxury of doing nothing. Is that what it is to be conservative? Are conservatives so blind as to think doing nothing will not lead to spectacular calamity? I’m sorry, but we have too many urgent crises unfolding not to address them as boldly as possible. To do anything less would be dereliction of duty.