There is a lot of hypocrisy in the world, especially when it comes to politics.
This is nothing new and has been around since Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden. With the internet, nothing ever truly disappears, which makes the hypocrisy of past statements and actions even more readily available. In this world of self-righteousness and glorification, it often seems political and social leaders take a “do as I say, not as I do” mentality.
It was refreshing to hear Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin call out his fellow senators on their behaviors as they sat in judgment during the confirmation hearing for defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth last week. Mullin blew up the hearing by totally roasting his colleagues over their past behavior when they were criticizing Hegseth for his past actions. In fairness, Mullin even pointed fingers back at himself as well, opening up to his own past mistakes and forgiveness of those he had wronged earlier in life.
It took courage for Mullin to admit his wrongs in such a public setting, especially when the order of the day for politicians and celebrities is to deny any and all accusations, even if they are true. In doing so, it paved the path for him to point out many of those sitting in judgment had done the same things and even worse.
Everyone makes mistakes. Mullin pointed out to his fellow senators, correctly, that they were demanding Hegseth live up to standards that they themselves had not.
Hegseth, and all other nominees, may or may not be the best ones to fill those positions. We each have our own opinions, but in reality, the only thing we can do is to call our elected officials and express our thoughts and how we would like for them to vote. A good politician will track the requests and vote the way the majority of their constituents want them to vote.
We have already seen so much of this hypocrisy in government. Those who were accusing Elon Musk of doing a “Nazi salute” ignored the same being done by Hillary Clinton, Barrack Obama, Elizabeth Warren, and others.
Those complaining of Musk and other billionaires advising President Trump ignored George Soros and other billionaires who advised Joe Biden and Obama. Warren criticized Hegseth for the tattoo of the Jerusalem Cross on his chest, yet said nothing about it being on the front of the funeral program for President Jimmy Carter. Al Gore and John Kerry travel the world in private jets and live in large mansions while preaching climate change and the dangers of fossil fuels. The list of examples could go on {span}ad nauseam{/span}.
Regardless of who is elected, the other side is usually determined to point fingers and scream racism, unfairness, and some phobia or another without taking an honest look at the situation as to who would really do the best job being proposed, and that goes from the president all the way down to the person who mops the floors of the government buildings.
It appears the hypocrisy is what many Americans are tired of hearing and seeing, which is what has gotten Trump elected not once, but twice. Many people despise him, and even many who voted for him don’t particularly like his brash talk and moves. What they like is truth and action, even if it’s hard to swallow.
That’s why Mullin’s words were so refreshing to hear. Finally, some real truth and honesty coming from the Senate chambers. Let’s hope others on Capitol Hill follow Mullin’s example, even if it’s hard to hear. Good job, Senator.
Randy Gibson is CEO of RDG Communications Group LLC. He writes for the Tahlequah Press.