Authors PantsuitPolitics
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I think we have to consider what "unity" means.
In the most foundational sense, unity exists whether we want it to or not. Our fortunes are tied together. We all impact each other. That form of unity carries risks, benefits, and, mostly, responsibilities. /1
The trouble with calling for "unity" after you, say, abused a procedure to jeopardize and break trust and invite violence in the foundation of representative government, is that it sounds like a shield, not a shared responsibility. /2
It sounds like "we are all one, so there can be no critique of each other." But then saying, "and actually THOSE PEOPLE are the REAL problem" which turns it into "we are all one, but I am the best, so there can be no critique of me." /3
Living into our unity means that we absolutely have to look at each other sometimes and say "you are sorely wrong about this, and you must accept responsibility for your wrongness for the sake of all of us." /4
That does not equal "you should no longer exist and we hate you forever." If you are a United States Senator (for example) and you translate "there must be accountability" to "I've been banished along with 70+ million others," you're being immature and purposely disingenuous. /5
In the most foundational sense, unity exists whether we want it to or not. Our fortunes are tied together. We all impact each other. That form of unity carries risks, benefits, and, mostly, responsibilities. /1
Just curious on your perspective on the GOP calling for unity days after protesting the election results. They caused the rift and now we have to just move on? It's like an abuser hitting you then buying you flowers. Platitudes do not heal a wound.
— kathy cushing (@Kathycush) January 12, 2021
The trouble with calling for "unity" after you, say, abused a procedure to jeopardize and break trust and invite violence in the foundation of representative government, is that it sounds like a shield, not a shared responsibility. /2
It sounds like "we are all one, so there can be no critique of each other." But then saying, "and actually THOSE PEOPLE are the REAL problem" which turns it into "we are all one, but I am the best, so there can be no critique of me." /3
Living into our unity means that we absolutely have to look at each other sometimes and say "you are sorely wrong about this, and you must accept responsibility for your wrongness for the sake of all of us." /4
That does not equal "you should no longer exist and we hate you forever." If you are a United States Senator (for example) and you translate "there must be accountability" to "I've been banished along with 70+ million others," you're being immature and purposely disingenuous. /5