Every time there's unrest in the streets, whether it's cars burning, people chanting, or windows smashed, politicians rush in with outrage that's always suspiciously selective. Republicans and Democrats act like they're reading from two different scripts, but, in my opinion, it's really the same tired play: score points, never solve anything.
Trump's tough talk on crime evaporates the second the criminals wear MAGA hats. He pardoned people who smeared feces in the Capitol and assaulted cops on January 6, yet he's back to thumping the law-and-order Bible when it's people in the streets of L.A. protesting immigration raids. Spare me the "principled stance." It's not principle; it's performance.
But the left isn't any better. Democrats will fall over themselves condemning the Capitol riot, but when antisemitic mobs are threatening Jewish students on college campuses or Black Lives Matter protests veer into destruction, suddenly it's "complicated." Why? Because their base demands a pass.
Both sides are hypocrites. Both parties pick and choose which violence to denounce based on which mob votes for them.
Regular people are left to watch their cities fall apart. At the same time, elite politicians argue over which brand of chaos is more virtuous. There are too many working individuals who want to get to their jobs without running into a human roadblock that is allowed to exist by the local government.
This is all about power and control, and until we stop treating these politicians like they're on our team instead of their own, we'll keep getting played.
Deep Cuts is where I think out loud about the intersections of culture, history, music, politics, and power. If this made you think, whether you agree or not, share it, forward it, or subscribe for more.
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