The current state of national politics has raised questions about courage and cowardice. Courage acknowledges fear and continues on in spite of it, while cowardice succumbs to fear and offers no resistance.

Examples of Cowardice

Recent examples of cowardice include the current administration and Republicans in Congress who march in lockstep with President Trump, refusing to say no to him. Jay Clayton, in his Senate hearing to become Director of National Intelligence, refused to acknowledge under oath that Trump had lost the 2020 election, demonstrating loyalty to a man over honesty and integrity.

Acting AG Todd Blanche dodged questions about releasing the Epstein files and accusations that he was working for Trump, not the people. Major legacy media outlets like ABC and CBS paid millions of dollars to President Trump to end disputes, demonstrating a lack of courage in standing up to a bully.

Examples of Courage

On the other hand, comedians Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel showed courage by speaking truth to power, despite being cancelled. Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky showed courage by garnering support to make the Epstein Files public, getting near-unanimous Congressional support for their release.

James Talarico, running for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas, has shown courage by presenting an alternative, more grace-filled Christianity that directly runs counter to the Christian nationalism of the religious right. His calm, articulate, and reasonable replies and charges of corruption against his opponent, Ken Paxton, demonstrate courage in the face of criticism.

Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.