The Myth of Neutrality
A specific moral framework inevitably influences the actions of every state.
Sunday, March 31st, was Easter Sunday, otherwise known as Transgender Day of Visibility, to those who worship at the altar of all things LGBTQ+. Though this was the 15th year of International Transgender Visibility Day, it has only been 4 years since Joe Biden issued the first-ever presidential proclamation recognizing the holy day back in 2021.
And while leftists will point out that their hallowed day of trans-visibility just so happened to coincide with Christianity's most sacred day this year, the proclamations and trans-illuminated landmarks across the country show how far the country has moved away from worshiping the latter in favor of the former.
This brings us to an even larger point—the myth of neutrality and the supposed separation of church and state within our body politic.
Leftists, with the assistance of "classical liberals" and far too many on the "conservative" right, have used the separation of church and state as a crucial principle ensuring religious freedom and impartiality in government institutions.
However, a mere glance at New York landmarks like One World Trade Center or even Niagara Falls, illuminated in blue, pink, and white, should make you question the impartiality of New York State’s government. Similarly, experiencing June in its entirety, witnessing both government and private corporations across the country openly endorse the ever-expanding "Pride" movement, reveals how contemporary, "secular" perspectives have assumed religious attributes.
The U.S. Government's religious devotion to the worship of self and sexuality can be seen in Joe Biden's decision to hoist the Progress Flag above the national flag at the White House, the illumination of official government edifices with rainbow hues, the organization of family pride gatherings at federally supported institutions, and even the deliberate display of the "Progress" Flag at the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See in Rome sending an unmistakable middle finger to the Catholic Church.
Taken together, these actions underscore the emergence of a novel state-sanctioned religious creed which has since been advanced by many private institutions and their ideologically captured HR departments under the banner of "Human Rights."
Numerous public and private entities, alongside educational systems nationwide, have embraced ideological principles like "Critical Race Theory," "gender ideology," "environmental, social, and governance," "diversity, equity, and inclusion," and "social and emotional learning." While many in the woke congregation are true believers and endorse these concepts as sacraments, others feel compelled to pledge fealty due to potential repercussions for non-compliance, such as firing, legal ramifications, public backlash, or a diminished standing on the Corporate Equality Index.
Does any of this sound "neutral" to you?
Despite recognizing the detrimental impact of "woke" ideology on society, many conservatives remain hesitant to advocate for an alternative worldview. Rather than directly addressing morally questionable ideas, conservatives have traditionally advocated cultivating a culture of impartiality or relying on "winning the argument" within the "marketplace of ideas." Needless to say, this approach has proven to be ineffective in both holding the line and, more importantly, pushing back.
So, what's the way forward? As founding father John Adams rightly understood, "Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people," and anything falling short of that standard risks the collapse of not only self-governance but our culture at large. To reinvigorate and reshape American politics, the Right must actively champion and protect their own moral values. This entails promoting a more assertive brand of conservatism that directly challenges and addresses our progressive culture.
Contrary to recent conservative (i.e., libertarian) thought, politics can and should shape culture, and therefore, the governments within Red States, must play a role in advancing right-wing cultural values.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is an obvious example of this in action, passing the Parental Rights in Education Act prohibiting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade while also passing the "Individual Freedom" bill, banning educators from teaching students critical race theory.
On the transgender front, many states have passed bans on gender-affirming care for children aged 13-17, while others have restricted boys from competing in girls' sports, rightfully protecting girls from the intrusion of boys with significant physical advantages.
Neutrality within our society has always been a myth because a specific moral framework or understanding of societal well-being inevitably influences a State's actions.
Therefore, simply opposing the status quo through rhetoric is inadequate for the Right; they must articulate their vision and demonstrate the political will to enact conservative policies throughout America, understanding that any effort to regulate individual choice or "freedom" will be seen as authoritarian or "fascist," particularly when it involves using the law to positively endorse a moral perspective.
These labels haven't stopped right-wing politicians like El Salvador's president, Nayib Bukele, from doing what must be done to protect his citizens from gang violence, and it shouldn't stop American right-wing/conservative politicians either.
The Left has shown unwavering determination in leveraging all available methods to promote its vision for the future. The Right must adopt a similar approach.