For those fixated on the Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule means treating others as you would like to be treated. With minor variations in wording, the Golden Rule is the most basic, common theme in all the world’s religions.
I know there are vast differences between the religions and denominations, but if everyone practiced the Golden Rule, how much would all those theological differences matter? If everyone followed the Golden Rule, how many crusades would have been launched? Inquisitions? Wars of conquest? Final solutions? Mass deportations?
Trump blamed last month’s collision of a jet with an Army helicopter on DEI, well before an investigation had begun, much less the recovery of black box flight recorders. When challenged on how he could reach such a judgment so early, Trump responded “Because I have common sense.”
Um … no.
Trump blamed the Los Angeles wildfires on DEI – never mind that Santa Ana winds were blowing an unprecedented 100 mph, blowing embers miles ahead of the fire front. Nevermind that up until nine months ago, LA had the wettest year on record (which dramatically accelerated plant growth), or that since the heavy rains went away, LA had no rain amid heat waves, which made all that verdant plant growth dry and downright crispy. DEI had nothing to do with the fires.
So why do extreme conservatives like to use DEI as a punching bag, in defense of merit? White, cis, conservative, mediocre males believe that if a black, woman or gay gets a job, appointment or promotion that a white man didn’t, it was not because of merit, but because of political/cultural favoritism. That’s actually pretty rare, and highly illegal.
It also ignores the numerous benefits of DEI creating work environments that are more fair, welcoming and reflective of customers and the general public.
Next time a conservative rants about DEI, ask them about the Golden Rule and how the Golden Rule differs from DEI. Their heads may explode.
