A long time ago, I watched a documentary called, This Divided State.
It’s very old … but it’s about the University of Utah inviting Michael Moore to speak at a student organised event.
There is uproar.
Students are divided.
Parents are incensed.
And the university is sued.
What makes things even weirder is that the other speaker – Fox News Hypeman and false news peddler, Sean Hannity – is allowed to come and spout his rubbish without so much as a turn of the head.
It’s a brilliant example of how politics in America is not based on issues and solutions, but tribal blinkered loyalty … where you stick with your party through thick and thin and view anyone who acknowledges the opposition has a good point is a traitor.
This is the trailer:
The reason I write this is because I recently saw the modern day equivalent of this situation.
Again in Utah.
Spencer Cox, the 18th Governor of Utah, was recently asked to pass a vote on trans rights,
Given how many people hated Michael Moore coming to their local university to ‘corrupt’ the kids minds, it’s no surprise that [1] they are a deeply republican state and [2] many don’t agree with trans rights.
Which is why what Mr Cox did is incredible.
Because he voted against the bill.
Or – said another way – he voted against the will of his constituents.
But what I respect even more is his explanation on why he did that.
He doesn’t shy away from the unpopularity of his decision.
He doesn’t shy away from complicated this decision is.
He just explains the reality of the situation and that for the people this affects – the people often forgotten about in debates literally about them – it is about belonging, not disrupting.
I don’t know Spencer Cox.
I don’t like much his party represents.
But I do know that by doing this, he is a politician who is actually doing what his job is supposed to be about – which is represent ALL the people in his state, not just those who voted republican.
Let’s hope the republican voters of Utah and the senior figures in his party don’t view him as the enemy for that. Sadly, history suggests they will.