Oprah Winfrey's speech The Democratic National Convention was widely praised, Her example It is a big mistake to think of Democrats as firefighters: the left has often been the arsonists, instigating divisive racial policies that undermine social cohesion and meritocracy.
Vice President Kamala Harris record She reveals that she will be the one to hold the metaphorical match in this dangerous game.
Democrats claim to douse the flames of racism, but in reality they are fanning the fires of division by perpetuating the very stereotypes they claim to fight. This is evident in their treatment of race and meritocracy.
Michelle Obama's DNC speech Echoed Familiar themes About systemic oppression and racial inequality. These issues are real when it comes to our public education system and require attention, but the proposed solutions often make the problems worse.
For example, the fire service is a field where lives are on the line, and the progressive left's emphasis on diversity over merit would have dangerous repercussions. When hiring and promotions are based on skin color rather than ability, merit is ignored and mediocrity is tolerated.
This reflects a troubling idea that minorities cannot compete on a level playing field and therefore need special treatment. This mindset is not only condescending, it's dangerous.
This suggests that minority individuals cannot achieve excellence on their own merits and that standards must be lowered. This undermines talented individuals, undermines vital services such as fire, police and medical professionals, and puts the public at risk.
Elon Musk is Explained It characterizes the “virus of the awakened mind” as one of the greatest threats to modern civilization, a harmful ideology that erodes power, divides people along identities, and stifles free thought.
The evolution of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training illustrates this change: In the 1990s, diversity training was about following the law, treating each other with respect, and building consensus around a common purpose. (Related article: 'DEI is a cancer': Experts question whether universities are actually closing diversity offices)
It was about coming together across differences, understanding appropriate behavior in the workplace, and moving forward together. But today’s DEI training often emphasizes identity over individuality, frustration over appreciation. It has shifted from promoting inclusivity to imposing a Marxist-inspired ideology that divides people into oppressors and oppressed, deepening the very divisions it claims to heal.
Eric Holder, who was U.S. Attorney General, described America as “A country of cowards” Discuss RaceBut the real cowardice lies in refusing to challenge a progressive orthodoxy that sees race as victimhood and merit as privilege. This narrative brands opponents as racists or worse, perpetuating a harmful cycle.
The Left's broader policies also reflect this flawed approach. They claim to help the “vulnerable” — the marginalized — but their policies often trap these people in failing schools controlled by progressive unions. This approach keeps low-income kids in failing educational environments, reinforcing their dependency and victimization instead of providing them with real opportunities to succeed.
Moreover, today's civil rights issues are precisely flaws in our education system, perpetuated by entrenched union control. Breaking the teachers union monopoly and giving parents real choice is essential to providing the best educational opportunities for our children. (Related article: Frank Rich: How teachers unions are building socialism into their contracts)
Allow individuals to advance through merit and personal responsibility, rather than coddling them with “low-level prejudice.” Expectations” is the true path to progress.
The progressive left's emphasis on identity over merit is not the solution they claim: far from extinguishing the flames of racism, it exacerbates them and creates a society in which race often trumps merit.
To move forward, we must reject this false ideology and embrace a future where merit and character define who we are. True firefighters are those who champion equality, merit, and personal responsibility, not those who perpetuate cycles of dependency and division.
Frank Rich was lead plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court case, Rich v. DeStefano. He retired as a battalion commander in New Haven, Connecticut. He has testified before Congress and is the author of the book “Command Presence.”
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