Stop apologizing for your beliefs: College kids need a spine
Young Americans should stand firm in their political convictions without apologizing despite academic or social pressure, argues David Keltz in the Washington Examiner.
Political beliefs have become a source of profound division in American society, leading to social ostracism and professional consequences. Yet regardless of whether someone identifies as communist, socialist, Marxist, liberal, libertarian, or conservative, every citizen deserves the right to express their views openly without fear of retribution—provided they commit no acts of violence or criminal behavior.
While encouraging Marxism would be foolish given its consistent failure wherever implemented, individuals remain free to embrace whatever political philosophy they choose. Defending one’s viewpoint across politics, sports, healthcare, finance, or any other domain is neither disrespectful nor immoral.
Americans who voted for President Donald Trump or worked for Republican governors are not evil people. Those who believe the United States should function as a sovereign nation with secure borders and controlled immigration are not inherently xenophobic, racist, or hateful of immigrants, despite the inaccurate labels frequently applied by opponents.
A common tactic employed by many on the Left involves attempting to guilt individuals into believing they lack compassion for other human beings, particularly regarding immigration, minorities, or the working class. Citizens must resist this trap. Multiple truths can coexist simultaneously: one can sympathize with individuals fleeing socialist regimes in Cuba or Venezuela while maintaining that America requires an immigration system that properly vets entrants before admission.
Similarly, acknowledging that nurses, teachers, and plumbers work exceptionally hard and may struggle financially does not automatically mean the solution involves heavily taxing corporations that create jobs and develop products improving consumer lives at lower costs.
Once citizens have completed their research and identified their core values and beliefs, they should stand firm and refuse to let anyone pressure them into changing their views to accommodate others’ feelings.
Academic Institutions Suppress Conservative Thought
In an ideal world, students should attend universities and colleges without worrying whether they will face academic or social penalties for answering questions candidly. The reality proves far different. When professors openly broadcast their political views to students—even when unrelated to the subject matter being taught—it discourages intellectual challenge, particularly when students prioritize earning good grades.
Students attend school not merely to pass courses but to develop and refine their ideas. Too frequently, classmates ask themselves what the professor wants them to write in research papers rather than expressing their genuine thoughts. Students should never write what professors want to hear. Instead, they should articulate their own positions, and as long as they can defend their ideas with logic, facts, and common sense, they should never fear repercussions.
This mentality should extend to all aspects of life. Whether taking initiative at work or debating sports with friends, the critical question remains: Can I defend my actions and rhetoric?
Higher Education Has Become Ideological Indoctrination
Schools should function as places of free thought, free ideas, and open discussions embracing debate. Unfortunately, over the past 15 years or longer, many colleges and universities have transformed into breeding grounds promoting leftist ideologies while silencing those who question radical viewpoints—namely that men can become women or vice versa, that America is an irredeemably racist country that can never atone for past sins, or that straight white men are inherently oppressors.
The Republican Party and conservative movement are far from perfect, but the GOP correctly promotes the principle that government should play a minimal role in policies that discourage competition and innovation, avoid picking winners and losers, and refrain from excessively taxing wealth creators.
With information from Washington Examiner
