McLean County Times

In my last On the Issues op-ed (Are Conservative Republicans Bigots? - Part 1), I noted how conservative Republicans must be liars, lunatics, or liberal-minded for not supporting anti-bigotry measures of the progressive Left. I made the case that conservative Republicans are not liars because they admit to something that, on the face of it, would do their case nothing but harm and that they would not admit to something they know to be a lie. I then began to build the case that conservative Republicans are not lunatics. I showed that conservative Republicans are well within reason to oppose movements that are purported by progressives to have an anti-bigotry orientation. I showed the illogic of supporting illegal immigration, the Black Lives Matter movement, the 1619 Project, and reparations for slavery.

In this op-ed, I continue by addressing affirmative action, the DEI agenda, and the LGBTQIA+ movement and point out why it makes complete sense not to support these supposedly pro-justice and anti-bigotry efforts. This leaves us with but one conclusion.

• Affirmative Action

Why do many conservative Republicans oppose affirmative action? The problems conservatives have with affirmative action are pretty much the same as those of reparations for slavery, the key being that committing new wrongs doesn’t correct old wrongs. That is, “two wrongs don’t make a right.” The only logical way to fix a past wrong that is impossible to right is to stop it and start anew. Conservative Republicans emphasize the value of meritocracy, where individuals “will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character” (MLK, Jr.). That is, conservative Republicans believe that people should be rewarded for their demonstrated abilities, qualifications, efforts, and achievements rather than factors over which they have no control, such as race, gender, or other qualifying characteristics. Conservative Republicans support equality of opportunity rather than equality of outcome. This means everyone should have an equal chance to succeed based on their abilities and efforts. They believe in treating individuals as individuals rather than members of particular racial or gender groups. This is so because affirmative action can create inefficiencies in the labor market by mismatching individuals with jobs or educational opportunities based on criteria other than qualifications and skills, which is typical of DEI efforts.

• The DEI Agenda

Why do many conservative Republicans oppose the DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) agenda? The problems conservatives have with the DEI are roughly the same as those with affirmative action. There is, first of all, the concern with meritocracy – or lack thereof. When people are selected for positions based on selective characteristics such as diversity quotas, those with greater abilities, qualifications, and achievements are excluded peremptorily. This is nothing more than discrimination against those not in a particular chosen class. Under DEI, race, gender, and ethnicity become more critical than other qualifications, which means that the best person isn’t always chosen for a particular situation, such as in business or education. This was seen when presidential candidate Joe Biden said he would select a woman of color to serve as vice president. He thereby excluded all those who might have been better vice presidents based on sex and race – clearly a form of discrimination. Emphasis on group identity promotes divisiveness. DEI is supplanting civics and American history in the public school curriculum, which are unifying themes. This is a great disservice to all affected. DEI is just another variation of identity politics that the progressive Left keeps pushing.

• The LGBTQIA+ Movement

Why do many conservative Republicans oppose the LBTQIA+ movement? The reason for opposition to this so-called antibigotry movement significantly differs from the reason for opposing the previous areas. This area is also considerably more varied than the other areas, as the letters in the acronym suggest – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, plus similar variations. Proponents of these lifestyles demand tolerance for their non-traditional ways of life if not outright acceptance. This can be seen in the fight for gay “marriage” and such things as drag shows, PRIDE parades, overt lifestyles, etc. Conservative Republicans with traditional values often find these activities offensive for any number of reasons, but religious beliefs and traditional values come strongly into play. Many conservative Republicans, be they Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and other faith traditions, oppose these lifestyles because they are often condemned in the teachings of their religions. In some countries, especially in the Middle East and part of Africa, those with such overt lifestyles are often ostracized and sometimes killed. LGBTQIA+ values intrude into the daily lives of others who see marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman and hold the idea that gender roles defined by “sex at birth” should be preserved. Some with traditional values believe that conventional family structures should be preserved as the best for children and don’t want to see their children influenced or corrupted by what they perceive as loose, promiscuous, and immoral lifestyles.

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Based on the scope and rationality of the arguments against illegal immigration, the Black Lives Matter movement, the DEI agenda, public education’s 1619 Project, reparations for slavery, affirmative action, and the LGBTQIA+ movement, it should be clear that conservative Republicans can make a convincing case for opposing all these supposed anti-bigotry movements. Rational thought based on argument from evidence is not characteristic of lunatics. Ergo, conservative Republicans cannot be considered lunatics.

Are conservative Republicans liberal-minded?

Now, progressive Democrats probably won’t be convinced by the above proof because they might well see the arguments against anti-bigotry programs as profoundly flawed. If they do so, it is because they hold a different set of values. Per then-Senator Obama in 2008, “They cling to guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren't like them…”

Democrats have a different set of priorities. At the same time, both Democrats and Republicans place high values on the family (including careers and material well-being), and after that, there is considerable divergence. In a 2021 Pew study of over 2,500 adults, the second most important factors that give meaning to life were spirituality, faith, and religion, according to Republicans. Democrats cited friends, community, and other relationships in second place. To a large part, this can account for the perceived differences of opinion on matters pertaining to race, hate, and bigotry. While Democrats might disagree with Republicans on the issues, they cannot say it is because Republicans have irrational arguments and are, therefore, lunatics.

If conservative Republicans are not liars or lunatics, then the only rational conclusion is that they must be what they claim to be – liberal-minded individuals. As such, they are deserving of respect despite not agreeing with them. Liberal-minded people are, by definition, not racist and not haters and, therefore, not bigots. QED

Does this mean that there are no conservative Republicans who are racists or haters and, therefore, bigots? Of course not! Conservative Republicans, like individuals across the political spectrum, hold a wide range of views. Some might strongly oppose racism and advocate for policies that promote equality and opportunity for all individuals, regardless of race. Others might hold prejudiced beliefs or support policies that disproportionately impact marginalized communities based on religion, sex, gender, country of origin, or any other protected characteristic as defined by applicable law.

Keep in mind that it's not accurate or fair to categorically label all conservative Republicans as bigots just because a few are. While some individuals within any political group might hold racist views, it's important to recognize that political affiliation or degree of conservativism does not alone determine a person's beliefs or attitudes. The same is true with progressive Democrats.

Whenever people disagree on issues, engaging with individuals based on their specific values, beliefs, and actions is essential rather than making broad generalizations about an entire group. Constructive dialogue and efforts to understand different perspectives can help bridge divides and work towards common goals, such as combating racism and hate and promoting social justice.