Concessions. What comes to mind when you hear that? I think of someone selling something. But it also can mean a surrender, a weakening of the spirit or will. The willingness to compromise, to give something up. To make a concession, to concede. It appears to me we as a society have been busily engaged in making concessions, especially over the last fifty years or so. Some would call it progress but I'm not convinced about that. Are things really better today? Well, that all depends upon your viewpoint I suppose. I'd say we have certainly advanced in our technology, made amazing medical advances, but our happiness and security have suffered as the result of that. I know I don't feel as content, as secure as I did say ten years ago. Perhaps the flood of information and misinformation has contributed to that.
It's my feeling we have just made too many concessions. We have decided to concede morality and ethics as an ideal of the past, something to be admired, but not something that is a necessity. When those morals or ethics interfere with our wants, they will be set aside. We will do what is best for business! Doesn't make any difference what that business happens to be either. I don't care if you're selling socks or the head of the largest religious group on the planet, concessions are being made to retain "customers." That old fashioned idea of fidelity being discarded. Step up to the concession stand, buy this.
Politicians and used car salesmen are in the same business really, getting you to buy something. The promises will be made, tongue in cheek, both parties are aware of that, but the want is great and so a concession is agreed upon. It's great for today, maybe even tomorrow, but after that all bets are off. Still, you got what you wanted. And now we are offering a compromise, reassuring the buyer, if this turns out bad for you, we will provide help, treatment and counseling. You won't be held accountable for that, it's not your fault. And we won't allow morality or ethics to interfere in any of that either. You have the constitution guaranteeing your right to do whatever you want. That's freedom!
We are a nation ruled by the majority. But not a simple majority, a 2/3 vote is required in many instances, although concessions to that rule are provided. I view the constitution and the law as establishing the moral and ethical conduct expected from the people. When 2/3 agree on whatever, it becomes a part of that. But, concessions have been made over the years. Consider the issue of slavery. The word slavery never appeared in the constitution. It was protected however, by several clauses, clauses that were basically concessions to the southern states to get them to sign that document, morality and ethics were set aside. That concession eventually led to the civil war.
The moral choice isn't always what is best for business, but it is the right choice! Today we are busy making concessions to the minority. Groups representing less than 14% of the population being granted special considerations and protected status. A concession to what? Moral and ethical behaviors expected in the society is the answer to that. Based on what? Your skin color or sexual orientation? Conceding to cultural differences? A compromise?
What is all that leading up to? Civil discord. Concessions have been made through legislation. Or have those concessions actually a compromise? Just a vehicle to secure votes. Are you really willing to concede the Republic, establish a simple democracy, to retain power? That happened back in 1861 and history does have a way of repeating itself. As for me, I firmly believe there are things that should never be compromised or conceded. Not for sale at the concession stand! I'm not saying you shouldn't look around, do a little shopping, view the products offered, but just because you are at the concession stand doesn't mean you have to buy it!
Basically a sales pitch, we will do this together but you can still do whatever you like. A concession.
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