On Finding Common Ground and Forming Principled Unity

At the Cudahy City Council meeting last night, one reporter approached me and related his concerns about the escalation of fighting going on in the city.

He said to me: "I know that there are two sides to this issue, but we need to find a meeting point in the middle." The gist of his comments rested on the argument that the pro-sanctuary and pro-enforcement sides would at some point meet in the middle and find common ground.

There can be no common ground about where men and women meet on the rule of law.

Either we have a border for our nation, or we don't.

Either we expect everyone to abide by the rule of law, or we do not.

This meandering moral relativism has gotten too strong in our culture. The idea that solving every problem rests on "meeting in the middle" is precisely the reason why are culture is facing so many crises at this time.

Common ground must stand on common principle. If one side does not believe the other side has a right to exist, there will be no common ground.

On the sanctuary city issue, the crisis is clear as crystal.

One side wants our immigration laws upheld, while another does not.

There is no middle ground here. Either we welcome the enforcement of our laws, or we do not.

There can't be a set of laws for one group of people, then a set of laws for another.

The law is a clear principle of full enforcement for all--or it is no longer "law".

Now, about principled unity ...

I have received criticism from some people because I have openly criticized, shamed, and exposed bad people doing bad things ... and they happen to be Republicans or display support for President Donald Trump.

"We have to work together!"

"We have to fight a common enemy, not each other."

I agree with both of these sentiments.

However, it's impossible to work with other people when they are actively undermining your efforts.

It is also very difficult to work with those who do not share your beliefs, goals, and  morals. There is no agreement. I have heard from a number of people that I should not criticize or call out bad leadership or bad behaviors from leaders or members within the Republican Party or the Trump movement.

But after following through with individuals privately and then in a small group setting, I have no choice but to call people out publicly.

Those are the steps that Christ Jesus laid down for people to follow!

15Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. (Matthew 18: 15-17)

These are basic steps to follow. There does a come a point, though, were sacrificing principle for unity ends up causing a team to lose both

That is why I am not afraid to report on unethical, unsound behavior. That is why I respect the concerns of some people in clubs and groups not to confront or report on people publicly--and why I take steps before revealing concerns to the public at large.

When ethical issues arise, when concerns about privacy become a concern, and when criminal behavior lurks on the horizon, I will report something.

Principles first--and the company of fellow patriots will follow. It happens every time.