by Ray Keating
The Keating Files – September 5, 2020
I swear – there was a time, not that long ago, when political reflection and commentary actually was independent. That’s right. Conservative and liberal observers and commentators used to – now, get this – inform and instruct Republicans and Democrats, respectively. Not the other way around, as seems to be the rule today.
Indeed, we exist in an era when many political commentators seem to do little more than recite talking points emailed to them by the RNC or DNC. These “thinkers” often pander to a variety of audiences, for political and funding purposes. Intellectual inquiry, depth and independence have become quite rare.
So, if we can’t take assorted people in the political commentary business all that serious, why should we take seriously the views spouted off by sports, music and Hollywood stars – whether they happen to agree with us or not?
Pick your favorite or least favorite professional athlete or actor who likes to chatter about politics, and consider that most (with occasional exceptions over the years – the most notable being Ronald Reagan) have little to no idea what they’re talking about, that is, beyond how they “feel” about this issue or that. The recognition they receive when speaking out is not due to their understanding rooted in serious study, but instead from their fame and feelings.
Why then do people get so upset when a sports, music or Hollywood star takes a position with which they disagree? After all, again, this is a pretty clueless bunch. But I get the knee-jerk reaction. Not that long ago, I found myself getting upset about the same thing. But then I asked myself: Why do I care? Or better yet, why should I care whether someone in the entertainment business happens to agree with me or not?
When you stop and think, it’s all pretty silly. Why get so upset when a pitcher, point guard or punter says something about social issues, foreign policy, or taxes? Who cares?
Yet, once disagreement is discovered, I can’t tell you how many conservative friends I see on my Facebook feed declaring that they’re never going to watch a game ever again? Really? Are you not watching then most movies and television series, including an assortment of classic movies and shows because many of those old-time stars you love so much disagreed with you on a host of issues? Oh yeah, and what about all of the people in the sport who agree with you?
What’s the alternative? One option would be to appreciate (to the degree warranted) what people excel at, such as singing, acting, or playing sports. Their political views don’t cancel out that excellence. As for when these same people spout off on assorted issues, sure, make clear your disagreement and why you disagree, but in the end, just ignore their ignorance.
Or even better, how about engaging with people constructively by trying to engage, teach and persuade, rather than just having a hissy fit, taking your ball, and going home? I know that doesn’t exactly fit with the times, but what the heck, give it a try.
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Ray Keating is a columnist, novelist, economist, podcaster and entrepreneur. You can order his new book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York from Amazon or signed books at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know. The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?
Keating’s latest novel is The Traitor: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, which is the 12thbook in the series. The best way to fully enjoy Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries is to join the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship! For the BEST VALUE, consider the Book of the Month Club. Check it all out at
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