Why I Dislike Blunt Politicians

Certain politicians have recently been lauded for their bluntness. "We need a president who stops trying to be politically correct all the time," people say. "We need a president who says what they think and answers to no one."

In many ways, I agree with this sentiment. At the same time, I fear that America's dislike for extremely passive politicians has led us to glorify the other extreme, which is just as bad.

Figure A: Sole individual fights fire with fire.
Figure B: Sole individual gets fired.

We've all seen it before. Someone honks at someone else on the road, and they get flipped off. Someone expresses a contrary opinion, and their conversational partner condemns them for it. People respond to each other's rancor with their own brand of vile. 

I'm not saying every situation can be talked through. But if rebuffing and arguing is someone's first response to a tough situation, they're more likely to produce similar responses from their enemies and fellows.

Figure C: Sole individual attempts diplomacy.
Figure D: Peace is found.

Being direct and forthright gets things done, but if we combine these qualities with aggressiveness, we might lose ground in building international relationships.

And so we see our current presidential nominees spending time and resources taking potshots at each other. They rise to each others' baits, time and time again. One of these individuals may become President of the Union. I don't have faith that they will help our crumbling standing across the world.

However, if someone in the presidential race finally swallows their pride and seeks compromises instead of idiots among their opponents, I might have hope for this country yet.