In his second inaugural address, President Donald Trump declared that his presidency would mark “the revolution of common sense.” And indeed, this has been a recurring theme throughout his term in office. But as we approach the end of his presidency, it is worth asking whether this revolution has truly brought about a sense of common sense or if it has simply been a misnomer.
On the surface, the idea of a “revolution of common sense” seems like a necessary and positive change. After all, common sense is often seen as the foundation of good decision-making and problem-solving. It involves using practical and rational thinking to navigate complex situations and find effective solutions. So why would anyone object to a revolution that promotes and values such an important trait?
But the reality is that Trump’s version of common sense has often been neither rational nor practical. Instead, it has been a weapon used to justify discriminatory policies, dismiss expert advice, and sow division among Americans. In fact, during his four years in office, Trump has consistently shown a disregard for basic facts and evidence, opting instead for his own version of reality based on his personal opinions and biases.
One of the most glaring examples of this is Trump’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. From the very beginning, he downplayed the severity of the virus and refused to take necessary precautions to mitigate its spread. He even went as far as contradicting his own health experts and promoting unproven treatments, all in the name of his “common sense” approach. As a result, the United States has become one of the worst-hit countries in the world, with over 200,000 deaths and counting.
But it’s not just the pandemic where Trump’s common sense has failed to live up to its promise. His approach to other pressing issues, such as climate change, immigration, and race relations, have also been marked by a lack of rational thinking and empathy. In fact, his administration’s policies have often been criticized for being inconsistent, poorly thought-out, and harmful to marginalized communities.
So if Trump’s version of common sense is not the solution, what is? To answer this question, we need to understand what common sense truly means. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a fixed or innate trait that some people possess while others do not. Instead, it is a skill that can be cultivated and honed over time through critical thinking and self-reflection.
At its core, common sense involves looking at a situation objectively, considering all available information, and making informed decisions based on reason rather than emotions or personal biases. It also requires empathy and a willingness to consider others’ perspectives, especially when dealing with complex and nuanced issues.
But in the age of social media and polarizing politics, developing this kind of common sense is becoming increasingly challenging. The constant barrage of information and opinions can be overwhelming, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction. Moreover, the rise of echo chambers and confirmation bias means that people are more likely to surround themselves with like-minded individuals and disregard opposing viewpoints.
Therefore, it is more important than ever for individuals to actively work on developing their common sense skills. This involves questioning and challenging our own beliefs, seeking out diverse perspectives and information, and being open to changing our minds when presented with new evidence. It also means holding our leaders accountable and demanding rational decision-making based on facts and empathy rather than personal agendas.
In conclusion, while President Trump may have promised a “revolution of common sense,” it is clear that his version of it has fallen far short of its potential. But this does not mean that common sense is a lost cause. On the contrary, it is a valuable skill that we must continue to cultivate and promote in our personal and political lives. Only then can we truly achieve a society that is built on reason, fairness, and empathy – the true foundations of common sense.
