When Going High Isn’t Enough

I write these pieces—”Loose Lips” and “Repeat This”—not merely as essays, but as urgent calls to action. My heart is heavy with concern for our political landscape, especially for those of us who identify as Democrats, progressives, and seekers of truth. We stand at a crossroads where misinformation and deliberate lies are not just tools but weapons, wielded effectively by those who seek power without accountability.

There’s a troubling complacency I’ve observed among us—a belief that facts alone can counter falsehoods, that reason will prevail simply because it should. We often hear platitudes like “the American people are smarter than that,” reassuring ourselves that truth will naturally triumph over deceit. But history and current events tell a different story. Lies, when repeated often enough, begin to take on the semblance of truth. They seep into the collective consciousness, shaping narratives and influencing decisions in ways that facts alone struggle to counteract.

Our opponents spare no expense in using misinformation to corral and control, to suppress voices that would challenge them. Social media algorithms amplify outrage, conditioning us to react with anger rather than compassion, to engage in battles of emotion rather than discussions of substance. In this environment, traditional strategies fall short. Responding to lies with mere facts is like bringing a knife to a gunfight; it’s insufficient against a force that operates without regard for truth or integrity.

I recall Michelle Obama’s words, “When they go low, we go high.” While the sentiment is noble, it risks underestimating the gravity of our situation. Elevation without foundation lacks the necessary thrust to effect real change. We cannot soar above the fray without first addressing the forces that keep us grounded. It’s not about fighting dirty; it’s about recognizing that we’re already in the mud and need to engage accordingly, with both wisdom and resolve.

Consider how voices like Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris have been dismissed, maligned, or outright attacked—not because their ideas lacked merit, but because the opposition understands the power of narrative over fact. They drew blood—not in violence, but in the sense of piercing through the noise, attempting to awaken us to urgent realities. Yet, we often hesitate to do the same, bound by a desire to remain above the fray.

But drawing blood isn’t inherently violent; it’s diagnostic. Just as phlebotomists draw blood to understand the health of a patient, we need political surgeons who can diagnose and address the ailments afflicting our democracy. It’s time for us to be incisive, to cut through the layers of deceit with precision and clarity.

I urge you, my fellow progressives, to recognize the urgency of this moment. We must adapt our strategies, embrace a more assertive stance, and refuse to be passive in the face of aggression. This isn’t a call to abandon our principles, but to uphold them with the strength and determination they deserve.

The pieces I’ve written are meant to illuminate these challenges and inspire a shift in how we respond. Let’s move beyond rehearsed platitudes and engage in mindful repetition of truths that matter. Let’s confront lies not just with facts, but by addressing the sources of deception head-on.

Our democracy depends on our willingness to act—not just to hope that truth prevails, but to ensure it does through our collective effort. I write this with a deep sense of urgency and a heartfelt plea: let’s rise to meet this moment with the seriousness and sobriety it demands.