The False Nobility of Compromise

This past week we saw the White House go on a campaign to force the GOP to compromise with Democrats and agree to tax hikes as part of the debt deal.  We were told by the media and by various Democrats that compromise is noble and the "right thing to do".  The White House tweets included the hashtag #compromise.

Baloney.  Every election we see the same false nobility given to the so-called "independents" and "moderates", who by virtue of the fact they're wishy-washy and can't pick sides are someone declared to be more noble than those of us who are fighting the fight.

There's nothing noble about being wishy-washy.  I think Jesus had it right when he said this in Rev. 3:15-16 (NIV) :

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

In other words, you make me sick.  Pick a side and join the fight.  I have more respect for hardcore liberals who are opposing this deal based on their principles than for moderate Republicans who are going along with it because they see compromise as a virtue.

Last night I saw a lesson in sticking to your principles regardless of the cost, and it was on a show where I'd never expect to see it.  The Glee Project is one of those reality competition shows in which contestants are subjected to numerous challenges with one person being kicked off the show each week.  The eventual winner will have a 7-episode guest spot on Glee with the potential of a regular role in the future.

Cameron is a Christian, raised in a Christian home, and a guy who found himself in some very uncomfortable situations as part of this contest.  I'm kind of surprised a kid with such convictions would have tried out for that show in the first place, given that especially this season it's been all gay-all the time, but he did and was doing pretty well.  It's clear the judges on the show saw a lot of potential in Cameron as a future cast member.

On last night's show Cameron ended up once again doing a last chance performance for Glee creator Ryan Murphy and really knocked out the song "Blackbird".  It fit him perfectly.  When asked about his earlier decision not to follow the video director and kiss one of his fellow (female) contestants, he told Murphy he had to stick with his convictions and he felt good about that.  He also voluntarily left the show, saying he didn't feel it was the right thing for him to do.  Even after being offered the chance to continue by Murphy himself in a one-on-one conversation in the dressing room, Cameron still chose to take himself off the show.

I've never seen that happen on a competition show.

One interesting side note is that Murphy admitted in his conversations with Cameron that he didn't feel Glee had done a good job showing storylines involving more conservative or religious kids.  That's the understatement of the year.  I think Murphy was actually intrigued by the possibility of writing for a character like Cameron who is struggling to do what he thinks is right in a world that scoffs at such things.  It could have been powerful.

To tie in the political angle, the GOP could learn a few things from Cameron.  Cameron didn't gain some false nobility by compromising his principles.  He stuck to them and paid a price...in the short run.  In the long run, the kid's going to be a star and it wouldn't surprise me if he ends up on Glee, but in a character role that stays in line with his principles and convictions.  Did he win the war despite losing the battle?  We'll see.  He remained true to his beliefs and that's going to benefit him in ways he can't understand today.

Pay attention, GOP.  A 20-year old singer is showing you how it's done.