The decision had been made. They were going to close my office, and I was going to have to transfer to another location. I knew the N.C. Dept. of Revenue was starting to close smaller offices, but my office had been productive and efficient. I had made the case for my office, but to no avail. Finally, I pointed out that there were other offices remaining open that were not nearly as productive as mine.
Yep, I used the “What about them?” tactic as a last resort. It didn’t work, and my office was consolidated with another office. (It actually worked out well, as a position became available in Clinton and I ended up back home in Sampson County.)
The “What about them?” tactic is commonplace and has been used by many. Many a child, when being punished or given a chore to do, have pointed to a brother or sister and said, “But what about them?” Many an employee have pointed out the shortcomings of a fellow worker in order to divert attention from their own shortcomings.
Probably the most obvious area where this is done is in politics and government. A politician gets questioned about something difficult, and rather than responding to the question, they quickly point out where the opposition has come up short.
“Whataboutism” is one area where both political parties are experts. It’s deflecting an accusation or responsibility by pointing out a different fault or mistake made by another person, or political party.
I’ve noticed that quite often lately. When questioned about some of the more radical leftist politicians in their party, mainline Democrats will avoid responding and quickly point attention to Donald Trump and his policies.
Republicans do the same, especially when it comes to high prices and the economy. When confronted about high gas prices and the inflation that the Iran war, along with tariffs and other Trump policies have caused, they quickly point back to the prices and inflation during the Biden administration.
Okay Democrats, I know President Trump is, well, President Trump. But what are you going to do about those in your party that are promoting a form of Communism, under the guise of Democratic Socialism?
Okay Republicans, I know inflation was bad under Biden. But we are now dealing with higher inflation than when Trump took office, caused by the war we started in Iran, not helped by the tariffs imposed by President Trump. What do you propose to do about it?
We don’t need “whataboutism.” We need a Democratic Party that doesn’t bow down to the radical left, and we need a Republican Party that makes wise decisions that benefit the American people, not one that caters to the rich and special interest.
But let’s face it, it’s not just politicians that use “whataboutism.” We all try to deflect blame or responsibility at one time or another. It’s as old as the Bible. As a matter of fact, it’s in the Bible.
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, he was with his disciples. He spent time with Peter, making sure Peter knew what was ahead for him. Jesus told Peter, “I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” (John 21: 18)
Peter knew that it meant following Jesus would cost him. His response was very human. Looking over at John, he said, “Lord, what about him?” (v. 21) Jesus’ response was direct and to the point. “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” (v. 22)
That should be the response to “whataboutism.” As Jesus told Peter, we should fulfill our responsibilities and not try to use others as an attempt to avoid them or deflect from our actions. And we should expect the same from those we elect.