Rick Hogaboam
Sep 6, 2018 · 3 min read

The NY Times Op-Ed: The Virtue (or lack thereof) of Anonymous Virtue-Signaling

Being part of the “resistance” under Hitler was virtuous, but this anonymous official in the Trump administration identifying himself and others as part of the “resistance” is not. It’s one thing to try and make a positive impact in a difficult and complex situation (think Daniel under Nebuchadnezzar), but to openly discuss it while remaining anonymous contradicts the very virtue this person is trying to signal in these piece. This isn’t being an adult in the room. Real adulting would require more than a “Dear Country” piece with your name unsigned.

If the president is unfit, then resign and make the case. If the president is sporadic and petty and temperamental, I don’t think we’re shocked. If you’re trying to be good advisors in prudentially guiding the president and encouraging stability, then good job. We all need people like that in our lives to one extent or another. Do your job and not anonymously publish a piece to broadcast what you’re doing. Saying that the president is a danger anonymously and at the same time assuring us not to worry because you and some good guys are on it doesn’t actually calm the nation; it actually raises more questions, questions that can’t be rightfully adjudicated through the means of an anonymous piece with some fairly general criticisms about character flaws. It’s not fair to the president or to the country. Just do your job. If you can’t, resign. If you’re utilitarian and see some good and think the benefits outweigh the bad, then keep doing your job. If the bad outweighs the good, with no prospects of improvement, then resign. If Trump has done something impeachable, then blow the whistle and be specific. Writing this piece is designed to comfort the conscience of the author more than the country, in my opinion, which is why I think it’s not helpful at best and damaging at worst.

If I was to speculate, I’m guessing this individual fears what the consequences might be for his career if the Trump ship sinks and he’s connected to the president. He can use this oped as an insurance piece by revealing his identity later when it’s expedient to do so. I think that’s cowardly, if I’m right.

For the sake of the country, this person needs to put up or shut up. Anonymously assuring the nation that you’re being a force for good is what we expect from all members of any administration. If your conscience is plagued, writing anonymously might bring some comfort for you, but it doesn’t for me. The term “resistance” makes sense under Hitler, where one would face literal death for publicly opposing the tyrant. Subversion was the only option. But as much as people might hate and disagree with Trump, he hasn’t done anything that requires subversion or sabotage. And if you’re just trying to sink the ship because you believe there’s a better alternative, then resign and run for president. Make your case. Spar with your mask off. Adjudicate your case like a real man, because this anonymous virtue-signaling isn’t very virtuous and doesn’t signal enough with sufficient specificity to even qualify as whistle-blowing. It’s sanctimonious and rotten. Again, put up or shut up.

Rick Hogaboam

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Husband. Father. Pastor. Non-profit director. Nampa City Councilmember. Former teacher and coach. Past editorial board member. Baseball fanatic.