I’m sure we all remember the sarcastic reference to those we know - and those we only know about – who in effect lectured us to do what they preached… but whose practice did not follow their own prescription. “What hypocrites,” we’d say.
But hypocrisy can be more dangerous than moral failure.
On the surface, Donald Trump is a hypocrite when it comes to following the recommendations of his COVID health advisors. But not really. He is “winking” when he is spouting the importance of taking precautions. He obviously doesn’t believe what he’s preaching. So his hypocrisy is feigned. You know he doesn’t believe what he says.
But in recent weeks, many state and local leaders appeared sincerely to demand the virus prevention guidelines be followed… and then were discovered going to fancy restaurants, frequenting large gatherings or traveling out of state or country.
This is far more serious than a personal failing. Their conduct indicated a lack of belief in an important policy directive which, by appearance, unlike the posture of Donald Trump, they sincerely believed in. By their actions, they seriously undercut health professionals who were trying to protect the public. These hypocritical politicians (a cynic would add that the adjective is inseparable from the noun) by their conduct told the public to ignore the guidance they echoed- and they themselves did so.
Assuming – and I do – that the health advisors were giving sound advice, the blatant hypocrisy was dangerous to the health of their country. The exposed hypocrites laid bare their conviction that the health emergency was phony and only to be observed by fools. So, of course, their constituents will be more influenced by their dangerous examples than their insincere words.
The conduct – not mere words – was disgraceful. The perpetrators violated the public’s trust and should resign. (Fat chance.)
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