Is there ‘courage’ in our capital?

Editor, OBSERVER:

It’s time to call upon one of the Stoic virtues to pull us out of this tailspin we find ourselves in. That virtue is courage and we are in desperate need across most segments of our society. Colleges, businesses, law firms, media outlets, press corps and of course politicians have chosen cowardice over courage, and it will most likely cost us our republic.

What we want in life, what the world needs, all of it is on the other side of fear. All of it is accessed through courage, should we choose to wield it. And not enough of us are – re-election, access to power, preserving that privileged lifestyle, are far more important than taking a stand against corruption, contempt for the rule of law, and harmful divisive policies.

The next time Trump asks “Why are you still talking about Epstein” the press corps needs to ask him “Why are you still talking about the 2020 election”? The next time Hegseth scolds the press corps they need to stand up and walk out, leaving him to criticize a roomful of empty chairs.

Ryan Holiday said it best in “Courage is Calling” – “There is no courage without bad odds, without a willingness to risk losing … a job, a deal, a game, your life. If it was a sure thing, what would be brave about it”?

DENNIS REGAN,

formerly of Gowanda,

Pittsford