I have never liked Liz Cheney's political views. That has not changed. I would not have voted for her if I lived in Wyoming. I never thought I'd have any reason to admire anything about her, but she's changed that. She's done a great job on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. I admire her willingness to stand up to Trump.
But should we praise Cheney for doing her job? Yes! Yes, we should. The reason we should is obvious. At least, it is obvious to me. Almost no other Republicans are willing to put the country ahead of their party. It isn't so much what she's doing as it is the fact that she's almost alone in doing it. That makes it remarkable. That makes it worthy of praise.
We like to talk about the oath our elected officials take. Cheney's upholding hers when few others are doing so. She's been willing to address a serious problem too many of her associates are still ignoring. And she's been willing to do so despite the consequences to her political career. She's doing so in spite of all the hate coming her way. That takes courage.
I don't have to agree with her political views to find that impressive. I know how hard it can be to go against popular traditions and sentiment. She had little support, but she knew what was right. And she was willing to pursue it despite great opposition.
Praising Liz Cheney for her courage does not mean one must condone her vile political views. We can do one without the other. And if we want others to show similar courage in the future, it might not hurt to do more of the former. Wouldn't it be great if more of our elected officials would do what was right?
History will not be a kind judge of the January 6 insurrection. Most of the Republican Party is still on the wrong side of that tragedy. They are still embracing the Big Lie. To her credit, Liz Cheney is one of a few exceptions.
