The Age of Political Arrogance
When did they forget to say "sorry"?
Political arrogance has been around for a while now, at least for the majority of the time I've been a passenger on Earth. I've never been politically naive, but this time I really was. I thought that, at least in a time of crisis like this one that we are living in now, people would come together to pull through so we can go back to fighting each other over the next thing.
Oh, I was wrong.
And it got really weird.
Political ignorance is probably at an all-time high but the difference is that now, things are getting more than slightly dangerous.
We are in a middle of a pandemic that has been damaging, whatever way you look at it. Even if you are one of those people who think that the pandemic is just a hoax, it is still damaging to you. Life is odd for everyone at the moment and it's no secret that we'd all like to go back to at lest some form of normal as soon as possible. That's why we have governments and that's why we have experts and the politicians have the most educated people at their disposal.
I thought that we would stop playing scientists and doctors on the Internet once this entire situation took play. If not that, I thought that we would definitely listen to the government, even if it is the one we didn't vote for because they have the scientists behind them, right?
We all know how the entire lockdown panned out with the people listening to government advice - I was wrong. I was personally (almost) religiously sticking to the government advice because I thought I was listening to the advice of all of those great scientists but voiced by not a very favourite character of mine, referring both to the UK and the US versions.
And then it started unfolding. The lies piled up one after the other. I lost count of how many I've heard.
The last developments with Cummings breaking the lockdown rules were that last hit that even the majority of the government's supporters couldn't bear.
And it made me wonder - When did people forget to say they are sorry? Why has it suddenly become so difficult?
If you look at the period between Boris Johnson becoming PM up until now, there have been a lot of things to say "sorry" about. Nobody said they are sorry about the language used in Parliament. Nobody said they are sorry for the "bum boys" and "mail box" insults. For the abuse a lot of MPs endured. For the Brexit lies. For the red bus. For the new immigration law. For the lack of PPE. For not listening to the scientists. For telling us to "take it on the chin". For saying their efforts were "a success".
A lot of the lies we've heard before were very difficult to swallow but I think the entire driving to the other end of the rainbow where the pot of gold lies for an eye test is a big step over the line of tolerance of many.
This isn't really about if Dominic Cummings broke the rules of lockdown or not. We know for a fact he did. On the other hand, I am aware that a lot of people broke lockdown rules. Many more that were actually fined. You can argue if it was a minor, a major, or simply - a violation of the rules but that's not the problem here.
The problem is that with every lie they offend everybody's intellect more each time. And this was the lie that made people feel really stupid. They simply can't believe that anyone in the world would think they are so stupid to believe such a see-through lie when all the fact were pointing in the other direction.
We are being asked to forgive and forget but I can't forgive the lie. Even if it was true, I can't forgive such a long unnecessary journey and driving with bad eyes. I can't forgive a person who especially at this time should be one of the models of how we should all behave until this is over.
And a sorry in a form of a resignation would've been fair. It would've been fair to all of those who lost a loved one but didn't get to say a proper goodbye. To all of those who have been away from families for a long time. For those on the front lines who are keeping us all moving. For all of those doctors and nurses, those amazing people at the till and in the fields, and all of those who put themselves at risk in any way. Instead, they got a slap in the face, one more painful than the many the got previously.
Politicians are and have always been arrogant - in fact, you need a certain level of arrogance to make it to positions of power. But when the lives and the sanity of people are in question, you would expect a bit more honesty and a bit more compassion.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from writers in The Swamp and other communities.
The Trans Youth Athletes in the US Fighting for Their Rights: ‘Playing Is an Act of Resistance
Across the United States, youth sports have become a flashpoint in the broader cultural and political debate over transgender rights. For transgender and nonbinary young athletes, stepping onto a field, court, or track is no longer just about competition or teamwork—it has become a deeply political act. As state legislatures pass laws restricting trans participation in school sports, many trans youth athletes say that simply playing the games they love feels like an act of resistance, resilience, and self-affirmation. The Rise of Restrictive Laws Over the past few years, dozens of US states have proposed or enacted laws that bar transgender youth—particularly trans girls—from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity. Supporters of these laws argue they are designed to preserve “fairness” in women’s sports. Critics, however, say the measures are discriminatory, unsupported by scientific evidence, and target a very small and vulnerable population. According to civil rights groups, these policies often affect children as young as elementary school age. For many trans youth athletes, the laws mean exclusion from school teams, loss of scholarships, and the erasure of a key source of community and mental well-being. “Playing Is Who I Am” For trans youth athletes, sports are not just extracurricular activities—they are lifelines. Many describe athletics as a place where they first learned discipline, teamwork, and confidence. Being told they no longer belong can be devastating. One high school runner from the Midwest explained that competing helped them survive years of bullying and isolation. “When I run, I feel free,” they said. “When lawmakers say I can’t race, it feels like they’re saying I shouldn’t exist.” For these young people, continuing to play—whether in school leagues, community teams, or informal settings—is a way to assert their humanity. “Playing is an act of resistance,” said another trans athlete. “It’s me saying I deserve joy and opportunity like anyone else.” The Mental Health Impact Medical and psychological associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association, have repeatedly warned about the mental health consequences of excluding trans youth from sports. Research shows that participation in athletics can reduce anxiety, depression, and suicide risk among young people. Transgender youth already face higher rates of mental health challenges due to stigma and discrimination. Advocates argue that sports bans compound this harm by cutting off a critical support system. Coaches and teachers have also voiced concern, noting that sports often provide structure and mentorship that many students rely on. Athletes Becoming Advocates In response to these laws, some trans youth athletes have become outspoken advocates, testifying at state capitols, speaking to media outlets, and joining lawsuits challenging the bans. Despite their young age, they are often forced into the public eye, defending their right to play against hostile rhetoric. Legal challenges have had mixed results. In some states, courts have temporarily blocked enforcement of sports bans, allowing trans athletes to compete while cases proceed. In others, the laws remain in effect, leaving students in limbo. Civil rights organizations argue that these restrictions violate constitutional protections and federal civil rights laws, including Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. Voices from the Sports Community Not all opposition comes from activists alone. Many professional athletes, coaches, and sports organizations have spoken out against the bans. They argue that youth sports should prioritize inclusion, participation, and development—not exclusion based on identity. Several major sports bodies have adopted inclusive policies, emphasizing that there is no evidence trans youth athletes threaten fairness in school sports. Medical experts also note that athletic performance varies widely among individuals and cannot be reduced to gender identity alone. Political Symbolism and Real-Life Consequences Critics say the focus on trans youth athletes is largely symbolic, driven more by political strategy than real concerns about sports integrity. Transgender athletes make up a tiny fraction of all student athletes, yet they have become central to campaign speeches and culture-war narratives. For the athletes affected, however, the consequences are deeply personal. Some families have relocated to more inclusive states so their children can continue playing. Others have turned to private leagues or stopped participating altogether, grieving the loss of something that once brought joy and purpose. Resilience and Hope Despite the challenges, many trans youth athletes remain determined. They find strength in supportive families, inclusive coaches, and teammates who stand by them. Social media has also helped young athletes connect across state lines, sharing stories and strategies for coping and resistance. Grassroots movements continue to push for change, emphasizing empathy, science, and the voices of the athletes themselves. Advocates stress that the debate should center on children’s well-being, not fear or misinformation. Conclusion: More Than a Game For trans youth athletes in the US, sports are about more than winning or losing. They are about belonging, dignity, and the right to participate fully in society. As legal and political battles continue, these young athletes keep showing up—on fields, courts, and tracks—as a quiet but powerful form of protest. In their determination to play, they send a clear message: their identities are not up for debate, and their love of sport will not be legislated away. For them, playing is not just a game—it is an act of resistance, hope, and survival.
By Aarif Lashari3 days ago in The Swamp
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.