In a politically charged climate, the recent awarding of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award to former Vice President Mike Pence raises profound questions. Comedian D.L. Hughley eloquently articulates a sentiment shared by many: Pence’s recognition only demonstrates how skewed America’s political landscape has become. The very fact that Pence is celebrated for performing what should have been a routine duty—certifying election results—highlights a distressing reality: honoring basic constitutional responsibilities is now perceived as extraordinary. It begs the question: what does it say about a society when doing one’s job is met with accolades?
The Deterioration of Political Norms
Hughley aptly points out that many politicians have upheld the Constitution under far more strenuous circumstances without earning public commendation. This brings to light an unfortunate shift in political norms, where basic governance and the sanctity of democratic processes are becoming rare acts of courage. By awarding Pence for his actions on January 6, 2021, the country implicitly admits to a breakdown of fundamental democratic principles. In a healthy democracy, the peaceful transfer of power should be unquestioned and unremarkable—yet here we are, celebrating the bare minimum as if it were a monumental achievement.
Pence’s Patriotism: A Double-Edged Sword
While Hughley acknowledges Pence as a “principled man,” the irony lies in the context of that principle. Pence’s insistence on upholding the Constitution came at a time when his party was engulfed in chaos and misinformation. His actions may reflect a sense of duty, yet they also underline a stark contrast to the chaos orchestrated by his former boss, Donald Trump. The irony is unsettling; the very act of patriotism that could have served to unite a fractured nation instead merely paused the inevitability of Trump’s influence. It exemplifies how deeply divided America has grown—where an act of honoring the Constitution becomes a decision fraught with peril.
A Tragic Triumph in Historical Context
In his acceptance speech, Pence characteristically framed the events of January 6 as a “tragic day” transformed into a “triumph of freedom.” This portrayal sounds noble on the surface. However, it glosses over the dismal truth of what transpired that day—the violence, the insurrection fueled by baseless claims, and the widespread fear that gripped Congress and the nation. While Pence reflects on institutional resilience, he ought to acknowledge that the very necessity of that resilience signifies a fracture in the democratic framework. To revere such moments is to risk glorifying dysfunction rather than addressing it.
Looking Forward Through the Lens of Reality
Hughley’s perspective forces a confrontation with our political realities, urging us to see beyond the veneer of awards and accolades. Recognizing Pence today might be viewed as a troubling marker of a society grappling with its principles. Underneath this complex layer of honor lies a disheartening truth: true courage should emerge from consensus, understanding, and shared values, not simply from performing basic duties while standing against the tide of a party’s collective identity. As America grapples with its next steps, the path remains fraught with challenges that demand more than symbolic gestures of courage. It requires a genuine recommitment to the principles that once bound the nation together, without the need for awards to validate those efforts.