By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Adam Kinzinger, a former six-term Republican congressman, became a vocal critic of Donald Trump following the January 6th insurrection, ultimately voting to impeach Trump and serve on the House select committee investigating the event. This decision, however, cost him his political career and alienated him from many former colleagues and family members. The documentary “The Last Republican” chronicles Kinzinger’s experience, highlighting his isolation within the Republican party and his belief that he is upholding true conservative principles. Despite his disagreements with the Democratic party, he emphasizes the importance of preserving democratic institutions and combating the divisiveness within the GOP.
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There is no morality right now, at least not within the Republican Party as it currently exists under Donald Trump’s influence. The overriding principle seems to be winning at all costs; honesty, decency, adherence to the rule of law, and even historical context, all take a backseat to achieving victory. This isn’t a recent phenomenon either; this prioritization of power over principle has been brewing for a considerable time.
This lack of morality manifests in various ways. For example, prominent figures gleefully discuss mass deportations, then hypocritically invoke religious values to justify their actions. This isn’t mere political maneuvering; it speaks to a broader movement aligning with Christian nationalism, aiming to reshape the nation’s foundational principles into a theocratic structure, potentially undermining fundamental civil rights.
The pursuit of power seems to override any sense of ethical constraint. Accountability appears to be a selective principle, applied inconsistently depending on political affiliation. Double standards are rampant, with actions deemed unacceptable for one group being perfectly acceptable for another. Any pretense of moral superiority, ethics, decency, or even shame has seemingly vanished.
This absence of ethical boundaries is not simply a perception. It’s become deeply ingrained, with a pervasive sense that the goal – destroying the existing order to replace it with something fundamentally different – justifies any means. The situation appears to have reached a point where the pursuit of wealth and power has replaced traditional moral considerations entirely.
This isn’t a new development, however. The erosion of ethical standards in American politics has been a slow burn, gradually reaching this current state of near-total disregard for traditional norms. Decades ago, the “mores” of society were already perceived as performative; what truly mattered was legal repercussions, or more accurately, whether someone could avoid facing consequences for their actions.
Now, this disregard for any constraint is fully embraced, influencing behavior across numerous domains: politics, sex offenses, financial malfeasance, and so on. The lack of restraint has become a characteristic feature of the current political landscape. It’s not just politicians; it appears to permeate the culture, creating an environment where the old rules no longer apply.
The economic consequences of this disregard for ethical norms are also starting to become apparent. Recent Republican administrations have seen economic downturns, and the current trajectory suggests another crash is looming due to policies like tariffs and deportations. This highlights a pattern of prioritizing short-term political gain over long-term economic stability and societal well-being.
Within this context, those who dare to dissent, like Kinzinger and Cheney, are often labeled as exceptions or even traitors. They are hailed as Republicans with character, which in this context, is itself a damning indictment of the current state of the party. Their willingness to stand up against the prevailing narrative emphasizes just how far the party has moved from traditional Republican values.
This phenomenon has deep historical roots, though. The current state of political affairs wasn’t created overnight. Certain individuals and political movements have played a significant role in fostering this environment. The shift in political culture can be traced back to figures who prioritized party over country and “in-your-face” politics, escalating the polarization and the abandonment of traditional standards of behavior.
Ultimately, the assertion that there’s no morality in the current Republican party is a harsh but seemingly accurate assessment of the situation. The priority placed on winning at all costs, coupled with a dismissal of ethical considerations and accountability, creates a political climate bereft of traditional values. The consequences of this shift extend beyond politics, affecting the economy and the very fabric of society.