The Rhetoric of Fairness to All

Aristotle was attributed with the saying, “a friend to all is a friend to none.”

I agree with him since this kind of person would change his principles according to what is convenient.

Covering both sides of the issues certainly is convenient for one’s agenda despite the protestation of having no agenda.

In my opinion, those who claimed that he or she is siding with no one is supporting none, except his or her plans.

This type of people will readily damn others to the beast (damnatus ad bestiam), abandoning the sinking ship, claiming no responsibility or guilt.

“To be the same to all” is a principle of shrewd politicians. This allows them to craft their narrative according to what they are planning or intending.

Why are they doing this? Is this not for the common good?

Well, those who bombed the Twin Towers on 9/11claimed it was also for the good, and it was a fight against evil.

The “common good” or “for the good of all” or for “the good of society” (supply whatever noun you want) has become a tired and old excuse for those who are only concerned with their power play.

It is sad when leaders are all politicians surrounded by fanatics (who also want to become rulers) whose information is gossip and intrigues (click here for a related topic).

The great St. Augustine described his relationship differently to various groups in the Church. He did not claim that he is the same for all.

In his Sermon (Listed 340), on the anniversary of his ordination preached

“Make my ministry fruitful. . . . The turbulent have to be corrected, the faint-hearted cheered up, the weak supported; the gospel’s opponents need to be refuted, its insidious enemies guarded against; the unlearned need to be taught, the indolent stirred up, the argumentative checked; the proud must be put in their place, the desperate set on their feet, those engaged in quarrels reconciled; the needy have to be helped, the oppressed to be liberated, the good to be given your backing, the bad to be tolerated; all must be loved.”

I have checked and re-checked this quotation several times. There is no grammatical or missed word in this paragraph.

You might wonder, “the bad to be tolerated?” Well, interpret it your way.

But here is my take.

St. Augustine follows the instruction of Jesus in the spirit of Matthew 13: 30 – 32 in terms of treating the “bad.”. He did not take it upon himself to become the judge of his brethren but corrected them according to Matthew 18: 15- 20.

In fact, Augustine considered that evil must be drawn to the good because away from the good, it will just grow more evil.

Now, this is what a real father, a real leader is, not a politician.

Unfortunately, saints are rare, while politicians are many.

P.S. Watch my reflections on YouTube (click here) to check my latest videos.

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