From the file. Written for the paper dated July 1983. Opened in the public stacks July 14, 2026.
As the nation continues to grapple with the fallout from recent scandals, it’s becoming increasingly clear that both sides of the political spectrum are engaging in a dangerous game of selective memory. This week’s events have laid bare the hypocrisy that both the left and right are all too willing to overlook in their relentless quest for power.
Left vs. Right: The Scandals of the Week
On one side, the left has been quick to condemn the Reagan administration’s dealings, particularly regarding the Iran-Contra affair, where arms were traded for hostages and funds were funneled to anti-communist rebels in Nicaragua. Public outrage has reached a fever pitch as evidence mounts that the administration may have violated both U.S. laws and international norms. However, it is disconcerting to see that many on the left conveniently forget similar transgressions committed during past Democratic administrations. The Watergate scandal, for instance, serves as a glaring reminder of how power can corrupt, regardless of party affiliation. Yet, the left’s current indignation seems to stem from a place of political opportunism rather than genuine moral outrage.
Conversely, the right continues to rally behind the administration, dismissing the mounting evidence of wrongdoing as mere partisan attacks. Their selective memory extends back to the Clinton years, during which time they were all too eager to exploit the president’s personal scandals for political gain. Now, as the Reagan administration faces scrutiny, the right’s defense of their leaders seems almost comical when one considers their previous outcry over ethical breaches. They appear to have forgotten their own mantras about accountability and integrity.
“Both sides are guilty of turning a blind eye when it suits their agenda.”
The Bipartisan Habit of Selective Memory
This week, congressmen from both sides of the aisle have displayed a disturbing tendency to pick and choose which scandals to condemn and which to overlook. This selective memory creates a dangerous precedent, as it allows political leaders to act without accountability, knowing that their supporters will turn a blind eye to their misdeeds. It raises the question: how can the American public trust its leaders when they are so willing to ignore the truth?
Moreover, the media’s role in this selective memory cannot be understated. Coverage tends to favor sensationalism over substance, with outlets often prioritizing ratings over rigorous investigative journalism. This week, the press has been saturated with talk of the latest political drama, with little focus on the broader implications of these scandals. As a result, the public is left with a distorted view of reality, fed by sensational headlines rather than informed discourse.
The Call for Accountability
As we move forward, it is imperative that both sides of the aisle take a step back and reassess their priorities. True accountability requires a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, regardless of political affiliation. The American public deserves leaders who are willing to be held to the same standards they impose on others. It is time for both the left and the right to acknowledge their shared responsibility in fostering a political culture that values integrity over expediency.
The recent scandals should serve as a wake-up call for all Americans. We must demand transparency and accountability from our leaders, regardless of party lines. The era of selective memory must come to an end. Only through a commitment to honesty can we hope to restore trust in our government and its institutions.
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