Mitt Romney gets this week’s Self Identity Award!
Senator Romney stood and inspired the nation (me), when he announced his impeachment vote decision, then broke down for us in detail, exactly how he arrived at that decision.
Senator Romney voted yes to remove the President from office, on one article of impeachment. His decision effectively eschewed party politics and group identity. Romney stand apart as the only Senator to vote for the removal of a President from his own party. His vote ran counter to the cohesive front his party had tried hard to maintain throughout the proceedings, and evoked intensely negative reactions among some in his party.
Senator Romney remarked that he had received numerous emails and phone calls urging him to “stand with the team”. He decided not to. Instead, he honored his self identity, by acting in accordance with his faith and personal values. Romney was true to himself, in spite of the fact that he believed he would “hear abuse from the president and his supporters” and “be vehemently denounced”.
Simply put, even though it wouldn’t change the outcome of the hearings, Senator Romney decided to “apply impartial justice” and put his “personal feelings and biases aside” to do his job. He managed to rise above the rancor and tribalism that defines our country right now.
Senator Romney lived the historic moment of impeachment in accordance with his self identity. He didn’t allow allegiance to his group identity to eclipse his personal values. He elevated self over group. These are Self Identity Project goals!!
Flexible Perspective 