The practice of whataboutism has become commonplace when most folks talk about politics.

            You know, when someone says this person did this and your response is "Oh yeah!  Well what about that person - they did that.  Usually, it's two unrelated comparisons.

            It's a way to deflect away from the original subject with a reversal of an accusation – charging one with an offense that may or may not be similar to what the other has been accused of.  A way to avoid topics by raising irrelevant ones.

            Washington, DC is full of whataboutists.

            The reversal of accusations solves nothing.

            Two wrongs don't make a right.

            Instead of engaging in whataboutism, how about dealing with the truth. And, how about our Representatives in Congress act, well, Congressional.

            With the exception of their hard-core followers, people are tired of the feuding on both sides of the aisle.  This person said something offensive to a group of people and, because of it, will be banished from their committee assignments.  Well, what about that member of Congress who said something equally offensive to a different group of people and was only poo-pooed by the leadership because of their misguided statements?

            Fear runs rampant in the halls of Congress. It did so before Jan. 6, 2021 and it continues.  Fear of what a fellow member might post on social media about another; fear of what a fellow member might leak to the mainstream media about another; fear of how that might affect their support for legislation they or their party supports; and most of all, fear about how their words and actions might affect their chances for re-election.

            In 1776 there were plenty of arguments going on in a place we call Independence Hall in Philadelphia.  When those representatives returned home to face and consult with the people of their colonies, I wonder how much whataboutism was taking place.

            They had messages to convey, discussions to hold, and opinions to collect and bring back to the representatives from the other colonies.  Then, they needed to find an agreement among all.  I'm sure there was much debate and there were many comparisons among their discussions before they finally agreed on a Declaration of Independence.

            Many Americans are grateful that they did. 

            Compare apples to apples, and oranges to oranges and avoid disparate comparisons.

            Just answer the questions, tell the truth and do the right thing – avoid whataboutisms.