What is it about being considered to be on the RIGHT in politics these days? It seems to be one of those incendiary words that absolutely sets those on the “left” ablaze. Agitators, provocateurs and instigators seem to use the word RIGHT to foment, spur and demagogue those who lean in a direction opposite to theirs. Those on the RIGHT refer to those who rile against them, and are opposed to them, as occupying space on the “left” of the political spectrum. So where did this “left” and RIGHT begin to define and occupy our political narrative.
In the more recent past, we can trace the beginning of this division back to the physical seating arrangements of politicians during the French Revolution in 1789 (history.com). Those who were liberal, progressive or revolutionary gravitated to occupy the left seats in their assemblies, while those who were conservative and nationalistic, many being of nobility and religious leaders, gravitated to the RIGHT seats in the same assemblies (dictionary.com).
This may seem to be a strange topic for our blog, but we simply got to thinking about how being to the RIGHT may not be such an abnormal place to be found, especially in our modern, western world today. Consider some of the many applications of being on, or in, or with the RIGHT today.
Service members salute with their RIGHT hand and arm. When swearing in a court of law, the RIGHT hand is raised to affirm your testimony. In your pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States, one’s RIGHT hand is placed over the heart. Consider the analogy of escalators. Usually, they are on the RIGHT when going up, and the ones on the “left” are going down. We don’t know about you, but when our life on earth is done, we would prefer to be on the escalator going up, rather than the one going down. In an airport, moving walkways on the RIGHT will take you to your destination, while those on the “left” will bring you back to your starting point. How about this quirky one. Ever hear the term “RIGHTy tighty, lefty loosie”? A round spigot knob is turned to the RIGHT to secure the flow of liquid, to “conserve” the resource.
In the United States, we drive on the RIGHT side of roadways. Traffic circles work by turning to the RIGHT to get on them, and again to the RIGHT to exit them. On waterways and in airways, you give way to the RIGHT with on-coming traffic. Consider the fact that in our Nation we read to the RIGHT in a book to its conclusion, and to the RIGHT on each book opening and on each line. How about the fact that analogue clock hands move to the RIGHT in a clockwise direction. We are assured that on any issue discussed, you would acknowledge that there is a RIGHT way to consider the issue, and a wrong way, and that you would prefer to consider the issue the RIGHT way. There is usually always a RIGHT course of action, a RIGHT way to go, and a RIGHT process to follow. Wouldn’t we always prefer to take the RIGHT way, or the RIGHT course, or even select the RIGHT treatment for our ailment. How about the fact that our Nation’s flag is to always appear to the RIGHT hand of the speaker, clergy, and to the RIGHT hand of any other flag. Do you realize the United States flag is always flown on the RIGHT front bumper of the President’s limo?
Let’s for a moment delve into the religious area concerning the use of the word RIGHT. As believers, we would want to be as righteous as possible. Guess what, that word begins with the word RIGHT! We also know that Jesus spoke of the day of judgement when the sheep will be separated from the goats, and the sheep are moved to the RIGHT hand of Jesus (Matthew 25: 31-46). He called the ones on His RIGHT blessed and are given life eternal. Following the resurrection of Jesus from death, He was seated at the RIGHT hand of the Father (Mark 16:19; Acts 7:55; Romans 8:34). The Apostle Paul talked about accepting others by giving them the RIGHT hand of fellowship. When you shake someone’s hand, what hand to you use? We bet it is with your RIGHT hand.
We want to declare in our blog today that being in the RIGHT is a pretty good place to be. Those on the RIGHT are adamant about maintaining our Nation’s FREEDOM and LIBERTY. If you are not on the RIGHT, we hope you will consider the comments above and re-evaluate your position in life. We really do believe that There Is Justification For Being on the RIGHT. Which way do you lean?