Searching for today’s link, I came across an editorial subheading that irritated me. I couldn’t shake my annoyance as I continued looking for something to post, so I decided to write about the subheading instead. The editorial in question is entitled “There Is No Right Side of History” and its subheading reads, “I’m a political progressive. The idea that ‘history’ is on our side — which we’re sure to hear this 118th Congress — is a dangerous myth.” In these fractured times, claims of danger possess a special urgency. But what about belief in “the right side of history” is actually, imminently dangerous? Could it be silly? Depending on your point of view, maybe. Condescending? Again, maybe. But dangerous? That’s more than a bit much.

Looking around the house, I can pick out about five thousand items with the potential to harm: the refrigerator, a bookcase, a screw. If the first word I used to describe any of them was dangerous, though, one would rightly think I’d lost my mind. So how have we gotten to the point where a writer or editor can say the “right side of history” mentality is dangerous and get away with it? Because we live on political high alert. If a descriptor doesn’t induce panic, it serves no purpose. Given the thoughtful content of the column in question, it would have been far more accurate for the subheading to say, “The idea that ‘history’ is on our side… is an unfortunate myth.” But unfortunate makes the reader think, “Interesting,” rather than, “Attack!” “Interesting” gets quiet contemplation. “Attack!” gets shares.

The English language might not be as beautiful as French or Spanish, but it is larger. It has thirty percent more words than the former and more than twice as many as the latter, which means writers should have no trouble being precise… if that’s their goal. We need to reward those columnists who show an interest in precision like Theodore R. Johnson, David French and Mona Charen, because commentators looking to paint a grand picture rather than reflect the actual moment aren’t healing or even addressing our divisions. They’re deepening them.