OPINION: The legacy of courage in a culture of outrage

American politics has always been a contest of ideas and Idaho is no exception. But the strength of our nation and state comes from courage. Outrage can be loud, angry, and attention-grabbing. Courage is quieter, harder, but oh so powerful. As we look at the state of our politics, we need to ask ourselves: are we a people of moral courage, or have we allowed ourselves to become addicted to moral outrage?

The Republican Party was born out of moral courage. In the 1850s Democrats defended slavery and the Whigs looked the other way. Republicans rose up with a simple conviction that human freedom could not be compromised, which was not the easy choice. Speaking out against slavery was considered divisive, dangerous, and radical — and the right thing to do. That single act of moral courage defined our party at its birth and carried it through its greatest victories: abolition, women’s suffrage, and civil rights.

In 1869, Republicans backed women’s right to vote in Wyoming and in 1920 pushed the 19th Amendment across the finish line. We provided the majorities that passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Time and again, our party chose courage over popularity and did what was necessary for freedom.

Today, too many leaders, including Republicans, have fallen into the trap of outrage. Legislators introduce bills on problems that don’t exist, intentionally stirring up emotions instead solving real problems. This 'legislation' may generate social media clicks, or help with fundraising, but doesn’t make government work better. Their passion for outrage is greater than their capacity to govern.

Moral outrage demands unity through anger, not reason. It divides, exhausts, and insists it’s leadership, but moral courage is different. It doesn’t chase headlines or invent problems just to score points or distract. It addresses real issues, even when the solutions are complex and/or unpopular. Courage is a parent who stands up for their child’s education at a school board meeting. It is what happened when our community came together to save North Idaho College. Courage is a legislator who says 'no' to wasteful spending even when lobbyists and party bosses push the other way. Courage is a leader who protects the right to free speech, even for voices they disagree with, because they know liberty will not survive without it.

Thomas Sowell once observed, "Freedom of speech includes the freedom to offend me." It’s easy to defend speech we agree with; it takes courage to defend speech we dislike. The same goes for religious liberty. Our Constitution protects not one faith, but all faiths: Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, and more. Defending that right for everyone, not just those who share our beliefs, takes courage.

America’s greatest threats today won’t be fixed by louder outrage — only by stronger courage. Outrage gets clicks, but courage gets results. Outrage divides communities. Courage heals. Outrage burns hot and fast. Courage transcends the moment.

Our party’s defining strength has always been moral courage — facing down slavery, rejecting injustice, and advancing opportunity. That legacy demands more of us today, not less. Every generation chooses: courage or outrage. Outrage is easy and temporary. It fades with the next so-called ‘existential crisis.’ Courage endures, and it leaves a legacy of freedom.

America doesn’t need more outrage; it needs courage. Republicans must choose principle over side shows and real solutions over manufactured crises. Our obligation is not to feed anger. Our duty is to secure liberty. Everything else is noise.

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Becky Funk is a member of North Idaho Republicans and is the former Chair of Legislative District 4 Republican Committee.