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JUNE 8 WEEKENDER: Second Opinion – The Cult of Never

Donald Trump and Conrad Black are all part of a growing cult that share a love for a single word – Never.
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Grand Forks Gazette Weekender columnist Jim Holtz.

There is a growing cult out there, a prominent group of aggressive, powerful people who share a love for a single word – never.

Their favourite word is found often in the phrases that they love to repeat: Never give in; never give up; never back down; never admit defeat; never look back; never show fear; never apologize, etc.

As you might expect, the members of the Cult of Never are all male. Well, they used to be. The cult made an exception in the ‘80s for Maggie Thatcher and now there are lots of women members.

Being aggressive, powerful men and women, members of the cult have (not surprisingly) worked their way up in society to where they are the movers and shakers of business and government.

In those positions of power, they have managed to popularize many of the cult’s favourite phrases.

Today, everyone admires the successful mogul/sports figure/actor who proudly declares that he never gave up or gave in while pursuing his dream of fame.

We applaud the politician who never admitted defeat, but campaigned on, never losing hope and never looking back.  And who doesn’t silently admire those rugged, multi-millionaires, the Donald Trumps and Conrad Blacks, who never regret and never apologize?

Yes, the Cult of Never has an appeal that is rooted in the very fabric of our society and as a result, we hardly notice as it seeps and soaks its way into our lives.

When wealthy landlords never take responsibility for their crumbling, mould-infested rental suites, when corporations never admit guilt in bribery scandals, or acknowledge responsibility for sweatshop labour conditions, unsafe mines, unsound environmental practices or environmental disasters, the media covers the story briefly, takes a few pictures of mouldy walls or oil-covered ducks and then forgets about it, as do we.

If a young singer on Canadian Idol can get to the top by never giving up and never admitting defeat, then why shouldn’t Exxon, or SNC-Lavalin or Rob Ford?

The Cult of Never has influenced us all to respect and admire the determination and resiliency of all who dare say never, and to never nay-say the never-sayers but instead, revere them as the backbone and mainspring of society.

How ironic that this Canadian Neverland makes us yearn even more for Never Never Land.

– Jim Holtz is Weekender columnist and former reporter for the Grand Forks Gazette