"Stay in your lane, bro."
It’s the current buzzword phrase meant to warn those from doing things they aren’t qualified to do, or to give advice in an area where they lack expertise or experience. Too often, people seize upon a little knowledge and use this as the basis for a blanket condemnation of an entire philosophy. They believe an internet search can replace a medical degree, or they are more qualified than the teachers they vilify.
Such is also the case with many who shelter themselves from opposing points-of-view, whose only news source, for example, is Fox News or if they are left-leaning, MSNBC. They stay in their lane and never venture beyond, refusing to consider that maybe, just maybe, a broader base of information might contribute to a more informed opinion.
Make no mistake, I consider myself to be fairly intelligent -- I'm a college professor, after all, but then some of my students may take issue with that assessment! But, I am also dumber than a box of rocks when it comes to certain things. Recognizing this is what separates me from the so-called “experts”, who try to defend things that are beyond their comprehension. I know where my weaknesses lie.
My son will tell you that the scariest words for me on Christmas morning are “Some Assembly Required”. It simply is not my strong point.
Faux Experts
But in the current political climate, where everyone considers themselves an "expert," so often that "expertise" is based on information from a single source, or multiple sources echoing the same perspective and often, the same “Fake News”. They build upon this limited knowledge and find others of like mind to reinforce their beliefs. They then repeat the propaganda that they have embraced, further creating distractions, distortions and distrust -- all born of their fake expertise.
Today we have so many who take part in the political conversation with little or no knowledge of a candidate’s stance on very important issues. They focus on the candidate's position on a single issue -- the Second Amendment or abortion, for example -- and ignore everything else. They are taken in by the rhetoric that reinforces what they want to believe. And the result? A lesser qualified candidate is chosen.
My advice; do the research into who is the best candidate. Broaden your horizon. In other words, don't stay in your lane, bro. Your vote is too important for that.