Off Ramp by Spencer Cox

OFF RAMP by Spencer Cox, the Governor of Utah, offers his take on “How to Be a Peacemaker in an Age of Contempt.” Cox came to national attention after his rather level-headed and heartfelt response to the 2025 assassination of political activist, Charlie Kirk. In his new book, Cox references that time and argues, “The problem is that we aren't just disagreeing with each other; we're despising each other…. Disagreement says, ‘you are wrong.’ Contempt says, ‘you are beneath me.’ In OFF RAMP Cox combines elements of a memoir, referencing interactions with both the Trump and Biden administrations, with pleas for action by the average American. He notes that “the change we desperately need in our country will never come solely from the Oval Office or the halls of Congress." He advocates for actions with a list of almost a dozen principles that center on building community and forgiveness, including “Lead with Curiosity not Contempt,” “Resist the Urge to Tell People They’re Wrong,” and “Belonging Before Persuasion.” Too bad that our leaders do not show this grace more regularly. Whether actions by the average person will have an impact is certainly debatable, too, although there is widespread concern across party lines. Here are links to a 2020 Pew Research Center study and a more recent one related to the increase in perceived political violence. Cox, ever hopeful, writes, “… you are not alone. Millions of other strong and good citizens are holding the line in churches, schools, and communities across America.” Roughly fifteen percent of Cox’s text is devoted to notes and there is a helpful index.