What Our Children Are Learning from Their President

I grew up in a time (1950's-60s) when we looked to our elders for examples of behavior and guidance on how to treat others. My parents were among the most patient and polite of people, and I like to think that my attempts always to be polite and consider the thoughts and feelings of others are a golden legacy left by the sort of people we don't always see any more.

I have three children and six grandchildren, and I like to think I've been a positive model for their behavior So far, things look good. But I wonder, as we approach Father's Day this coming weekend, what lessons my grandchildren and - gasp! - eventual great-grandchildren are learning from the behavior of the sitting President of the United States.

Der Furor was elected in large part because he bluffed people into thinking he was something he is not and never was: a brilliant deal maker, a strong and powerful personality feared and admired by all, an expert in everything, devoutly religious, a man who cares deeply about the hopes and fears of the average American, etc, etc, etc. He has proven himself to be none of these. Instead, these are the lessons he provides for the next generation: 

It's okay to mock the disabled.

Never apologize for anything - it's a sign of weakness.

Never admit you are wrong - it's a sign of weakness.

Laws only apply to losers.

Name-calling is fine. The ability to come up with childish nicknames for your enemies shows how clever you are.

Science is useless unless you can monetize it immediately, and especially useless if it stands in the way of business growth and profit.

Empathy is for suckers.

Fear anyone who is not white.

Cheating is perfectly okay unless your opponents do it.

Bullying is a legitimate way to get what you want.

A woman's job is to be quiet, beautiful, and submissive. 

Stealing from charities is okay.

Reading is a waste of time.

There's nothing wrong with dishonoring the dead.

The truth is whatever you want it to be; there's nothing wrong with lying if it gets you what you want.

Always blame others when things go wrong.

Always take credit for the accomplishments of better persons.

I could go on, but I feel bad enough already. If you're okay with this sort of behavior, I'm sorry for you and for your children.

It will take decades to repair the damage Der Furor has done to the nation, but I fear it will take longer to repair the damage he has gleefully done to our national character and to the values our children are learning. 

Think hard about this when you vote in the November midterm elections and in the 2028 presidential election. Character used to matter. Make it matter again.

Have a good day. More thoughts coming.

Bilbo