Political Bites

Let’s be honest, assuming that is still possible in these days of the new normal. The subject: bullies and bullying. Over the last couple of decades Americans have campaigned against bullying behavior and labeled bullies as undesirable. Schools have worked hard to eliminate the behavior in their halls and classrooms.

With the election of Donald Trump, the campaign against bullying has been exposed as faltering at best and hypocritical at worst. Ever since Teddy Roosevelt, the White House has been recognized as a bully pulpit and it remains very much so today, albeit it not with the same meaning as in Teddy’s day.

The term bully pulpit has taken on a more sinister meaning. It has become a platform for insults, ridicule, and intimidation spewed by the most unfit person to ever use it.

To witness its abuse one need look no further than video clips of Trump’s display of bullying prowess at the National Prayer Breakfast, Feb. 6. Trump did not limit his bullying to the prayer breakfast, but it was easily his most egregious display as he used it to demean people of faith, the exact opposite intent of the event.

Ask yourself, what gives Trump the right to question and ridicule the faith of others?

His bullying was not the worst aspect of these events. No, the worst aspect was the obvious approval of those attending, most especially at the one that occurred in the East Room of the White House, where many people can be seen taking pleasure in his performance and thereby encouraging more of the same. As someone noted, it is not the bully himself that is most deserving of condemnation; it is those that enable and encourage him.

Americans, who ostensibly oppose bullies, have placed a bully in the White House. We see his example being followed more and more by those seeking office and by their supporters. When we elect a bully to the highest office in the land, doesn’t that make us a nation of bullies and enablers? If we are not, then let’s vote him out of office and make it clear his sort are not wanted there.

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