Today a video flashed on my screen. I didn’t like it. Not because it was in poor taste, which it was in my judgemental opinion, but because it dramatized the sad future of our children. The video was of a parade, in what may be a Main Street USA, or wherever. The float was a caricature of Donald Trump, with people kicking his behind. It bothered me. I cringed when I saw a mommy rushing over with her kid, making him (or her) kick the pink behind of the President of the United States.
For the record: I did not vote for Donald Trump. I also take exception to his style. I have issues with his policies. Big time! Those of you who read my posts, know that.
But I don’t want to see us pulled down to a level where it is acceptable to kick the butt of the President of the United States. That is beneath us. There are dignified ways of expressing our opinions. Yes, there is a place for comic relief, and laughter is the best medicine, but even fun and laughter has its boundaries. When we disrespect the highest office of our nation, we compromise our values of dignity, restraint, and composure.
Granted, that the highest office of our country has set the tone, unleashed our inhibitions, made it politically correct to belittle others, but should we be following that example? If we don’t like what we see, why are we embracing the same behavior? Can we not confront mean and disrespectful conduct with patience and composure, and set an example that we will not be provoked into insolent behavior? This is not the first time I have seen people taking impertinent jabs at the President, but it is the first time I have witnessed a mother rushing her child to kick a—s. That child may grow up learning that it is o.k. to be rude, impolite, and ill-mannered.
Why must we look to our leaders for exemplary behavior? We have our Constitution, our Declaration of Independence, and all the truths that we hold self-evident. Those embody our values. Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness mean something far more than the freedom to kick a—s. It is the freedom to stand up for our values through conduct that is exemplary, dignified, eloquent, and compelling.
On this Fourth of July, when we stand on the sidelines cheering the floats, let these be cheers of pride and joy, not jeers or smirks. On this day, when we raised the banner of values we honor, I want us to re-claim what we cherish; reclaim it with pride, and let our children be witness to conduct that is dignified and compassionate. When the fireworks light up the sky, perhaps it will light that spark.
Long Live America; Long Live Its Values.
