Politics and Monkeys

During a classroom discussion about bullying, an elementary school kid was quoted as saying that he doesn't like Donald Trump because he is a bully.  The child eventually explained that he doesn't like Trump because his parents don't like Trump.

This underscores the fact that children copy what we do, what we say, and how we behave.  Monkey see, monkey do.

The teacher was bemoaning children's lack of respect for teachers, and lack of respect for adults in general.  She said it's worse than ever.  Social media have a lot to do with that.  Kids can be mean, especially online.  We've all heard stories about bullied kids committing suicide.

There are lots of reasons why so many adults are drawn to Trump's fiery politics, not the least of which is Americans' frustration over their lot in life and anger at how their government is run.  They blame the President, Congress and all things government.  That flows to children, who conclude that dissing authority is accepted.

These next few months leading to the nominating conventions -- and especially the months afterward -- promise bitter, scorched-earth politicking.  Civility and respect will be the first casualties.

How you and I conduct ourselves directly affects what kind of people our children become.

Monkey see, monkey do.

The Show

The press has been having some fun with Donald Trump, but in my opinion, the "controversy" is shameful.  I like to hold politicians' feet to the fire.  They should be queried, and hard, but this Trump thing is crap.  Fox's little show in early August was just that: a show.  Fox's storyboard for that show was,  "Watch us 'get' Trump."

Trump is an egoist and a narcissist, among other things.  (Oh, yeah: in case you haven't heard, he's also bombastic.). He is a multi-billionaire who knows how to get things done in the rarified air of the movers and shakers in his sphere.  He does what he wants, he does it his way, and screw anyone who takes offense.  "I don't have time for political correctness," he says.  "And neither does this country."

You've heard the Trump quote about Megyn Kelly.  For overly sensitive women and those who claim to speak for them, he implied that Kelly was being bitchy because she was on her period.  He didn't say that, and he claims that he didn't mean that.

"Who would say that?" Trump told CNN the following Sunday.  "Do you think I'd make a statement like that? Who would make a statement like that? Only a sick person would even think about that."  

His denials, however, are being buried so that the story line continues to morph.  As a result, the press continues to pound its fist over a non-existent slight.

True, Trump's candidacy may eventually implode.  His political adviser, Roger Stone, either was sacked or quit the campaign after the GOP presidential debate.  He claims that he quit.  

If Trump's campaign eventually implodes, I hope that it's because of Trump, not some manufactured controversy.  It's a show, people, performed for your entertainment, and the news media's ratings.  Oh, wait: did I just imply that Fox News practices journalism?