I was once called a bully at work. A sensitive co-worker did not like the angle of my head while I typed on the computer. She thought my posture was overly haughty — which is pretty funny, given that the angle of my head while typing is determined by the location of the sweet spot in my trifocals, versus any desire to intimidate. In this case it was a a misunderstanding that could be readily sorted out. Of course, not all bullying charges are that benign.
I am currently reading “Fire and Fury” about the D’s administration, which supports the growing mountain evidence that an uninformed, self-aggrandizing bully is in charge. If the book is to be believed, the level of dysfunction is even greater than it appears. The 2016 election gave The D the ultimate bully pulpit.
By now, The D has turned on the courts, the press and the justice department. He believes anything he says is true, simply because he is the one saying it. Victims or media outlets that publish or speak the truth are labeled ‘fake news’ or simply called liars. How can we reason with those who distrust science and knowledge, and are motivated only by power lust and greed? How can we seek justice from those who simply do not care about the welfare of others?
A bully lacks empathy for others. At its extreme are monsters such as Dr Larry Nassar, the physician who molested young gymnasts for decades, under the guise of medical treatment, without consequence before the sheer volume of accusations could no longer be ignored. (The victim count is currently 263). Many others in authority were complicit in covering up his crimes. Much suffering and tragedy could have been averted if the first girls to speak up had been believed. Instead their truth was ignored and their misery was compounded by being called liars and being forced to choose between continued abuse or giving up their gymnastics aspirations. These girls trusted the adults in their lives, and the adults sold them to the devil himself.
Leadership qualities can be used for good or for evil: Hitler was a charismatic and effective leader, and a despicable person without regard for human life. Many otherwise normal people were charmed by his message and persona and chose to ignore or minimize his dark side and rabid anti-Semitism. Similarly, many Americans and Republicans, caught up in The D’s vortex, have chosen to disregard The D’s ‘dark side’, racism, and incompetence.
Due to a variety of bizarre circumstances, The D finds himself in a leadership role that (I think we can all agree) is well above his capabilities. The horrors of this administration mount daily.
Larry Nassar abused small girls for decades before the truth prevailed and he was held accountable for his actions; but not before leaving a legacy of suffering. How much longer before the truth that is under our noses about The D is believed and he is held accountable?
It is something to ponder. Perhaps I should also ponder getting a new pair of glasses, lest I offend someone as I type this post.