The silencing of Stephen Colbert, should not only raise concerns but questions. Why did this happen and what does this action mean? This isn’t a moment to celebrate, but a moment to contemplate. Has Trump’s aggressive demeanor in suing essentially private news outlets and using the awesome power of the presidency to force through favorable settlements make our democracy better?
The numerous out of court settlements that have already occurred have emboldened him to increasingly use the legal system to attack, never back down and deny. This is a philosophy he learned from the infamous Roy Cohn who taught him to never admit a mistake publically. It’s become part of his DNA. So we should not be surprised but we should know what to expect.
He’s self centered, self important, and only cares about himself. These are probably the worst traits to have in a democratic leader or any leader in general. Servant leadership is what is demanded from this abhorrent image of a man. He doesn’t represent American values or ideals. He represents the grifter, the conman and the swindler. That’s why the US is not celebrated anymore but held at a distance of mistrust.
The bottom line is this is what happens when we as Americans put the acquisition of money before virtue. This usually happens in communities who are desperate but today the shrinking middle class and ever more powerful wealthy should have higher spiritual sights for the treatment of their fellow man/woman than the teachings of the racist and regressive neocon position. We matter more than our assets and until we vote and live this way, the Trump Specter will always exist even after he leaves office.
What matters to you? What does your ideal president look like? You should have that image in mind in proportion to the love of your fellow man/woman in your heart. Money has its place. It’s very important when you’re a person like me with multiple children in college. But it should not be the end all be all. People, community, love of country, love of goodness, should have the preeminence in our lives. If not, the downward slide of excuses takes over the narrative.
I don’t believe greed is good, or those who subscribe to this sentiment are. What matters to you? For some, that is what you worship and is your religion and your god. I believe we should be in love with each other and work to meet each other’s needs. Shop local, take care of family, look out for your community and hope that we live to see tomorrow. We won’t make it by being selfish, or hateful. We won’t make it by exploiting each other. We won’t make it by hurting one another, by various schemes.
This isn’t a religion but a life pursuit. To help anyone in need by your ability. Our country needs another example or version of public leadership. FDR, though not perfect, I believe was a decent example of a good President. We should aim higher, when it comes to presidential virtues. Someone who lives above reproach, or at least tries. A person who is sympathetic towards the less fortunate. Someone who cares about the plight of the poor and disenfranchised. The question is who do you support?
Patrick Vincent says
Good Article, but I don’t think any president where democratic or republican really care for poor or middle class. All government wants is money for themselves and they take it form middle class. Lower class the poor get all the benefits at least in all the democratic states
Jack Jones says
The parties have definitely mutated and not for the best either. I understand your frustration. Thanx for your post, Jack