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| Photo Scott Audette, Reuters. Words F LoBuono |
In the days and weeks following that incident, the player accused of the bullying was released and a host of awareness campaigns, anti-bullying legislation, and the like were activated. TV commercials featuring well known celebrities flooded the air waves with the message that bullying must stop. Schools created specific anti-bullying curricular to deal with the problem. Politicians stumped with that theme as their platform. It would be fair to say the message was ubiquitous.
So, where are we now in dealing with bullies?
Well, we seem to have forgotten all about it - already.
Because, now, we have THE DONALD.
Donald Trump, the leader in the race for the GOP Presidential nomination, is the ULTIMATE BULLY. He is as vicious as he is bellicose. Should anyone dare question his strategy, motivation, background, lineage, or intentions, they are attacked without mercy. Even those charged with challenging him, like REPORTERS, are assaulted in almost every way. They are verbal abused and ridiculed. Some have even been forcibly removed for asking legitimate questions, simply because The Donald did not like them. He would like everyone to believe he is fair, balanced, and good-natured. And, if you don't believe him, he'll have someone kick the shit out of you to prove it. He's the type of bully who personally never gets his hands dirty. He pays others to do his dirty work. But, verbally, he is pretty damned good at hurling invectives at perceived adversaries. And, NO ONE is immune.
The most recent, shameless incident involves a NY Times reporter. It seems the reporter, while working for the Washington Post, wrote something concerning post 9-11 celebrations in Jersey City. Trump used that article to reference as proof his unsubstantiated accusation that "thousands of Muslims" celebrated the attack in the streets of Jersey City. The reporter, Serge Kovalski, has subsequently claimed that he never witnessed the celebrations directly and reported. at the time, the claim was unsubstantiated. This has enraged The Donald. And, of course, he has attacked! Mr. Trump not only attacked the man's credibility but his disability, as well! It seems that Mr. Kovalski has a genetic disorder that affects his limps, preventing him from moving his arms in a normal range. While lambasting him verbally, The Donald lampooned Mr. Kovalski's disability by moving his arms awkwardly,
Of course, the shit hit the fan. Most of mainstream America was shocked. They looked for Mr. Trump to apologize.
So, did he?
Hell NO!
Instead, The Donald played the role he plays best - the bully - and, he attacked! He further insulted Mr. Kovalski's reporting. He denied using physical gestures to mock him, claiming he would never make fun of ANYONE with a disability. Trump went on to explain that his movement was to demonstrate that Mr. Kovalski was "groveling" and "pandering". He went so far as to accuse him of using his disability to curry sympathy!
This is CLASSIC bully behavior - attack, attack, attack. Even when wrong - ATTACK!
He is shameful in his shamelessness.
But, what might be more disturbing to me than The Donald's behavior is that of his supporters. Despite his brutality, his lies, and his narcissistic behavior, millions of Americans continue to enthusiastically support him. In fact, they more than support him - they emulate him. There are numerous reports of abusive behavior at many Trump rallies. Should anyone come to challenge him, they will suffer not only his wrath but that of his followers, as well. As recently as last week, it was reported that a man who dared disagree with Trump was savagely beaten by his supporters.
When I was playing ball as a young man, it was often said that the team usually takes on the personality of its leader, i.e. the coach. If the coach is aggressive, so is the team. I believe that. So it is in the case of The Donald. He is a bully and those that believe in him support that behavior. It's shameful.
I, for one, do not do well with bullies. I don't respect them. In fact, I do not tolerate them. And, you shouldn't either.
DUMP TRUMP.
Good work, Frank. You have it right: the man's a bully. He has shot himself in the mouth and will wither despite the Third Reich-like temporary following.
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