Today's MOZEN: R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

F LoBuono

Aside: Ironically or, perhaps, more appropriately, prophetically, as I write this entry the film Judgement at Nuremburg is airing in the background on my television.

What more could I add to the virtually universal condemnation of Donald Trump and his latest vitriolic, misogynistic, vile, and totally inappropriate comments about his interactions with women?

Well, just this -

As an athlete for a good portion of my life, I have been in countless locker rooms and participated in much of the so-called male banter that one might accurately describe as ribald. And, I enjoyed it - to a degree. Even under those testosterone fueled antics, a line most be drawn. Sexually explicit and exploitive language is NOT acceptable. A teammate who engaged in this behavior was ultimately no friend of mine. Any MAN who was properly raised by his parents understands and accepts the notion of respect for women. Youth is not an excuse (that means YOU, Billy Bush). Nor, is having extraordinary wealth (Mr. Trump). Furthermore, to be used by a man who would be President is simply abhorrent.

I was taught this early on by BOTH of my parents.

When I was a young man of dating age, before leaving for every encounter with a young lady, my mother would pull me aside and say the same thing every time:

Frankie, don't forget, you have a mother and a sister.

"What the heck is that supposed mean"? was my standard reply.

Stella would always respond: "you know EXACTLY what that means".

And, I did.

Any man who cannot, or does not, live by that creed is not a man at all. And, anyone, man OR woman, who supports that behavior, especially in a person who wishes to lead OUR Country, should be as ashamed as the one who committed the act in the first place.

As for Judgement at Nuremburg; for those who are unfamiliar with it, the film is based on the true story of the trial of Nazi officials for crimes committed against humanity during WWII. The ultimate message is that acceptance of behavior we KNOW to be wrong leads us down a path of degradation, death, and ultimate destruction. We cannot live looking away and making excuses.

That is all.