Parents and educators are fighting a battle against the influence of some forms of mass media, particularly in the last ten years or so. Kids are swayed by role models that most of us would find despicable. We can’t even count on all of our government leaders to be positive examples anymore.
However, the death of President George H.W. Bush brought most of us together in agreement that “41” was indeed a positive role model for children and adults alike.
President Clinton, who grew very close to Bush when they worked together post-Presidencies, wrote a touching piece in the Washington Post that exemplifies how adversaries can indeed treat each other with respect and kindness. Clinton wrote that, for Bush, people always came before politics, patriotism before partisanship. Clinton also included the traditional “passing of the baton” Presidential letter that Bush wrote for Clinton in January 1993 as they were peacefully exchanging power.
It is difficult enough to promote common values and ethics in a day when our adult leaders are failing to provide the example we want. Care and kindness need to be the norm as we segue into 2019.
We can return to an era of respect so our children can experience the best of what our leadership can offer.
