Reflections of “E”: Drama, yelling at the President and Home training…

The last week has been full of foolishness. Between disruptive behavior at the President’s address to Congress, folks acting like the President delivering a stay in school message to students was Armageddon, and Kanye West taking the mic from Taylor Swift, it’s hard to know what’s going to happen next. In addition, there was Serena Williams losing her temper at the U.S. Open, and a general verbal aggression surrounding discussions about healthcare reform. Sometimes, it feels like people are just losing their minds. The incidents with the President are really unnerving because he is in a position that should garner nothing but respect. There are innumerable ways to disagree with someone or an idea without being blatantly disrespectful. I can’t think of anytime when a Congress member would be yelling at the President and calling him a liar (like Joe Wilson). Joe Wilson yelling “you lie!” I don’t care how passionate they were. Other Congress members were acting like little kids holding signs and making faces during the address to congress. Kanye West just told a teenager that she didn’t deserve her award while she was accepting it (after posing for pics on the red carpet with a bottle of Hennessy). People protested to have the President’s addressed to students not played in their schools. These days, with the United States declining in skill sets to other countries, you would think people would be begging to have any person talk to their children about getting an education, especially the President.Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift to tell the world that Beyonce should have won There appears to be so much anger everywhere. In the world of politics, the amount of unity that appeared during inauguration is now being surpassed by the amount of anger and hate. Ironically, last week my blog revolved around not assuming that every person is going to not accept you. Unfortunately, the negative reaction to the President appears to be more about discomfort with his racial background than the actual issues. Healthy debate and differing opinions are necessary to create synergy and creativity that leads to progress. I would love for politicians to take the lead on showing grace, dignity, and intelligence to come up with solutions to the nation’s problems. They were elected to be leaders. It’s time that people be held accountable to lead with their actions. The time for people whining and griping is over. Like my family taught me, if you have a problem with something, come up with a solution. Acting disrespectful, belligerent and loud does not solve any problem. Even a 5 year old knows basic home-training. A child knows to respect others, especially authority figures. Can grown ups, especially leaders start acting with some sense. I know my mom says that common sense isn’t common anymore, but dang. Sometimes, you just have to suck it up and remember life isn’t fair. The important thing is to keep a level head, conduct yourself with dignity, and be the best you that you can be. A good barometer is to think if your mother or whatever person you respect most would approve of your behavior. If the answer is no, then don’t do it. You may not be able to help physical diarrhea…but verbal diarrhea is by choice (unless you have a major mental illness). Let’s challenge each other to have good home-training…and to pass it on to young people. You can’t respect anyone else if you don’t respect yourself first. Also, let’s hold those that represent us to act the same way. Let’s also hold celebrities accountable, too. People may not have asked to be a role model, but acting like a civil human being comes along with being in the public eye. People can keep these empty apologies. They are simply a waste of air or internet space. As the old saying goes, “actions speak louder than words.” We don’t have to just accept people acting ignorant. Let’s be trendsetters on being responsible human beings. Is that too much to ask? Much nub (stepping off my soap box slowly), Dr. G