FROM THE TOP

     The title can refer to two thoughts. one thought or theme is that moods and ethics and ideas often trickle down from the top. If the boss is good, so will be the staff and if the other way, then the same thing. It can also mean to begin anew, all over again, press reset.
     I like both these themes for to me, they are connected. As a teacher, when the principal was a scowling meanie, then the school had a lousy atmosphere, not pleasant, and when the principal was a human and humane being then so were the staff and the student body, practicing what they saw modeled for them. It is the same for a doctor's office or a business office or anywhere one can think.
     Think of what we have now. We have a president to be who cannot stand any criticism. Well, tough! This is what comes one's way when in the public eye. If one cannot deal with it then please, resign and go back to wherever you like to hide. But there are freedoms and rights which are ours by virtue of being Americans and indeed, being human beings. Grow up. Learn ethics. Practice them.
     So Dixon called out Pence on the sins of the administration to be, of the fears that the whole country has re some awful things that are being said and some awful people who are being appointed. Hopefully Congress will grow some so as to remember that they represent the American people - ALL the people - and they can strike down any appointee who will harm these very same people. And make no bones about it - we all stand together or we fall together. No dictatorial society remains in power forever and any attempt to change our American society into one will not go over well I daresay. There are already so many acts of protest and anger and despair and shock.
     So Dixon spoke politely and Pence, to his credit, listened. Dixon is far from the only one who is speaking out and the theme is worldwide. In Israel, a message was sent to a bigot.  "May you have a week of love, pride and full of acceptance of the other."  And here a message was also sent, a plea to serve all the people, all the diverse people who are Americans. Trump, as usual, goes to his Twitter and says it is not right, not fair. Really? This is life and conversation, as was stated, is allowed. Pence was booed, but again, that is a right we have and if one finds that we are lacking in some polite societal talk, well - look around - from the top - and see what we have. Not lookin' pretty, is it.
     We have all sorts of nasty noises being made all over the country. We have a president to be who cannot and will not leave his businesses behind and get on with the new business he is in - the head of a country. Instead, knowing that he is truly incapable, he has a thirtyish couple running the country via the administration meetings and conferences. Not acceptable!!! These same two people have their own business affairs and there is no daylight between the administration of the United States and the administration of these businesses. In fact, a cheesy deal was the marketing of a $10,000 bracelet that Ivanka wore to all who would buy it given where its model was first worn. Tacky to say the least and certainly no separation. Then we have the two of them attending a meeting with the Japanese head, Abe, and we have Trump himself meeting with Indian business people with whom he has a hotel deal going forth.
     Well, maybe this is good news for he can be impeached for ethics violation and perhaps we can then start anew - from the top - and have a better future for us all. And in the meanwhile, there must continue to be loud voices heard from all of us, speaking out against these violations of trust, these violations of what a president should be and how one should act. We need a good "from the top", especially in these trying times. The whole world is watching - remember that one, people, for our from the top is sending bad messages to the world and the right wingers are coming out of the woodwork , the extreme right wingers and that bodes not good for the rest of us.
     I do not care for whom one voted. What we have to do is look at the facts now, the realities of life, at the statements that are being made, the hate filled actions, the Neo Nazis rising to the top of the scum pond, and if you are decent then you know that this must be fought. Women must be respected. Rights must be retained and even improved - here and in the rest of the world. If we neglect this then what happens, what comes around, rests squarely on our shoulders - at least the shoulders of those who did nothing, who said nothing, who let it all collapse on top of us.
     From the top? Yes, definitely. We must demand that the new top behave as an adult, not a sour and hulking boy of twelve, bullying those weaker or smaller than he in the schoolyard and then whining when one comes along who fights back. We must have a from the top reset, especially if the top here continues to violate ethics and standards of decency. And by the way, if you wish to read some fascinating facts about his behavior, read Megyn Kelly's new book and then have sympathy for Melania for it appears that Trump is continuing his "romeo" days, as he tried to woo Kelly- for relationship? For kinder words in her reporting? For whatever - but it stinks! To the high heavens indeed.
     From the top. Choose people. We can force our new president to be to also start anew, reform his behavior and give us the leader that we and the world needs.
     Ach! The world stinks right now so off we go to the Mouse House to see a grandson in from California. Time to imbibe of the sweet and happy atmosphere of Disney.