As the dawning days of a new year are upon us, I could not help but reflect on the direction our society as a whole is heading. I live in a part of the world that has been greatly influenced by Western Society, resting comfortably in the lap of the middle of that culture for the last fifty years.
But over the past ten years or so I have wondered where exactly the center of that society is now residing because I do see a real lack of courtesy, honesty and integrity in the public lives of those who appear to hold roles of leadership throughout the Western World, and in folks who often respond "from the lip" to what they read in the online media or view on video in any of its many current forms.
Currently in New York City, the police department has unnecessarily placed itself at odds with the mayor in an obvious power play by their union leadership. They feel he is not supportive of them, in fact, he has the utmost respect for what they do everyday. He is just not in favor of a policy put into motion by the former mayor that unduly targeted certain members of minority groups. He expressed his feelings as the father of a mixed race adolescent boy and took more flak than he should have from the PBA leadership. The rank and file decided to follow the instructions of their union leadership and turn their backs on the mayor at several recent functions including the funerals of two slain officers. This is adolescent behavior at its most destructive. The mayor was elected with 73% of the vote. He was duly elected on a progressive ticket. Policies will change, but the office of the mayor remains the same. He deserves courteous treatment whether you agree with him or not. Now, I know I will hear from colleagues, family and friends who may disagree saying he does not respect the police officers. Well, he still deserves to be treated with courtesy, as he is treating the police department. Grow up, boys and girls, and put on the big pants and be polite like your Mama taught you. Don't you know you can catch more bees with honey than vinegar?
And how about expecting honesty from our elected officials? Is this something that has gone out the window with being courteous to each other? I am currently residing in the Eleventh Congressional District, the only congressional district without a representative. Why? Our Congressman pled guilty to several counts of Federal tax evasion. During his recent election campaign, he kept repeating that he was innocent and was a victim of a "witch hunt" by federal prosecutors who were following instructions others high in the presidential office who were out to get him. The opposing party did not offer a strong candidate, and our protesting congressman won re-election only to cop a plea to a felony and resign from Congress yesterday. Now, why could he have just been honest with us at the very beginning? Instead we got to watch "Mikey Suits"...his congressional nickname... shoot off his mouth trash talking about the other party's leadership and lying to his constituents. Now we are waiting for the governor to call for a special election, and several local politicians and former allies of said congressman are lining up for a chance at the seat.
Our governor has suffered a personal loss the week. His father, a three term governor himself and, considered by many across party lines to have been a man of great integrity, passed away on the very day the son was sworn into his second term. Hundreds of regular New Yorkers stood in line for hours in the bitter cold and wind to pay their last respects to him. I am hoping that our present governor, our new house representative, whoever that might be, and the rank and file of the PBA decide to honor our former governor by following his example and learn to walk in courtesy, honesty and integrity while serving the folks in this city and state.
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