fbpx

Ten things to tell your children on Trump’s win.

[additional-authors]
November 14, 2016

1- Our leaders are broken.  Just like in the Bible, our leaders too are less than perfect.  People may seem exemplary in passing, but upon scrutiny, everyone falls apart.  Be truthful.  Don’t lie.  But, there is no need to detail the disgusting stories.

2- Brokenness does not prevent greatness.  Just as with the characters in the Bible, broken people can become great leaders.  People are complex.  We should not judge them on a single issue but on the sum of their actions.  People who overcome weaknesses often become greater than those who never faced challenges.  Brokenness can and does lead to greatness.

3- As adults we make compromises.  Sometimes, we don’t have a clear choice between good and bad.  Sometimes, our choice is between bad and worse.  This is the reality of life- settling.  Maturity requires juggling real options with imperfect outcomes.

4- Compromise does not mean giving up.  Get involved.  Ask questions.  Make your voice heard.  If you are unhappy with the results, plan to change the direction of politics in the next elections.  Remind your children that they will become our future leaders and that we need them to share their thoughts with us.

5- Think independently!  Not everything you read in print or on television is true.    The mainstream TV stations such as CNN and the newspapers such as New York Times got the elections wrong.  The media stopped proper journalism and engaged in campaigning their agenda.  They failed to listen to the other side.  Do your own homework.  Talk to people.  Bounce your ideas off of others.  Those who disagree with you can become your best teachers.  Respect them.

6- America is divided, then united.  Historically, the country has been divided into Democrats and Republicans.  The vote is typically divided 50-50 between the two parties.  We go back and forth from one political party to another.  There are a number of checks and balances set up in the government so that no one person can become a runaway train.  After the vote, we all come together and unite behind our President as Americans.

7- America is blessed.  In many countries, leadership is dictated to the people.  In some countries, women can’t vote, minorities have no say, elections are fixed.  In America, every citizen, regardless of color, religion, financial status or creed, has an equal vote to the President.  The American democracy is holy.

8- Argue out of love.  When we fight with each other over issues, we do it out of love.  We want to set into motion policies that protect all Americans, our children's future and those less fortunate.  From healthcare to immigration, from marriage to taxes, politics affect our daily lives.  We argue to correct mistakes and move to a better place.

9- Kindness matters.  Even if you disagree with the policies of a candidate or the President, find goodness within them and teach your children to see that virtue.  Speak positively about the President.  Show your children by example that people can be good even if you disagree with their policies.

10- Instill confidence, not fear.  Even if you don’t like the President, this too shall pass.  America is greater than any single candidate.  Each election cycle, a number of famous people threaten to leave the country if their candidate loses.  They end up staying.  They stay because they have to fight for the country they love.  And they stay because there is no better country on the face of the planet than America. 

Always, always, speak respectfully about America.  God bless America and our democracy.

Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

More news and opinions than at a
Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.