by Senior Coaching Partner Dr. Dennis Becker
Today I heard another one of the ultra conservative talk show stars talking about Ted Kennedy’s funeral and the things that people said as part of the eulogies. Oh, yes, I do refer to them as “stars” because I have to believe that is their desire – to be seen as some sort of media star or public figure which gives them the call to fill the airwaves with vitriol an childish, schoolyard name calling….but ,I digress…
Todays verbal bully was Laura somebody or else. I’m sure she would like me to use her name. That’s truly insignificant. What she said is more bothersome, and should be more insulting to everyone who cherishes the kindness that humans of all races and cultures show to one another during times of pain,tears, and suffering…times like the death of a loved one…ah, I digress again…
Todays insensitive and inaccurate bullying was about what President Obama said as part of his eulogy. She accused the President of “politicizing” this sad event. Todays whining claimed that President Obama urged us to honor Ted Kennedy’s memory by passing the Healthcare legislation that Kennedy had fought for during his life. First of all, and as usual, that is not true. I heard the entire eulogy , listened to it twice, in fact, to be sure of what I was hearing. He never urged such a thing. But bullies, verbal of physical, don’t care much about accuracy or truth. They shape it to fit their form of bullying. So, in effect, todays whining and bullying was not much different than any other day, or any other schoolyard, by any other common bully.
I feel sorry for them. I really do. As a communication coach, I feel sorry for their inability to be more productive and more friendly toward those who may see things differently than they do. I feel sorry for their insistence on showing a fist rather than an open hand. I feel sorry that they can’t rise above schoolyard posturing . The simple fact that they can earn or buy time on radio or tv to draw attention to themselves and stir the passions of those less informed or less capable of understanding the complexities of legislation and politics is weak justification for using their “star” role to step on the solemn proceedings of a funeral, anybody’s funeral. It would be nice to hear some answers to our problems rather than simple minded accusations and insults. Who does that really help in the end?
On the other hand, I guess these are the type of people who my grandmother was talking about when she told me, “it’s easier to tear down a cathedral than it is to build a dog house”.
