Bullies are everywhere

Oh boy! You kids have done it now with your bullying. The governor and legislature are all over it. They'll be giving you a lesson in what real bullying is about. These guys are professionals. They have learned from and trained with the best.

Bullies inhabit every part of our lives. All fields of business, even non-profits, include members who mistake 'business is business” to mean 'get ‘em at all cost”. The worst bullies dress well and conduct themselves well. Yet their abuse of power (and position) maintains inequality between men and women, poor and rich, races, ethnic groups, and the list goes on. It seems our culture nurtures bullying.

Definition of bullying: The process of intimidating or mistreating somebody weaker or in a more vulnerable situation.

Remember last year when the governor and lieutenant governor were caught speeding 85 mph on Interstate 35? Was it the front seat driver or the back seat driver who caused the speeding?

When our legislature divides on party lines and then uses the rules to force a 60 percent vote instead of simple 50 percent, it is a grown-up version of the playground kid threatening to take his ball and bat and go home if he doesn't get his way.

Why would anyone give millions of dollars to a candidate running for office if he didn't expect something in return? Big money is prepayment for legislation.

Our local Cedar Rapids government is currently trying to circumvent the authority of the Gaming Commission to gain approval for a casino in our town. I suggest this makes them 'wannabe bullies”. They are trying to get into position to bully.

Bullying is the American way and professional bullies are not about to let amateurs (kids no less) screw it up. You see, Americans aren't against bullying; they like high quality, professional bullying. The school bullies causing trouble are just lousy at the task. Their bullying is reactionary and clumsy. Only 'respectable” bullying is rewarded.

The way I see it, you young bullies have two choices. The first is to keep on with what you're doing. But don't be clumsy about it, attacking each other through social media and in fits of anger, using foul language and calling people names. Pay attention as our legislators and other leaders teach a lesson on how it's done when they bully you into shape.

Learn to bully with skill and finesse and you will be heralded as great students. You will be given opportunities to further your studies in the art and science of bullying. You'll be invited to join organizations that will enhance your résumés and help you disguise your true nature. You'll turn out just like your leaders and make them proud. Is that what you want to aspire to?

The second choice is to rebel. Decide to treat one another fairly and as kindly as you can. Talk with the people you disagree with, try to understand the other side. Work things out. Make friends. Challenge yourselves to be good for all.

Find your heart as you follow your interests. It is your heart that makes you a person of value. You will learn how kindness and dedication to others yields far more than bullying.

Now that would be a real game changer.

' Les Deal, a retired remodeling contractor living in Cedar Rapids, is a member of The Gazette's Writers Circle. Comments: ldealandw@aol.com