I was born with a moderate physical disability called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. Basically, the muscles in my legs never developed correctly. Therefore, I am quite skinny looking and have a particular walking gate.

When I was in grammar school, I was subject to a fair amount of bullying. Both verbal and physical abuse. This caused a good amount of stress. I had to figure out how to fight back with tools at my disposal.

What this did for me was to make me mentally strong. I developed a strong voice and a quick wit. Stronger than their degrading words. Stronger than their pushing and shoving. This turned out to be far superior tools against bullies.

We have just elected the biggest bully in the neighborhood. Most bullies grow up to realize their youthful errors. Our future president never matured. A 78-year-old man with the mentality of a 10-year-old. Imagine that. Disrespectful comments towards people with disabilities is the least of his moral shortcomings.

Visualize for a few minutes being part of a minority group. Be it physically disabled, developmentally disabled, transgender, a person of color etc. Turn off your device, turn off the lights and honestly reflect how you would feel to have Trumps seething comments and behavior turned toward you. What would you think of this man? What would you feel inside? How would you make yourself strong? What tools would you use against this hate?

A president is supposed to set a positive example for our nation. It is clear that he has nothing positive to say or to present to our country.

In the end, bullies are neither respected nor remembered.

Steve Koch

Brandon