The election is now a month in the rear-view window. We are beginning to get an idea of some of the policy and governmental impacts of the results of the Presidential election. There are additional impacts. Our leaders, local, state and national, provide models of behavior for citizens, young and old. They represent who we are as a people to other nations and peoples. 

The behaviors that the President-elect models and demonstrates declare that previous norms and behavioral expectations no longer apply in social settings.

Some examples are:

• Honesty and truthfulness: The President-elect lies steadily and easily. Now it is acceptable to lie, in the workplace, to family, to friends and more. Mechanics might be lying about fixing your brakes, bankers can lie about your money, teachers can lie about your child’s work in school. The opportunities are endless.

• Bullying and Intimidation: The President-elect uses bullying, intimidation, and threats of violence to get what he wants. No collaboration, persuasion, or consideration of another’s point of view. This also opens many doors, at the workplace, in the family, and in social settings. The anti-bullying programs in schools can now be scrapped, which will save money.

• Expertise, experience and education are not important qualifications, particularly for employment. No need to look for a surgeon to do your heart surgery, just find a friend who is an EMT. No need to find an experienced builder for your new home. Just find a relative who has built some bookshelves.

• Science: Much like the expertise category, scientific knowledge is now obsolete. People who have studied, observed, recorded, and experimented for years don’t know what they are talking about it when comes to weather forecasting, climate change, or disease prevention and more. Again, more money could be saved if we eliminate the teaching of science in our schools, if we are not going to value or use that learning.

• Apologizing or taking responsibility: This is not necessary now … it’s acceptable to repeatedly deny involvement or knowledge, or another choice would be to blame someone else for the impacts of your actions. 

There are more areas where very different behaviors (and values …!) are being modeled by the incoming president. Fantasy versus reality, cruelty versus kindness, and humility versus ego and the importance of the rule of law for everyone are a few that come to mind. It is clear that there will be some very big changes in the political life of our country in the coming years. We shouldn’t be surprised if there are some very big changes in our social interactions and values as well. The President-elect will be teaching our children by his example. 

Heidi Willis

Salisbury