What man across America could conceivably look at their son, and hope they turn out like Donald Trump? What child could ever look at a father like Trump with respect or love? What a sad day it must be for him. What a lonely day. At least he has himself and his cult.
Being a father and stepfather has been the greatest joy of my lifetime.
The world is filled with imbecility and meanness, as well as with brilliance and love. Arrogance and humility have long been pitted against each other, and so have decency and cruelty.
So many American kids have been poisoned by social media and warped by exposure to lowlifes like Andrew Tate, Donald Trump, Ben Shapiro, Charlie Kirk, and scores more. Each of them talk incessantly about manhood, and have framed cruelty as the most elemental trait. They are deceivers and liars. All of them.
Men aren’t supposed to revel in victimization and grievance. It is a pathetic quality, and the true mark of a loser.
Here is some advice I have given my kids about being a person of integrity and a patriotic American:
You have to know when it’s time to stand up.
You have to know when it’s time to draw a line and put a toe on that line.
You need to know how to hold that line.
You need to know when to step off that line and move forward.
Just as importantly, you need to know when to step off that line and back up.
You need to know when to apologize for drawing an unnecessary line in the first place.
The best way to avoid that is by listening.
Pursue happiness and serve your country. Make it better. You won the lottery on the day you were born because it was the day you became an American.
Vote.
Tell the truth — even when it’s hard.
Never tolerate a bully.
Stick up for the little guy.
Fathers are supposed to look out for their kids. That means making sure American democracy never falls. Trump and his calls for violence, mayhem, dictatorship and revenge are a cancer coursing through our society. Expunging it from the body politic will require years of work and patience. The highest political offices in America cannot be filled with the people of the lowest conceivable character without harming our children.
Being a father is a gift. It is also an obligation and responsibility. Being an American father means teaching your kids to love their country and the people in it who are their fellow citizens. It means teaching civics, and sharing the stories of our civilization.
America will be in their hands one day. We will all be in trouble if they take manhood lectures from the likes of Josh Hawley, Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. Raising great Americans is an important job of an American father. It’s also a lot of fun.
Happy Father’s Day to those who celebrate.
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Happy Father’s Day and your list of 12 is appropriate to all adults
Thanks Steve and happy fathers day to you as well.
I am a very blessed father indeed with 6 children and soon 17 grandchildren. I love them all and they treat me wonderfully for sure. The children are strong successful and a mixed bag politically but very thoughtful.
I have two conservative Christians and four left leaning progressives. They love their dad and all his goofy yet charming niceties.
I wish every father the best today. I am hopeful for all of our future as we beat back this dragon that threatens to consume us.