BULLIES

Remember Kaleidoscopes? Did you have one? I did. I would sit, peering through a peep hole and watch the different designs as I turned the scope. When I lived through earthquakes in California, I thought each time about my kaleidoscope. It was like the earth was “shifting” – especially during the Northridge Earthquake. And, if I had a peep hole, I could watch the different designs. This time, I am not watching. Rather, I am inside the kaleidoscope, being shifted as someone else turns the scope, powerless to stop irreversible change. The United States of America has elected a bully to its highest office, disregarding everything previously held sacred.

Frankly, I keep blocking the truth. I spend hours, looking for information and evaluations. In the old days, I would ask Steve. He knew. He spent hours, watching TV and pundits and news programs. So much so that I frequently got on his case, accusing him of living in his head. Still in LA. Or Boston. Or Sarasota, Florida. Now, I am doing the same thing. How can I not? I am still a California attorney licensed to practice law in the State of California. My heart is still fighting bullies in the employment arena,  helping victims of discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, retaliation, whistle-blowing, and such. That’s why I can hardly believe what I am hearing and reading – a bully has come to power. I read articles on Facebook, on the Internet, watch television, listen to radio – the BBC, CNN, Riviera Radio, Sky News – trying to get a feel for what is happening.

I am no longer in disbelief. Not after reality check after reality check. In my despair, I talk to Steve in absentia. We have conversations – like in the past when we talked, laughed, cried, and held each other. I am on my own with this one. Lots of platitudes are out there. My favorite quote is Anna Eleanor Roosevelt’s “You gain courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing which come along.’  …You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” That quote got me through law school, the California Bar Exam, and a lot of trials (and tribulations). It doesn’t work in this situation. I am not afraid. Quite the contrary. I am emboldened to speak out and take action.

Donald Trump is a bully. In fact, he is a bully of bullies, or so he says. I did not vote for him. Nor would I ever. He is a revolting man to me. I voted for Hilary. I have admired her since I was a young woman. She lost. I can take losses. This loss is different. It is bigger than elections. It involves country. After January, I don’t think my country will have my back. A bully will be at the helm. I have seen firsthand what damage bullies can do. Bullies harm little guys. Employees get kicked by bully supervisors who got kicked by managers. Passing damage and destructive behavior down the line. You and I, as little guys, can look forward to getting kicked. We have a bully coming on board as manager. And he will bring in bully supervisors to help him. And we, as employees, won’t like what happens. Mark my words.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, destructive behavior passes down. Here, it is starting at the top. Our President-Elect has promised to do things endorsed by bully organizations and ratified by “good, intelligent” people, “Christian” people, claiming the President-Elect is the answer to their prayers. What were they praying for? Apparently, they got it. I tried giving my opinions and suggestions to a few people on Facebook. Didn’t work. Got blocked. I do better posting pictures of roses. Big Brother is watching.

Best, Jay