Presidential Behavior

There have been eleven presidents in my lifetime and all but one has acted “Presidential.” I recall, as a child, listening to adults discuss politics and presidents, as if they were in a class above the norm, living in a white house reserved for the very elect. As a young adult, I recall how presidents ignored criticism, while lieutenants attacked enemies with a vengeance each night on radio and television. But then western culture changed, slowly at first, replacing suits with T-shirts, canvas shoes for leather. The wealthy relaxed and lived simpler lives, pretending to be middle class. Formalities gave way to new conventions. Mothers use words that make grandmothers blush. Personal honor is obsolete and materialism ranks higher than spiritualism. Finger food and paper napkins dominate menus, while china cabinets collect dust. And then a president was elected, reflecting this new culture; one who flaunts old customs and is self-absorbed. It matters not what political party is represented. It was inevitable. Critics decry the loss of tradition. Many are offended that the president fails to reflect the dignity of George Washington, who is now detested by many for owning slaves. Turmoil surrounds an office that retaliates, denigrates and pontificates hourly. Calls for more “Presidential” behavior go unheeded. And then the unexpected happens. A previous president is sucked into the mire, begging the question, “Is it unpresidential for an ex-president to criticize a sitting president for being unpresidential?” Where this ends one cannot tell, but as society sinks to lower levels, elected leadership follows.