On March 6, the four leading mayoral candidates participated in a debate/ discussion focused on the mayor’s role in making Anchorage a better place for children. Each engaged in a thoughtful dialogue and agreed on the need to be respectful of others, even when there is strong disagreement.
The subject of bullying in school was raised by a question from the public. The harm which can result from bullying was seemingly recognized by all candidates and was roundly condemned as inappropriate and something which should not be permitted in our public schools.
By their strong support for former President Donald Trump, a large majority of Republicans and the Republican Party accept as appropriate bullying conduct for a leader. I reached this conclusion because former President Trump is a poster child example of how a bully acts. As all of us who pay attention to the news have witnessed how he engages in verbal attacks on others, utters threats, engages in name-calling, and acts with gross disrespect toward anyone who he perceives as his opponent. This sort of conduct by a seventh- grader would result in disciplinary action, yet it is cheered by the Republican Party. How can we expect children in our schools to not engage in bullying conduct when it is accepted by a huge segment of the adult population?
Those who strongly support former president Trump may want to look in the mirror and ask why they support a playground bully. If they find his conduct unacceptable for a middle-school student, why are they supporting his candidacy for president?
— Elliott T. Dennis
Anchorage
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