Our President Follows the Golden Rule

I watched the press this week repeatedly hammer President Obama for not showing more fight during his speech after the democratic loss of the U.S House during the mid-term elections. I am guilty myself for yelling at the television on numerous occasions questioning why Obama continues to reach across the aisle to find consensus only to have his hand slapped.

From a very early age, I have tried to teach my daughter to play nice and to be honest. I have told her that if you work hard, your good work will be rewarded, but it is not polite to brag. I have tried to teach her not to worry about those who don't live by these rules because we all ultimately reap what we sow. To practice the Golden Rule even with those who don't. My religious upbringing has helped shaped these beliefs.

Robert Fulghum, in his bestseller, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten stated it clearly for me – play fair, don't take things that aren't yours, don't hit people, share things, and when you go out into the world, hold hands and stick together.

If dawned on me this morning the irony of the situation with President Obama. For two years, his faith has been repeatedly questioned by many. Yet, it is precisely his faith that motivates him to keep reaching out to those who oppose him. He believes that if he just continues to work hard and engages in honest civil debate, that he can find common ground with those who oppose him.

Unfortunately, Congress has forgotten what they learned in kindergarten and in the world of politics, there is no such thing as the golden rule. And if President Obama wants a second term, he better start bragging.