Answering Hate with Love

I flipped on the TeeVee a couple minutes ago, and the Olympics closing ceremonies were on.  As the athletes marched out, one of the first images I saw was Imane Khelif, the gold-medal winning Algerian  boxer.  As she passed the camera, she kissed her gold medal, and smiled sweetly at the camera.  

That's beautiful!  This talented young woman, who had become the target of the most hateful expressions of misogyny, from the foulest sectors of American society, responded with gentle love and humor.   

You go girl!  Knock 'em down for the count!   

A Study in Contrasts

Last week, President Biden pulled off a diplomatic feat, orchestrating the largest prisoner exchange with Russia since the Cold War days and the Soviet Union.  

Consistent with his character, Biden played down his role in this historic event, deflecting credit to our allies in Europe, particularly Germany and Slovenia - who released prisoners while gaining nothing in return.  

Meanwhile, up in the peanut gallery, a heckler—who played no part in this exchange whatsoever—tried to claim credit for it, even as he belittled the accomplishment; claiming it as a win for his mentor in Moscow.  This claim was parroted by his running mate, as well as his always-reliable lick-spittle, Lindsey Graham.  

What an incredible character study in contrasting leadership styles – hard work, humility, and shared credit, versus narcissistic vapor-ware puffery.