Goofus and Gallant

Remember the comic strip "Goofus and Gallant?"  Reading it in Highlights magazine was the only redeeming feature of visits to my childhood dentist.  I loved the contrast between the two brothers, the black-and-white 1960s version of slovenly dressed Goofus and his meticulous brother Gallant.  Goofus played games while Gallant helped their mother.  Goofus butted in line while Gallant waited his turn.  Goofus grabbed toys while Gallant offered to share.  Donald promoted himself while Barack promoted others.

Oops!

Goofus and Gallant are back.  Goofus barged into our lives almost four years ago with his rude and crude power, while Gallant returned this weekend with his trademark thoughtful wisdom.

In his virtual commencement speech Saturday to the 2020 high school graduating class, President Obama encouraged the students to "do what you think is right . . . I hope you decide to ground yourselves in values that last, like honesty, hard work, responsibility, fairness, generosity, respect for others."

Donald Trump?  Here's a sample:

"Why do we want all these people from s-hole countries coming here?"

"You're so disgraceful . . . you're a fake [to White House reporter]."

"Puerto Rico is one of the most corrupt places on earth."

"Another low IQ individual [on Joe Biden]."

"I don't take responsibility at all [for coronavirus testing failures]."

While Goofus has an excuse for his behavior because he's a kid, Donald Trump has none.  His immoral presidency stains us all.

As President Obama concluded his remarks, though, he said, "Be alive to one another's struggles, stand up for one another's rights, leave behind all the old ways of thinking that divide us--sexism, racial prejudice, status, greed--and set the world on a different path."

May this new generation coming of age heed his words, not those of his successor, and chart a more fair and just course for all Americans.