Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois has sent a letter to numerous companies and think tanks seeking “information regarding your company’s position on ‘stand your ground’ legislation …”
However, even a cursory look at the letter makes it clear the senator is not interested in that information. What he really wants to do is let organizations know that a powerful senator is scrutinizing their relationship, financial or otherwise, with a nonprofit organization of conservative state legislators known as the American Legislative Exchange Council.
This is the same senator who encouraged the IRS to target conservative groups and still defends those actions.
Durbin’s heavy-handed attempt to lean on organizations reminds us of a social issue of great concern: bullying.
Both President Barack Obama and Michelle are heavily invested in fighting bullying, and promote their anti-bullying message at stopbullying.gov. We thought a number of points on the website would help those who have received the Durbin letter.
Bullying is defined as: “[U]nwanted, aggressive behavior … that involves a real or perceived power imbalance (Did we mention that Durbin is the assistant majority leader?). The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.”
Of particular interest are the points under social bullying:
- Leaving someone out on purpose;
- Telling other[s] not to be friends with someone;
- Spreading rumors about someone;
- Embarrassing someone in public.
Why do some people engage in bullying? Stopbullying.gov explains:
- Some are well-connected to their peers, have social power, are overly concerned about their popularity, and like to dominate or be in charge of others.
- Others are more isolated from their peers and may be depressed or anxious, have low self esteem, be less involved in school, be easily pressured by peers, or not identify with the emotions or feelings of others.
And the website helpfully explains how to respond to bullying:
“When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior, they send the message that it is not acceptable. Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time. There are simple steps adults can take to stop bullying on the spot …”
That is exactly what conservatives need to do, respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior. Bullies, including senators, need to understand the actions being targeted are specifically protected by the U.S. Constitution.
As President Obama explained at the end of his public service announcement on bullying, “Putting a stop to bullying is a responsibility we all share.”