Finally, something trickled down. Sadly, it wasn’t money. Instead, it was the bad behavior in our politics.

We all see the same things, and it makes all of us, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, unhappy. There are quick tempers, self-righteousness, the cold shoulder to opposing points of view, and the bit of jealousy of the grifter who gets away with it. It makes all of us a tad less trusting and a bit more apathetic.

What do we do about it? Don’t imitate it.

Let’s not figure we’ll do it if we are pretty sure we won’t get caught.

Let’s figure we won’t do it because it’s wrong.

Let’s not do something wrong and figure out how to blame someone else. Tell the truth and take the consequences – we might be surprised to learn we garner respect for our courage and honesty.

Don’t take money from a nonprofit or the government till, or office petty cash because, after all, no one will miss it? We all miss the trust and respect we once had for each other.

Nonprofits, don’t keep passing the begging hat after you actually raised the money needed. Town Hall don’t pad the budget to create “free cash,” and businesses, don’t treat workers like cogs, they are your friends and neighbors. We will miss the ability to trust our institutions.

If we find ourselves justifying backbiting, name calling, and spreading dirt because that person is no good; remember, it is just as easy to justify mistreating us.

Caring about each other, being willing to defend one another’s rights, sharing the wealth as well as the financial burdens, and obeying the law are the underpinnings of our form of government.

Make sure your word is good: if you said you would do it – don’t renege. If someone “does us wrong,” we have every right to protect ourselves and quietly walk away. We may have less right to retaliate.

The corrupt will seek power. They will run for office. We see them, no reason to support them or ever seek to be like them.