24/03/2026
Octavia Butler warned us about exactly this. Today we saw it yet again: a 'leader' whose pathological narcissism has sunk to yet another repulsive low.
Robert Mueller -- a decorated Marine combat veteran who volunteered for Vietnam while Trump was collecting draft deferments, earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, and served as FBI director for 12 years under presidents of both parties -- died Friday at 81 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
Trump's response: “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
In contrast, former President Barack Obama's statement: "Bob Mueller was one of the finest directors in the history of the FBI, transforming the bureau after 9/11 and saving countless lives. But it was his relentless commitment to the rule of law and his unwavering belief in our bedrock values that made him one of the most respected public servants of our time. Michelle and I send our condolences to Bob’s family, and everyone who knew and admired him."
The difference between those two statements is the difference between a president and a man who merely holds the title.
With such depraved displays of callousness and vindictiveness coming from the nation's highest office on a regular basis, it's more important than ever for parents and educators to embrace the work of raising a generation that rejects cruelty as a form of strength.
That means naming cruelty when we see it -- not excusing it, not laughing it off, not pretending it's just politics. It means having honest conversations with our children: explaining why this is wrong, why we don't celebrate the death of an honorable person, why real confidence doesn't require tearing others down.
Octavia Butler knew: we become what we tolerate in our leaders. The question is what we're willing to teach the next generation to tolerate.
For those choosing to teach compassion over cruelty, our blog post "25 Children's Books That Teach Kids to Be Kind" offers a place to start: https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=19359
For a simple yet powerful picture book that reassures kids that the world is filled with helpful and friendly people -- and serves as a counterpoint to the darkness of these times -- we recommend "Most People" for ages 4 to 7 at https://bookshop.org/a/8011/9780884485544 (Bookshop) and https://amzn.to/3wKwNzL (Amazon)
For books for children and teens about the importance of standing up for truth, decency, and justice, even in dark times, visit our blog post, "Dissent Is Patriotic: 50 Books About Women Who Fought for Change," at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=14364
For powerful books for tweens and teens about girls living in real-life oppressive societies throughout history where leaders often used hate and division to rule, visit our blog post "The Fragility of Freedom: Mighty Girl Books About Life Under Authoritarianism" at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=32426
Octavia Butler's masterpiece, "Parable of the Sower," tells the story of a young woman embarking on a life-changing journey in a collapsed near-future America -- to learn more, visit https://bookshop.org/a/8011/9781538732182 (Bookshop) or https://amzn.to/4igvddH (Amazon)
