Reflecting on a Childhood Lesson in Discipline Amidst Contemporary Leadership Failings

When I was in grade school at Nativity, I once raised my hand during a lesson on the brutal era of slavery.

The nun was addressing our class of seven-year-olds dressed in green uniforms, explaining the relentless cruelty of slavery.

At the time, although I did not fully grasp the term, I believed I had a surprising point to share.

I spoke up, saying, "One thing is that our country has produced many remarkable people."

Despite Washington’s historical segregation, my family lived in an integrated neighborhood, and my closest friends were two Black sisters named Deborah and Peaches. I was about to mention them when the nun motioned me to come forward.

Once at the front, she abruptly placed me over her lap, lifted my pinafore, and gave me a hard spanking, drawing stunned looks from the other children.

The message was clear: there was no positive aspect to slavery; it was a harsh truth with no silver lining.

One can only wish that this nun were still present to instill such clarity in today’s leadership.

Donald Trump has often been described as audacious and unapologetically brash, crossing lines in ways that have caused significant controversy. Recently, he expressed concerns about his fate in the afterlife — a worry he might well have heeded sooner. The strict discipline of the Franciscan sisters at Nativity would have urged him to reflect deeply on his actions, as he seems to have invented new transgressions beyond traditional moral boundaries.