Bob Schwartz

Melania Trump calls her new social initiative as First Lady “Be Best.” It has been somewhat ridiculed for being well-intentioned but too vague and generalized, having something to do with children not using opioids, using social media responsibly, and so on. (She earlier attempted to focus only on cyber bullying, for which she was also mocked, given that she is married to the world’s most famous and powerful cyber bully.)

But she was close to being on to something.

Once you get past all the detailed negatives about Trump and other officials and supposed leaders in America unashamedly acting out, it comes down to one thing: a lot of responsible adults in positions of authority and influence are just being way, way too mean.

BE NICE. Does that sound ridiculous and puerile? “Be nice” seems the kind of message you might hear from your mother. Do you know why? Because Moms know that in your life, two things will happen. People in various positions relative to you will be mean to you, and you won’t always be in a position to say or do anything about it. And you will be in a position to be mean to others, and the same applies. It is a Mom-like cliché-plus to say “If you can’t say anything nice about somebody, don’t say anything.” Moms want our lives to be better, maybe even best, and this can help. Whether you are in kindergarten or the White House, “Be Nice” is supremely wise advice.

Happy Mother’s Day to Moms and children of Moms everywhere.