It is not expected behavior to genuflect before a U.S. president.
Typically, such adulation is reserved for popes and royalty and only because of centuries-old customs.
So it must have been awkward for members of President Trump’s cabinet to kneel — at least metaphorically — before their superior when he prompted them, on camera, to pay their respects.
Mr. Trump helped set the tone, saying he is one of the most productive presidents in history, only second, perhaps, to Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had the Great Depression and World War II on his hands.
One by one, the members followed suit, heaping their praises high.
“We thank you for the opportunity and the blessing to serve your agenda,” gushed Reince Preibus, chief of staff. And so on.
THOUGH it’s too late for Mr. Trump, the rest of us should remember the value of humility. How tooting your own horn is off-key. That respect can only be earned.
Monday’s roundtable was a superfluous exercise in ego stroking. Sounds exhausting.
— Susan Lynn
