There is deeper irony regarding the John Bolton nomination that was missed by The Post's recent editorial (A Disservice
May 17), which glossed over allegations -including those from fellow Republicans -that Bolton is a workplace bully and serial abuser of his employees and co-workers. You see, the growing cultural divide between America and its traditional allies is symbolized perfectly when one examines international reactions to the problem of workplace bullying.
Sweden and France have essentially outlawed workplace bullying. Last year, Quebec became the first state or province in North America to provide legal protection for all workers against workplace psychological harassment. And the problem of workplace bullying is getting considerable debate in the U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Yet in the United States, despite evidence that this form of legalized harassment affects 20 percent of all employees every year, we continue to sweep the problem under the rug.
The sad irony is that when we turn a blind eye to bullying -whether in the workplace or in our foreign policy -the good work of an otherwise fair country becomes overshadowed by the destructive impulses of a few bad actors. Is there any mystery as to why America is increasingly viewed as a bully on the world stage?
-Paul Piwko lives in Milford, Mass. Send him an e-mail at ppiwko@hotmail.com. 17
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