Connect with us on Facebook!
Subscribe.
Follow us on Twitter!
Make us your home page!
Authors, sign in!I was thinking today of something that is recently absent in society today – a seven letter word rarely remembered – a word that has had songs written about the importance of receiving it and has been the fodder of comics. 'Respect.' The word used to need no definition but perhaps by today’s standards by necessity needs to be delineated precisely.
Through observation, I have witnessed acts of violence by youths, and a lack of civility in society by all whether it is the irate driver flashing obscene gestures at pedestrians or verbal insults towards police officers! It seems that the vast majority of our youth today have no respect for people older than themselves or persons deserving of this value by nature of their position in society whether police officers, teachers, or leaders. Perhaps they have no respect for themselves.
And I can’t put the responsibilities solely at the feet of the youth because it seems that people in general have forgotten how to treat others. Looking at just the last six months, I have watched as citizens have held no respect for the President of the United States, who despite his political affiliation, views, sex, race, religion or age deserves the dignity of being treated with the honor befitting of being the leader of the greatest superpower. This was witnessed numerous times at recent Town Hall Meetings, and events nationwide. It’s not outsiders, mind you, it is our own citizenry that have resorted to the lowest denominator by referring to him with racist overtones, socialist innuendos, and just have forgotten to respect our own elected leader. I’m not suggesting you have to agree with his policies, positions or politics, I am merely pointing out that this person is leading our nation.
As Americans we have a duty, yea, an obligation, to support and respect our president. After all, it is a job that most of us would never want to have complete with the most stressful decisions and pressures of the world 24-hours a day 7-days a week. Most people wouldn’t be able to handle the pressure and stress of a job of that nature and responsibilities. We elected this man. It would have been considered anti-American even just a few years ago to NOT support our president. There have been men who have had sexual affairs and others who have disgraced our nation and resigned. As a nation, we have faced phenomenal hardships from the beginning as early as the formation of this great land and endured much including acts of terrorism on our own precious soil. But we do need to return to a basic level of respect if nothing more than for the office of the President.
I urge you and your friends to remember those days. The challenges we face as a nation today are no less vital than any we have faced in the past but 'we the people' need to unite behind our President and our country. We the People need to be proud of our humble beginnings to our worldwide power today. I am convinced that we can all play a part in respecting ourselves, one another and yes, even our President.
Let’s return to civility – let’s show 'respect' – our forefathers would want that at the very least.
Published October 18, 2009 by Lisa Attrill |
Permalink
| Tags:
Hate
Racism
Comments (4)
We owe respect to the office of the Presidency. The man in the office needs to earn the respect you seem to think is his right by election. Elections are not coronations. In this country we can and should criticize our elected officials vigorously and without hesitation. The Town Halls and Tea Parties are what the founders would have found reassuring, not some reverential self-censorship due to a misplaced concept of respect. Finally, while racial slurs are never acceptable, accusing Obama of socialist leanings and Black Nationalist sympathies by association, is both fair and constructive. There is no lack of respect in such observations. If you want to see examples of egregious and self-indulgent lack of respect for a sitting president, search YouTube for "George W. Bush."
Posted by floorsander
|
October 19, 2009 9:35 AM
Posted on October 19, 2009 09:35
floorsander,
I see your point about our President being the head of our government, but I think you are missing a subtle point. The US President is also the head of State - equivalent to a King in a monarchy with all that implies.
So the proper comportment when addressing the US President depends on the situation and it depends on which function he is performing at the time. For example, the "You lie" outburst was improper because at the time Obama was acting as head of State. In addition, Obama was an invited guest of the House of Representatives, and it is improper to insult a guest.
Sadly, it seems the standards of courtesy and manners have declined in the past fifty years, although it may just be that we are seeing more of the lower classes these days.
Posted by Tripp
|
October 19, 2009 8:36 PM
Posted on October 19, 2009 20:36
Lisa,
We gotta do something about those lower classes. Before you know it, they'll want to move into our neighborhoods. Probably a new WalMart in the area will be our first clue.
What on earth are you talking about?
Posted by floorsander
|
October 21, 2009 6:40 PM
Posted on October 21, 2009 18:40
Just my opinion, but because Joe Wilson showed himself for what he is--an angry and ignorant man with no class, he embarrassed himself and his colleagues--and provided the American people an instructive example of that blustery fraction of the populace, I have no objections.
The example of red-faced screamers and shouters at the Town Halls likewise did themselves no favors. They did succeed in sickening bonafide, patriotic mainstream Americans.
Posted by Bob Hooper
|
October 22, 2009 7:00 PM
Posted on October 22, 2009 19:00