R-E-S-P-E-C-T....just a little bit.

[Raven]

I have concluded that of all the critical issues facing America, facing candidates, public officials and voters, the most important one is the issue of RESPECT, or, better put, the loss thereof. We simply cannot expect to have a rational discussion of the challenges facing us as a country unless we have respect for eachother. Rick Perry's comments about the President and the Chair of the Federal Reserve drove that point home to me today. His suggestion that Texans would treat the President or the Chair of the Federal Reserve "ugly" is an insult to every Texan.

It is imperative, and a baseline qualification for running for the office of the President, that any candidate presume the patroitism and good intentions his/her opposition and of those serving our government. Anything less is grounds for disqualification. Candidates can question the policies and effectiveness of those in public office but they must always have respect in doing so. Not to do so shows a venal and reckless distain for our form of government, for what the Founding Fathers intended it to be and for every citizen.

When we jettison Respect from our public discourse, violence is not far behind.

Let's work to get the word and its meaning back into the public discourse.

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Aw come on, you know all that talk about 'respecting the office' went out the window the second

a black man took the oath! There is no 'respect' for opponents' intentions or patriotism in our politics anymore than there are logical, truth-based discussions of the issues. It's all the 10-second TV blurb and money.

[Raven]

2. I know, that's why I think we have to reintroduce the concept...it will

be a novel idea to some folks. :-)

[Enrique]

3. i wonder if all those Texans know who appointed Bernanke

:dunce:

[Raven]

4. Probably not. I wonder if they know how "ugly" they can be.

[daleanime]

5. It would be nice....

but before that, I think we need to re-inject truth into our national debate. Hard to respect someone who's lying.

[Raven]

6. Yes, respect for the truth.

[TheKentuckian]

7. Since I question the motivations and yes the patriotism of the opposition

then I have no choice but to not agree with that criteria.

There are demonstrated outcomes of their policies and their terrorist mode of operation the TeaPubliKlans function under is what it is. If you don't question their motivations then you aren't paying attention and if you know what they are doing to our credit, our citizens, our habitat, and our futures then one logically has to question their loyalty to our land, its people, and the ideals that we are supposed to stand for.
To not do so is a reckless disdain for self determination, personal freedom, broad prosperity, the rule of law, and the suffering of individuals as well as the wildlife we are stewards of.