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A Little Respect, Please |
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| January 20, 2009 |
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| Inauguration is a special day for the United
States, as it perhaps is for any democratic nation. Debates concerning
popular vote versus electoral college aside, we have chosen as a nation to
transfer power peacefully in accordance with the will of the voters instead
of transferring power by violent overthrow. As we watched today, past-Presidents Carter, Bush 41, and Clinton, and President George Bush filed in to watch President-elect Obama take the oath of office. It was a glorious moment in our history -- except... As President George Bush approached the podium area, he was greeted by boos and heckles. As if that wasn't ugly enough, the hecklers repeated the moment as his helicopter lifted off to take him home to Texas. Personally, I have tried to cut President Bush some slack since he first took office, but eventually I came to have very little regard for his administration and his abilities to manage this nation. Regardless of your opinion of him however, the office he held as he approached the podium area was the President of the United States -- and the distinction he will forever hold is 43rd President of the United States. A little respect is due, please. Our nation was founded violently and we have often been accused of being overbearing and unfeeling about the needs of others, even while being acknowledged and solicited for our charity in times of need. Quite a paradox. Decorum and respect may not come naturally to us, but we should remember that our ancestors fought and died to preserve our right to dissent and to have a say in the peaceful transfer of power. It is not too much to expect that we should respect the moment and not mar it with ugly displays of disrespect for one who occupied the highest office in our land. Voice your opinion later; let the rest of us watch in peace a new chapter in our nation's history. |
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