OUR VIEW: Respect the president, even if you don’t like him
Published: September 13, 2009
Updated: September 16, 2009
» Barack Obama delivered two big speeches last week; both were handled well despite furor surrounding the messages.
President Barack Obama addressed the nation and a joint session of Congress Wednesday, outlining why he thinks health care reform is vital to our nation’s future. It was a powerful delivery, regardless of how you feel about the issue. Unfortunately, an incident during the speech has received about as much attention as the message.
During a particularly heated moment, U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, a Republican from South Carolina, jumped to his feet and called the president a liar. Thankfully, he quickly apologized.
Such an outburst by a congressman toward the president is practically unheard of in recent times. You just don’t heckle the president, no matter how strongly you object to his politics. This isn’t the British parliament.
Even members of his own party reprimanded Wilson’s action, which he called “an emotional outburst.” Civility and respect for the office of president should transcend party lines or any single issue. Had a Republican been heckled by a Democrat, it would have been equally offensive. There is no place for such behavior in the halls of Congress.
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In an earlier speech, Obama’s message to school children was called “non-political,” “inspirational” and “on point” by critics. All the excitement and tension whipped up before the speech prompted some school systems to a) not show it or b) allow parents to have their children opt out.
By telling kids to dream big and try hard in school, it seems Obama was only hammering home ideals shared each day by parents and educators.
Critiquing the pre-speech transcript, Republicans had a point when they called attention to a line about how students could “help the president,” but the White House quickly changed it. After that, just let it go, already.
Regardless of party label, you’d think the leader of the free world would have the right to deliver a harmless inspirational message to American’s school children. All the hubbub was way over the top.
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Reader Reactions
I keep hearing one side saying “well the ohter side did it”. We teach children that two wrongs don’t make a right. That doesn’t change when you become an adult…does it?
The Star-Exponent needs to let it go. Joe Wilson apologized. The President accepted.
The President hasn’t apologized for saying, “The Cambridge police acted stupidly.“ though. Has he?
How often did you editorialize on the names Democrats called President Bush? How many times have the democrats apologized?
Concerning the speech to school children, I do agree that once the boneheaded question about “helping the President” was removed from the Education Department’s accompanying worksheet, the frenzy from the right should have stopped.
And last, all U.S. citizens should respect the office of President, and the person holding that office. Disagreement should not be interpreted as disrespect, nor should it be used to show disrespect.
These comments are just amazing.
From day 1 George Bush was called every disrespectful name in the book.
Not just by blowhards on the internet
but by members of congress and others
in high positions. Now that the situation is reversed they are just amazed that the current occupant of the
White House does not get his rearend kissed by his opponents. The hypocrisy
is stunning. Get used to it liberals
its only just begun.
Cthulu: NOW!!!
Beckett ~ I too respect the office. I can not support this man who fills the seat in good conscience.
If you run for the town seat vacated by Jenkins you have my support. Thank you for your honorable service to the country and God Bless America!!
You are joking, right? I may always respect the office of the president (regardless of the occupant), but I “give” respect to no one. Respect is earned. If (or when) Barack Hussein Obama earns respect, respect will be paid accordingly.
Some conservatives will do anything they can to de-legitimize this Presidency, despite President Obama’s massive win, complete with significant coattails.
Then there are some conservatives that think that Obama is too “arrogant” and not deserving of respect… how long will it be before one of these people tells us that he’s just too “uppity?“
eyesis, Obama is not disregarding the voice of the people. There are plenty of people who are completely on board with the direction he is taking. We just aren’t the ones screaming. Why would someone give what was designed to be a persuasive speech about issues, and not give his vision of those issues?
Mr. Beckett, how has he not given respect? The man is a Democrat, he was elected as a Democrat, and he has a strong base of Democrats. His policy proposals are not met with discussion from the right, they are met with the screaming of distorted truths at best, and flat out lies at worst. He made a specific point on Wednesday night to ask for civility and debate, and I think he was right on to tell the right that he will not engage in discussion with those who only wish to kill this initiative.
Let’s not forget, people, the man was elected by the American people. Like him or not, like his policies or not, like his approach or not—the people spoke. There was nothing that resembled bi-partisanship during the previous 8 years, what entitles the right to it now?
Liking or disliking a president or someone else is not the question. The office of the presidency should always be honored. However, the person filling that position is just like the rest of us. Respect is a tribute that is earned and normally if someone wants to be respected, then they must earn that respect and give respect in turn. In Mr. Obamas case, in my opinion, he has done neither. Jerry R. Beckett
I cannot respect any president who disregards the voice of the people. He made over 400 references to himself and his issues. He is one of the most arrogant presidents I have ever seen. He makes Bush look humble.
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