I believe that there are two levels of respect. The most commonly accepted is respect for the person – based on observable character traits and behaviors. The second respect is for their position or role in the world. For example, you respect your parents, teachers, elders, government leaders, police officers, judges, doctors, etc. We recognize that years of preparation and sacrifice have earned our respect. These people have earned the benefit of the doubt. Until they prove themselves unworthy, they should expect all the respect that their position demands.
Politics is always special! Because we are approaching the Inauguration – 5 days from now – let’s consider how we show respect for the President. If we call the President by his title, not just his last name, we show respect – hence, President Trump, or Mr. President, not Trump or The Donald. Nicknames should be left for his family and personal friends.
If we give him the gift of time, and let him grow into the job, we are being respectful. Starting any new job is daunting, and the 24/7 news shows and blogs have to add to the pressure. Watch and wait – don’t expect him to do everything at once. That doesn’t mean we can’t express opinions or concerns. But when the opinion starts with “That idiot – he never….” It becomes a tirade, rather than an opinion.
One of the selfish reasons parents have to demonstrate respect is that our own children learn respect for us by seeing how we treat other authority figures. So when you get a speeding ticket and you rant about the idiot police and try to sneakily get out of the ticket, they learn that when you enforce a curfew, you are being an idiot, and they should try to find a way around your punishment. When you tell little white lies, they learn that lying is a great way to avoid the consequences of telling the truth. When you say, “Don’t tell your Dad…” they learn that it’s okay to keep things from their parents.
The Inauguration, with all its tradition and grandeur, is a great avenue for teaching your children about the stature of the Presidency. Take the opportunity to try to instill in them a respect for the government and the position of the President so that they will be able to appreciate the gift that they have as Americans to be able to live in relative safety and freedom. For the next few days, let’s celebrate what’s good and right about our government. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Blessings,
Barb
Politics is always special! Because we are approaching the Inauguration – 5 days from now – let’s consider how we show respect for the President. If we call the President by his title, not just his last name, we show respect – hence, President Trump, or Mr. President, not Trump or The Donald. Nicknames should be left for his family and personal friends.
If we give him the gift of time, and let him grow into the job, we are being respectful. Starting any new job is daunting, and the 24/7 news shows and blogs have to add to the pressure. Watch and wait – don’t expect him to do everything at once. That doesn’t mean we can’t express opinions or concerns. But when the opinion starts with “That idiot – he never….” It becomes a tirade, rather than an opinion.
One of the selfish reasons parents have to demonstrate respect is that our own children learn respect for us by seeing how we treat other authority figures. So when you get a speeding ticket and you rant about the idiot police and try to sneakily get out of the ticket, they learn that when you enforce a curfew, you are being an idiot, and they should try to find a way around your punishment. When you tell little white lies, they learn that lying is a great way to avoid the consequences of telling the truth. When you say, “Don’t tell your Dad…” they learn that it’s okay to keep things from their parents.
The Inauguration, with all its tradition and grandeur, is a great avenue for teaching your children about the stature of the Presidency. Take the opportunity to try to instill in them a respect for the government and the position of the President so that they will be able to appreciate the gift that they have as Americans to be able to live in relative safety and freedom. For the next few days, let’s celebrate what’s good and right about our government. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Blessings,
Barb
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