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Kaliko -> RE: NYT article on lack of respect by GOP (9/3/2011 5:39:40 AM)
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ORIGINAL: StrangerThan
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ORIGINAL: DeviantlyD
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ORIGINAL: StrangerThan
The lack of respect has been evident for at least 16 years now. Where we are now is at the point where they're not afraid to say what they've thought all along, that being of returning power to their party. Their in this case applies equally to democrats and republicans.
And I have no issue with it. I have little respect for most people in politics. When I say little, you have to push pretty damned hard to find any.
I think the lack of respect has been more so with this president than any other.
So you are saying it's acceptable? Perhaps if it wasn't, perhaps if politicians held themselves to a higher standard, that might be the start of your having more respect for the people who are in politics.
You're damned right I'm saying it is acceptable. And if you think the lack of respect is higher here, you either weren't around in the Bush/Clinton years or weren't paying attention.
The fact of the matter is that both parties have incorporated into their bases the most divisive thinkers we have in America today, that being those who cling to the extreme ends of left and right. Those are also the most vocal, the most active in attempting to modify the social and legislative landscapes, and those who often express either outright hatred or disgust with the other.
The age of respect is gone, and the people are the cause, not the politicians.
(Not necessarily directed at StrangerThan, just a follow on post.)
I was thinking about the lack of respect during Bush's term as well. Clinton kind of brought it on himself, unfortunately. I have a hard time with him because he lied under oath, even though I don't so much care about what it is he lied about. Bush seemed to be disrespected by the people more so than democrat politicians and pundits. Obama seems to really get hit hard by other politicians, but I don't get the sense that the average person thinks he's an idiot, like they felt about Bush.
I think all of it is disgusting. We see what happens to men when they become President. They age overnight. It must be the most difficult job in the world for so many reasons, and these men - no matter their party affiliation - have something special in them to be able to wake up in the morning and face it every day. I imagine that upon being voted in, the new President has a really big wake-up call, learning everything that the rest of us will never know, and I would bet that many decisions are based on that information that the rest of us will never know. I'm not saying don't question what is done. But, chances are good that the President - whoever he or she is - is not some flaming idiot just because a battle was started in a war you don't agree with or a health care plan you don't back was begun. There are too many advisors and too much information worldwide for political decisions to be made without a whole bunch of forethought and evaluation. We get so angry when decisions are made that are not the decisions we would have made ourselves. To that end, again, I say...then run for office. Start local. Start to see what it's like on the other side of the table, when so much more comes into your decision-making than you could ever imagine as you pass judgment at the kitchen table during a Thanksgiving Day discussion.
The President earns the distinction of being called such. Anything less is disrespectful.
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