[workerbee]

Well, I must disagree, to a point. The office (that is, the position) of the presidency does deserve respect. However, it is the president himself who is most responsible for respecting it! And the problem is, the current occupant has defiled it so badly and so flagrantly, that it's almost impossible to separate the office -- its historical importance and dignity -- from the person. Yet another reason I despise him and (figuratively) spit in his face.

[moneyrunner]

Workerbee, you and I disagree. Why must we respect a position? What does it even mean to respect a position?

Does it mean that we are a subordinate and do what the person who occupies that position tells us to do? Or is the position one that automatically elevates the person who holds it to a higher plane? Let me be clear, I respected Reagan, not because he held an office but because of what he stood for and what he did. The office did not confer respect on him. It conferred power, but the respect was entirely his.

I respect Sarah Palin even though she holds no office because of what she stands for.

I respect Ted Cruz, not because if his office but because of his courage and his intelligence.

"Respect the office" is a meaningless phrase. It's a throwback to the rule of Kings when the people had to bow to the king because of his title. And if you didn't bow, you would be killed.

It's hauled out by partisans today who use it to tell us that one of their own who holds that office should be respected.

I hope I have made an argument that causes you to re-think your ideas. Thanks for reading this and best wishes.