If a congressman, senator, or president is elected to public office, it was done by convincing a sufficient number of their fellow Americans to vote for them. Since all of our representatives currently serving their country have been duly elected by the people; they should command respect on the basis of that accomplishment.
If our representatives cannot comport themselves respectfully toward their colleagues or their president, how then can we expect our children to respect their elders, teachers, pastors, employers, etc.? This health care legislation is indeed leaving a tremendous negative legacy for our children and grandchildren far beyond any fiscal implications. This legacy is evidenced daily by the violence and hatred exhibited by those opposing and supporting health care reform. Our disrespectful actions are leaving our children with the impression that they can say or do anything they want if they believe they are right.
In a representative form of government, every slur against a single person is an insult to those who voted for them. These are not nameless, faceless people. They are our families, our professional colleagues, our Facebook farming buddies, ultimately the voters are our fellow Americans.
If those people are dissatisfied with their representation, they will vote against that candidate in the next election. This is the American process. This is the American Democracy. This is America where all people have the right to vote and therefore shape policy by choosing their representatives.
In the meantime, and especially during this time of controversy, our representatives should comport themselves with dignity and decorum that will set an example for appropriate behavior in a civilized society for everyone. Cursing, name calling, and violence have no place in a productive debate.
Comments
totally agree!
Thank you, Lisa, for speaking out about the comedy / tragedy that is currently taking place in the hallowed halls of our ELECTED government officials. As the grandmother of four, my thoughts / fears are reflected perfectly in your words. Respect is no longer a key word in the American language, and I sure wish I knew how on earth we are going to teach it to our children if even the highest officials in the land don't care about it.
Well said. However, lack of respect in any arena is not a new problem. It began a long time ago; it is just escalating now. Ask any teacher in a public school system. Some of my friends feel that the representatives are not voting according to the people they "represent" even after voicing desires.
Grammie,
I couldn't agree more. I have been quite vocal in support of health care reform and all of my representatives voted against it.
In response to Grammie. The lack of respect in the public schools is not excuse for the irresposible attitude in congress. Drugs are also a problem in the public schools, should all of our congressmen do drugs on the floor of congress? The disrespectful attitudes of leadership, such as congressmen and women, justifies the disrespectful actions of the school children in their minds. We as a society should demand better from both groups.
Very true!
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