Respect

Unless you've been living under a brick, you've heard about Obama's speeches this week -- one that was directed at school children and another in front of Congress regarding health care reform.

With the speech for schools, I think the hub-bub and negativity regarding this speech was uncalled for and wrong. No matter who the president is, no matter what side of the political spectrum he is on, what color his skin, or what his religious preferences may be, he is still the President of the United States. He is not Hitler and should not be referred to as such, even by the most conservative Republicans. Numerous presidents have been broadcast into classrooms across the United States in the past without the ridicule that this speech instigated.

In my mind, even if you disagree with the man, it comes down to respecting your elders. If you truly disagree with aspects of his speech, what a wonderful dinnertime conversation -- to discuss why you disagree (respectfully) and spend time explaining your morals and values to your children. We don't all have to agree -- but I do think that we all need to learn how to be more respectful -- not only to people in power but to everyone in our lives.

As far as health care reform goes, I will say that I'm not 100% behind Obama's current plan. But I do think that there are numerous issues that still need to be dealt with and worked out and I'm willing to listen and at least hear what he has to say on the issues. The plan is not finalized even though many are making it seem like it is set in stone and seem unwilling to work with Obama or hear his case. Once again, the true issue that I see in this situation is respect. When children see outbursts like that of Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina, what kind of example does that set for them?

I want to raise my children so that they can agree to disagree. So that if they have a valid issue with another person they can discuss the issue openly and respectfully. I don't ever want to hear my son call anyone a liar -- in any circumstance -- but especially not in a public forum. I don't want my children to ever be so afraid of listening to others ideas that they call people names, refer to them with derogatory language, or ignore them completely because of their conflicting views.

While I don't always agree with Obama, I hate to see the way the country is dealing with these issues. The number one problem in our country isn't Obama. It isn't health care reform. It isn't even termites. It's a lack of respect for anyone and everyone.

While everyone else is feeling patriotic on the eve of the anniversary of 9/11, I find myself feeling quite sad. The polarization of our country is debilitating and a horrible example for our children.