Respect doesn't mean agreement...

Today I was able to share my love of this country with my son.  My parents, Garret and I were able to go and listen to President Obama speak today.  We waited in line in the sun for an hour then we waited for over in an hour in a mob of people who were all there (or mostly all there) to support our President in what I believe is one of the most important elections in the recent past and future.  It was hot, it was humid, and as the day went on it began to smell unpleasantly of  body odor.  I recently had surgery on my knee and was hobbling around in pain and uncomfortable, all because I believe in this cause, I believe in our future, and I believe that this election is vital for so many reasons.  But most of all I endured the crowd, heat, stench, and pain because I wanted to give my son a memory, opportunity, and lesson on the importance of standing up and being active for what you believe.

To back up a few hours, on the way over to Pueblo Garret and I had an amazing conversation about Presidents, and the history of America.  It was very toned down because even though Garret is brilliant, he is only five.  We talked about George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and my favorite president John Adams.  We discussed Mitt Romney and President Obama and the differences between a king and our President.  We discussed why mommy doesn't believe that Romney would be a good president and why I believe that Obama is and will hopefully continue to be a great president.  Throughout the entire conversation and the day that followed I was adamant about one thing when discussing my views with Garret.  That although I disagree with EVERYTHING that Romney stands for and believes, I still respect him for what he is and what he is doing.  Meaning,  he represents what our country is about (sort of), the process of our election, the freedom of America, and the right to believe what you choose (even if you can't make up your mind about what it is you believe).  But the point is, I believe it is important for Garret to realize that there are many different ideas, views, and beliefs in our society.  Even though we may not agree with someone we should still respect them because that is what America is about,  the freedom to have different beliefs.  Now I know that I voice my opinion often and quite loudly.  I also know that I think some peoples views are WRONG ethically, morally, and sometimes just plain factually wrong.   But, I still respect the right to have those views, and still respect the individual that has those views.  If I don't respect a person it is usually because of their actions rather than their beliefs (if that makes sense).  And, I WANT Garret to understand this,  that it is OK and what America is about for people to have differences of opinions.  It is about how you voice that opinion that matters.  I also believe that your opinions do not supersede the rights of others (my previous post goes into more detail about this).

Waiting in the sun

So,  here it is,  I am so tired of the BLATANT disrespect for our current president.  Where is the respect for what his title stands for?  Where is the respect for that regardless of what you believe and what he believes he is THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and that title deserves respect no matter who holds it.  I don't know why but it seems that this man has been more disrespected than ANY  president before him.  If you don't have the same views, same ideas etc that is fine, that is your right as an American, but please give the title, the job, the man the respect that he deserves as The President Of The United States. Disagree with his policies, disagree with his views, but give the respect due to the office, the process of our democracy that elected him, and what he represents- freedom, democracy, and America.
Regardless of who wins this election I will respect the man who is our President, because I respect what that title means.

Watching President Obama speak

I can't help but add how proud I am of my son.  What a privilege it was to stand there and watch the future of our country participate in the process that is America!  As he yelled "Obama, Obama, Obama" cheered with the crowd, booed with the crowed  I was given hope for our future.  Regardless of what views he has as he grows, I hope that he will always stand up for his views, will always fight for the rights of others and will always exercise his rights as an American!