Respect is so important in life. We all appreciate being treated with respect. It feels good to be respected. Respect is a two way street and if you want it, you must also give it.
What a rare occurrence to have two presidents interviewed on the same news program! George H.W. Bush, President, number 41, and current President George W. Bush, number 43, father and son, were interviewed on Fox News by respected journalist Brit Hume!
When asked about giving his son advice, George H.W. Bush, the former president, said he would call occasionally and offer his son his love and support. Current President Bush said how much he appreciated having his dad's encouragement and the expression of unconditional love for him. He said his father's respect and support meant so much to him. How refreshing to see the love and respect they had for each other.
When asked about the President-Elect Barack Obama, they both said that they wished him well and did not want to sit on the sidelines criticizing him publicly for anything he did. They both said they may not agree with some of his plans, but would keep those thoughts to themselves. They said the new President did not need their griping and sniping at him. How refreshing is that attitude of respect and support! And the current President Bush would have good reason to retaliate against him considering all the insults and accusations that have been hurled at President Bush by Mr. Obama's opposing party and liberal press. But, he has chosen to take the high road and offer support to the incoming President.
Respect is so important in life. We all appreciate being treated with respect. It feels good to be respected. Respect is a two way street and if you want it, you must also give it. Peter wrote in his General Epistle that we needed to show respect to all people (1 Peter 2:17)! To the Church at Rome, Paul instructed that they give honor to whom honor is due. One of the Ten Commandments teaches mankind to honor their fathers and mothers.
When I heard President George W. Bush and former President George H.W. Bush express their intentions concerning respect for the office of the incoming President-Elect Obama, it brought tears to my eyes.
We need to develop and show that kind of respect for our leaders and for each other.
For GN Magazine, I'm Gary Antion.
