So let me get this clear, you object to one extremely technical issue as to whether each copy of SOTU speech was itself an official document, but you like a lot of his policies, and yet you don't respect him?
Context David. The legal question was raised by Sam. I responded. You can follow that, right? Take it up with Sam if you feel this issue is exceedingly minor (I agree by the way, and pretty well said as much). Its yet another sleight of hand tactic used by both parties' supporters; a non-issue.
The question I raised was in response to an article Jim posted. He had posted an interesting article where the author criticized Pelosi's childish antics and chastised her for her behavior. How she had "
shredded decades of tradition, decorum and civility that the nation could use now more than ever". That she was not "
preserving the tradition of her office". That if she could not "
maintain the dignity and neutrality of her office" that she should resign.
This struck me and I asked to those who support Trump: Is there a double standard here, or should we hold all elected officials, including Trump, to the same benchmark?
I have yet to receive any sort of direct response to this question. That's too bad as its at the heart of my interest in this discussion.
If you actually get all that, then the issue of your lack of respect for him might be based on a myriad of unproven allegations against him which are used to smear him.
I have no more actual insight into the details of the various allegations against him than you or anyone else here. I remain open to the possibilities either way as neither "side" appears to offer anything more than a biased attack or defense with sparse to no evidence. I see it as the only prudent position. I understand others here may feel they are on solid ground either condemning Trump or absolving him. I see both positions as untenable to the common man as there is no unbiased source to which either side can attribute their conviction. That's reality and all we have with which to square our views on politicians, but it doesn't make it rigorous or intellectually forthright. Its just emotion and bias confirming one's own political worldview at the end of the day. Pretty much what its always been on these types of issues.
My lack of respect for him is based entirely on his own public comments. How he refers to those with whom he disagrees. His ego. His looseness with words and "facts". People in my personal sphere with these attributes have always proven to be less often worse. Those in my personal sphere who have proven to be more have been careful with words, quick to apologize when wrong, not verbally abusive, kind, etc. Pretty simple stuff.
I guess you don't respect President Kennedy, who seems to have used his time in office to attract as many XXXXXXX as possible, or President Clinton, who maybe did rather less of that, but has a rape allegation against him - so which former presidents do you respect, I wonder?
Kennedy was a bit before my time, so that's a tough one for me to answer.
Clinton was a great disappointment to me. The entire Lewinsky ordeal was ridiculous and so beneath the office of the POTUS. Yes, I lost respect for the man.
I thought Jimmy Carter was a wonderful guy but I was pretty young during his time in office; likely well centered with his heart/morals in the right place. Not so sure how good a POTUS he was.
Reagan struck me as a younger man as being a tad underqualified considering his life's work, but he clearly made a good POTUS. I didn't agree with all of his policies but I respected the man. Agree or disagree with his politics (since you'll never agree with every POTUS) he carried himself well.
Bush Sr seemed a patriot. HIs son was harder for me to warm up to, but in the end I also think his heart was in the right place. I was thrilled to see the "only white men" barrier broken by Obama. I saw that as an important social milestone for our country. He was also someone who's prior experience (lack) was a concern for me. I do think, however, he is a good man. Again, don't agree with everything he did but I respect him.
I don't think it is unreasonable for America to demand a few basic things from its presidents. Be a patriot, understand you are serving the people. Be respectful; maintain the dignity of the office as you are representing me and every other citizen. Make us proud not only in what you do, but how you do it. Be inspiring. Be someone parents will tell their children to model themselves after. Be strong. Protect us and defend our liberty and our nation's interests.
You don't have to insult political opponents to be effective. You don't have to lie at least not at every turn. You should be gracious to defeated political opponents who served their country. You should be a unifier; THE most important voice to bring the country together.
I shared this story before, but a group of retired business owners and professionals including a close family member of mine were having lunch recently. To a man they were all lifelong Republicans and had voted for Trump. A question was asked that speaks to my interest in this thread: "Would you have hired Trump?" This was in context of these now retired men being back in their respective fields. Again, to a man the answer was "no". I would venture to say they'll all vote for him again, but not because they have a real choice. The alternative is anathema to them.
We should be demanding of Trump to be better in this regard. Not the hysterical raging of the left, but the center and most importantly his supporters. Restore the dignity of the office. Be better.
You generally write to attack other people's views in many Skeptiko threads, but somehow we never get to read much of your own views.
Attacking people's views? Are we that shallow? I'm challenging ideas and asking questions. If that has offended anyone, I'm truly sorry.