Posted by
SL Gordon on Sunday, January 18, 2009 3:52:17 PM
With every day that goes by, it seems the idea of respect in our country, communities and online exchanges is dwindling to a lost art form.
Respect for ideas that are different.
Respect for people who are different.
Respect to EVERYONE in public discourse.
Respect without judgement for those who are down on their luck.
Respect for our Elders.
Respect for the ill and infirm, no matter how they got to that point.
Respect for life in all forms.
A healthy respect for our enemies.
Respect and regard for our bodies, keeping them clean, wholesome as well as healthy, with access reserved for those we love.
Respect for our own privacy...why are we sharing every detail of our personal lives with the world at large, instead of with treasured people in real time and in person.
Respect for thoughtful, intelligent commentary instead of media sensationalized sound bites.
Respect for the wisdom of experience.
Respect for those of other faiths and no particular belief system...whether you agree with them or not.
Respect shown in the form of common manners and foul language left in the locker room.
Respect shown by turning your cell phone off every once in a while and noticing the people around and across the table from you....and talking quietly when you DO have to be on it.
Respect for the Office of the President...no matter the current or future occupant...the occupant will change again in 4-8 years.
Much of the tension in our country could be solved by "just saying YES to respect!"