Respect by Dan Landi

Fellow Americans,

My friend, G. Robert Bauer II, recently submitted an amusing letter to the editor of the Citizen-Observer newspaper about respect. According to the letter, Mr. Bauer believes we should respect everyone at all times, no matter what. As I thought about that statement, I began to wonder how I would respect the thief that stole from me, or the bully who threatened me, or the con-man who swindled me! Mr. Bauer also believes, according to the letter, we should stop name-calling our presidential candidates because they have “worked hard to get where they are today.” Really? Is that the standard for respect? I have learned that respect is to be earned; that to blindly follow someone based solely on their position or title is irresponsible and dangerous. What about those who don’t respect themselves? How can I respect someone who has no respect for themselves? What I think my friend was actually talking about was civility. Regardless of our differences, I believe we should all be civil with one another. That’s not to say that a little sarcasm now and then is inappropriate. For example, in some of my previous articles I have used sarcasm when referring to Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, and even our beloved king, Obama! Does that mean I hate them? No, I don’t hate them. I hate what they do. As the saying goes, I hate the sin, not the sinner.

So, let’s get back to my friend’s letter. He said Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton deserve our respect because they have worked hard to get where they are. In this article, I would like to draw attention to their accomplishments. Consider the following:

   * The Don is independently wealthy. He didn’t sell out his country for personal gain like Hideous did!

   * The Don is a career businessman. Hideous is a career politician!

   * The Don knows how to run a business. Hideous knows how to fleece a business!

   * The Don has created jobs in America! Hideous has not!

   * The Don never lied to cover up his spouse’s criminal activity. Hideous has!

My point is simple. If one wants to be respected, he/she must earn it. I believe without a doubt that Hillary is as far from respectable as the earth is from the sun, and to elect her as our next president would be like driving the last nail in our country’s coffin! Please do your own homework and learn the truth for yourself. For some interesting reading, may I suggest visiting www.dineshdsouza.com and www.marklevinshow.com.

May God bless you and the United States of America!

Dan Landi

Kidder, MO