What Happened to Respect?

Although I mostly agree with Mr Zurel's comments, there are times when a personal attack is warranted. When a politician is running for an office, such as the leader of the free world, character is of immense importance. No leader of any free and civilized country would command respect and allowed to lead if his character is in question. Not from his own constituents nor other similar countries. When a politician has willingly associated himself with known enemies of the country of which he trying to be president - I question his character, choices, and motives. Unless he distances himself from these sources through convincing dialog - I will not nor can I respect him. This is the case with Senator Obama who, when pinned down about his questionable associations, either declares the subject "off limits" or avoids the answer altogether. Although Senator Obama has written two books about himself,there is a still lot we don't know but that, too, is "off limits." Had we questioned Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot and those of their ilk about their personal lives,intentions and called them on it,we'd probably be dead but at least we'd know their intentions and would loose my "respect" in a hurry. Not to say Senator Obama is in this category but until he EARNS respect he does not deserve it. Yes, his office as Senator, demands respect, but not the office holder. No one would have followed Eisenhower on D-day if he did have the respect of his peers and his subordinates, regardless of his rank. I RESPECT Mr Zurel's opinion but sometimes it is necessary to call a spade a spade (no pun intended).