Respect

with almost all that you say in your post. In my almost-always-humble opinion, respect is like self-esteem. Many want to GIVE it, but that doesn't work. It must be EARNED.

I don't have respect for someone simply because they have remained alive (i.e., above room temperature) for a long time. I have respect for those -- whether young or old -- who, if able (and almost everyone is), who help pull the world's wagon rather than ride in it.

I don't have respect for someone who has ideas opposed to mine if their ideas are borne of ignorance, and their view has been discredited empirically by history.

I don't have respect for someone whose culture is, not only different from mine, but barbaric.

I did not say agree with or support. I said respect.

Do I respect terrorists? No, they are criminals.

Do I respect people even when they make idiotic commentary? yes - because they are human beings who for lack of classical education, responsible upbringing and sometimes simply because of the presence of evil in the world, they just can't seem to help themselves.

I respect my elders because I am commanded to in scripture and because most of the ones I know (at 55) survived WWI as children, the depression and WWII as young adults, sent their younger siblings children and grandchildren to Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf, lived through the Civil Rights struggle and built many of our existing business empires out of sheer ingenuity and force of will. They have incredible stories to tell.

My PRIMARY point is that we have become an extremely rude country, to the point that I almost don't recognize where I live anymore.

Thanks for reading Dr Pete

responded to IT. Then you come back and disagree with what I didn't say. I said, "I don't have respect for . . . " I did NOT say, "I don't agree with . . . " I did not say, "I don't support . . . "

Pursuant to the rest of your last comment, it would seem that -- to be consistent -- you should respect terrorists "because they are human beings who for lack of classical education, responsible upbringing and sometimes simply because of the presence of evil in the world, they just can't seem to help themselves."

I encounter persons who are rude, crass, lack civility every day. And because of their behavior, I do NOT have respect for them. But, I try my best to respond to them with kindness, patience and civility . . . mostly because it drives them nuts.

with regards to how you treat people...keep on keepin on