Our nation has become so polarized that disrespecting the opposite ideology (opposite party affiliation) is now seen as a virture rather than a vice. Although my parents were solidly grounded in the Republican Party, I was taught to show respect to Democrats in office, whether that be as high ranking as the president or toward the bottom of the totem pole as a local township representative or even a campaign leader.
I remember that those on either side of the political spectrum showed the respect due to our political leaders even when the disagreements with their ideals were profound. But such is the case no more. In this story, Mr. L.F. Eason III, a 29-year veteran of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, instructed his staff not to fly the U.S. or North Carolina flags at half-staff, defying a directive sent to all state agencies. When a superior ordered Eason to follow the directive, he decided to retire rather than pay tribute to Senator Jesse Helms by flying the flags of his state-run department at half mast by in compliance with official state orders.
Hi Richard, Respect, for all the talk ABOUT it, seems to me a habit that is dying off, on both sides of the political spectrum and in all aspects of our dealings with one another. You hit the nail right on the head when you mentioned that your parents taught you about it! If more parents taught and modelled respect we'd have a more civilized society. Blessings to you from Peggy in Fredericksburg
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