William T. Robinson, Jr.
I was brought up to show respect to all people, regardless of how I may personally feel about a person. I was even made to respect prestigious titles and positions more than the person in that role. In other words, one should be able to show some respect to a person for no other reason than respecting that position. Titles are to be respected even if the person in that role falls short of their expectations.
Perhaps I represent the old guard and things are changing, not always for the best. In many situations you find people now unable to respect a title or position if they dislike the person holding that position. Now with the animosity spewed by many opposing political parties, there seems to be no decorum in utilizing diplomacy towards people you may dislike with some sense of respect. Unfortunately, our children are growing up seeing venomous disrespect manifested by adults who are supposed to be leading by example. The saddest example of this display of unadulterated disrespect has been manifested by our governor, Bill Haslam. The governor has snubbed the President twice by not meeting or greeting him during the President’s visits to Nashville.
I may be wrong , but I thought it was proper protocol to greet the President of the United States of America when he visited your state. Maybe that was expected protocol until we elected an African American president. It is frightening that we have people representing people of this state unable to put aside personal views and represent all the citizens in this state by acknowledging the person holding the highest position in the free world. The truth of the matter is that many people (especially African Americans) who admire and respect President Obama see Gov. Haslam’s snub as an affront to them also.
The governor claimed he had previously scheduled activities. This is unacceptable. It is no secret that he stands firm to the mantra initially rendered by Republicans when the president was elected of making sure all the president’s initiatives fail. It is truly sad when a political party exercises more energy working together to discredit a president than working together to find some common ground to work in the best interests of the whole country.
Whether you agree or disagree with President Obama’s decisions or direction, all his actions can’t be considered bad. In fact, many people of color feel that if the president were a White man, his accomplishments as president would be lauded. He would be remembered as one of the greatest presidents in American history.
In trying to be helpful, I would think that the governor could be more cordial and respectful toward our president. You see, when you disrespect President Obama, it can be seen as disrespecting people of color. Right or wrong, I feel one should respect the role of the person possessing the title of the president of the United States of America.
