Saturday, November 19, 2016

Respecting the Office

The results of the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election have surprised a number of people, especially those who did not support the candidates who won the election. People are protesting, which may not be a surprise, but it is atypical post-election behavior for U.S. voters and citizens. Then again, the election was atypical, so much of what follows is exceptional as well.

Although Americans have a lot to think about, one thing should not be in question: the respect afforded the office of the President of the United States of America, and the Vice President. The office is supposed to be bigger than the people who hold it.

Elections are held on a regular basis with the expectation of a change in personnel. The nature of elections is that people approve the person for the job. The individual is on the ballot.

So, maybe your person did not win— but the nature of elections is to rule out all but one candidate.

Maybe you have very strong opinions about the candidate who won the election — but a passionate electorate can be indicative of an active, vibrant electorate.

However, disagreement with the platforms of winning candidates does not give voters permission to savage the office.

Personally, I am still trying to understand what the results of the recent U.S. Presidential Election will mean to my nation and the world. The President-elect has very different curriculum vitae than any of his predecessors, and his campaign platforms have been divisive to the American people.

I truly hope the men who currently hold the positions of President-Elect and Vice President-Elect earn the respect the office affords them. Only time will tell. Until then, I must extend the same respect to the office as I have my entire life. I truly hope this administration will make that much easier than it feels it may be in these early days of transition.

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