COLUMN: Respect is key for the nation to move forward

We live in a great country that provides all of us an opportunity to openly and publicly debate our leaders decisions and policies in an open manner.

But that election has passed. Win, lose or draw the people who are elected are our leaders. While the public is still allowed to disagree with them, American political leaders should be afforded a certain level of respect.  After the 2008 presidential election, Americans publicly disrespected many of our political leaders. Furthermore, saying you are going to need to leave our country because the leaders are so bad, is a ridiculous statement and I would encourage you to move to North Korea and other such oppressive countries.

There are several things that President Barack Obama accomplished during the four years of his initial election that I have publicly disagreed with. But, the office of the president should be a revered and respected position. As citizens, we have the right to disagree, but that does not give us the right to treat these elected positions with disrespect. Any fans of the “Band of Brothers” television series will recall, members of the military are required to respect the titles of individuals, such as Commander in Chief, but not necessarily his ideas or ideals. Many Americans, after the 2008 election, failed to respect the position of the President, the leader of the executive branch.

In the recent devastation from hurricane Sandy, Republican Gov. Chris Christie did a great job of putting aside politics. Our country has a lot of issues to get through and not letting election issues pass is detrimental to our system. It is time to shake hands, acknowledge hard-fought campaigns, and redirect our focus to building a better South Dakota and a better America after the election.

Sometimes we forget on the USD campus that there is a great free democracy outside our walls. Places where we do not feel the tormented oppression of a dictator like Aramark.

In closing, I respectfully submit that elections are hard and difficult on all persons involved. Both sides have strong enough feelings to open themselves to public criticism in order to better serve us. We should thank all that are willing to run and treat those who have won with the respect that their positions dictate. This does not mean we should let them off the hook and just go along with everything they say, but rather recognize their efforts and respectfully disagree when appropriate. A right to disagree is not a right to be rude.

And I’d like to extend congratulations to Rep. Noem and President Obama on a good campaign. It is time to look forward and achieve what is best for South Dakota, the United State, and the free world. Because at the end of the day that is what this whole thing is suppose to be about, achieving what is best for everyone.