Do we have to be disrespectful of candidates and officials?

[scrapper_gal]

I have been contemplating writing this post for awhile but I really feel strongly about this topic. No matter what our political persuasion I find the disrespectful names we attach to candidates and officials to be totally unnecessary. I have read through many of these threads in the forum and have found candidates and officials on both sides being "dissed" with totally inappropriate names.

I don't care if you really don't like an elected official, but I would really like to challenge you to think the fact that any discussion you may have with someone of an opposing viewpoint is totally invalidated when you make disrespectful comments about the candidates. I think George Bush has made some really big mistakes as president (and I voted for him twice) but to refer to him as "Georgie" and "the Shrub" makes everything said in that conversation totally irrelevant.

Please don't make your conversations irrelevant by resorting to name calling - even if you think it is "cute".

[NellieRose]

I have been contemplating writing this post for awhile but I really feel strongly about this topic. No matter what our political persuasion I find the disrespectful names we attach to candidates and officials to be totally unnecessary. I have read through many of these threads in the forum and have found candidates and officials on both sides being "dissed" with totally inappropriate names.

I don't care if you really don't like an elected official, but I would really like to challenge you to think the fact that any discussion you may have with someone of an opposing viewpoint is totally invalidated when you make disrespectful comments about the candidates. I think George Bush has made some really big mistakes as president (and I voted for him twice) but to refer to him as "Georgie" and "the Shrub" makes everything said in that conversation totally irrelevant.

Please don't make your conversations irrelevant by resorting to name calling - even if you think it is "cute".

I agree and the only name I have called was "Georgie", which I see you mention - I didn't think it disrespectful as I refer to Barack as Barry......is that more offensive than McNasty, McSame or NoBama?

[Gina.Maria]

While I haven't done so, I think those nick-names are probably better than the names they're really thinking.

[Chreamps]

While I haven't done so, I think those nick-names are probably better than the names they're really thinking.True, Gina.Maria.

IMHO, the office of the President should be respected; however, (yes, I'm biased and did not vote for Bush either time) I feel he has brought shame to that office and I don't respect him. I am hoping whoever is elected will be bringing some respect back to that position and back to the United States.

As far as respect for the candidates, I think part of the name calling is a reflection on how a campaign is run. Some of the comments coming from them is a disrespect to the American people and we, in turn, will reflect that back at them. Is this right? I don't know and it could be attributable to the times we live in and the stress we feel.

ETA: I don't "think" I have called anyone "names".

[snaggletooth75]

I'm Sorry Bildo is one that my husband used to call Clinton when my hubby was in the army:( It kind of stuck with me LOL I havent heard the Shrub one yet with Bush yet . WHen I hear Shrub I think of Nascar LMAO
I am for McCain but I have pet names for him too just to be fair LOL

[[michele]]

Well, I hope I have kept my "McSames" to myself here, mainly because I have seen people elsewhere that insist on calling Obama 'BO' - and it annoys the frak out of me!

:) Michele

[snaggletooth75]

BO LOL I haven heard that one yet. Are people to lazy to just type his name:lol
;1547609']Well, I hope I have kept my "McSames" to myself here, mainly because I have seen people elsewhere that insist on calling Obama 'BO' - and it annoys the frak out of me!

:) Michele

[tammy1999]

Thank you so much for reminding us what the right thing to do is.

[Trina]

Hmmm...I thought I was keeping up on these political threads, but apparently not, because I hadn't noticed the name calling (on television, yes, but here, no).

[Glueless Media]

Its always nice for all of us to be reminded to show some respect on all levels.

[txmusicmom]

Thank you!!!! Down here in Texas.........we just like to be nice...........

[Scorpiosue1102]

I think I've been very respectful of the candidates and the office of the President. I respect the office of the President, but not necessarily the man. Sometimes respect is earned, sometimes it is there, but lost by the actions of the person.

[diannerigdon]

I agree and the only name I have called was "Georgie", which I see you mention - I didn't think it disrespectful as I refer to Barack as Barry......is that more offensive than McNasty, McSame or NoBama?

I agree with the OP and I believe it can be inferred that she is talking to both sides of the political fence. There is an air of disrespect all around that negates any validity to opinions being shared, and it just comes down to personal character...or lack thereof. It doesn't make it "right" or "okay" because your name calling isn't any worse than someone else's.

[Gina.Maria]

I don't agree with about half of the participants here, politically, but I certainly don't disregard their opinions because they choose to use a nickname for a politician. Bush did more damage to the office of President than a handful of ladies in this forum could manage by calling him "Shrub" or "Georgie." While I cringe every time I see McNasty or Nobama or Bildo, I appreciate the 1st Amendment right of everyone to express themselves as they choose. Whether it's sour grapes or justified outrage that spurs the slights is not for me to judge but I seriously doubt that anyone here would be so crass as to address any of these men in such a manner in person. Just as Alec Baldwin was able to be cordial to Palin even though he abhors her politics, we're all able to recognize exactly when to put aside the stunts and name-calling and act like dignified women. Just let it go, please.

[NellieRose]

I agree with the OP and I believe it can be inferred that she is talking to both sides of the political fence. There is an air of disrespect all around that negates any validity to opinions being shared, and it just comes down to personal character...or lack thereof. It doesn't make it "right" or "okay" because your name calling isn't any worse than someone else's.'

I am with you Dianne, wrong is wrong & I agreed with the OP but, was asking if the reference to my use of the name "Georgie" which I used one time and that happened to be this afternoon is any more disrespectful than my use of the name "Barry" for Barack Obama...my further question was if either of those were more offensive then some of the other names that have been used repeatedly. Was simply trying to establish is my use was considered distasteful name calling by the OP, or any other readers here. :)

Granted if you say something offensive just one time isn't any better or less wrong than having said it 10 times as offensive is offensive and wrong is wrong.

I don't see where the use of my "Georgie" was all that disrespectful if at all. I still stand behind my original questions..........

[Haley64]

I think those nick-names are probably better than the names I'm really thinking.

I am the one who called it and him "the shrub administration" and I should leave it at that! I was exercising my rights to freedom of speech and I believe in calling a spade, a spade. Nothing disrespectful meant at all! :lol

I think I've been very respectful of the candidates and the office of the President. I respect the office of the President, but not necessarily the man. Sometimes respect is earned, sometimes it is there, but lost by the actions of the person.

Thank you I should have read further! ITA

[tsaria]

I call Bush the Shrub...I can't see myself stopping, though. I used to think worse things when I said it but now he's just the Shrub. Shorter & funnier than George W and the funny sort of makes his blunders seem more like blunders than outright bad things. I think it lost it's mean-ness after I saw 'That's My Bush'.

Some names about the current candidates I think are silly. At least "the Shrub" references his name in an effort to differentiate between him & the other president with the same name.

[mama_pajama]

I also call him Shrubby. I do respect the office of President, but I do not respect Bush. Respect is a two-way street, and he has not shown an ounce of respect for the American people, so I do not feel I need to show him any.

[Glueless Media]

Thank you!!!! Down here in Texas.........we just like to be nice...........


Donna, In Georgia we try to convey that Southern Hospitality. Nice is always good:)

[snaggletooth75]

When I hear Shrub and Bush I think of Kyle busch the driver in Nascar. LMAO Yeah I know its the redneck in me but what can I say

[txmusicmom]

Donna, In Georgia we try to convey that Southern Hospitality. Nice is always good:)

Well I'm originally from Tennessee ( same side of the Mississippi!!)

:agree

[DirtyFeetDesigns (heb1976)]

Respect is a two-way street, and he has not shown an ounce of respect for the American people, so I do not feel I need to show him any.

O.K. wow, is that what we teach our children too? Because he isn't being respectful, disrespect them back. Here we go again with having to over analyze a simple statement from someone. Do we always have to get so 'matter-of-fact.' It is something that bothers her - leave it at that and how about show her a little respect.

[mama_pajama]

O.K. wow, is that what we teach our children too? Because he isn't being respectful, disrespect them back. Here we go again with having to over analyze a simple statement from someone. Do we always have to get so 'matter-of-fact.' It is something that bothers her - leave it at that and how about show her a little respect.

The OP asked us to stop calling public officials names. I was explaining why I use the name I do. If she's going to ask something of me, I feel it is respectful for me to let her know why I will not be doing as she asked.

[Scorpiosue1102]

I guess I don't understand why respect HAS to be automatic. The White House endorsed waterboarding. I'm sorry, but I cannot respect a man that thinks that is ok. I don't care who it is, it's wrong and we cannot pick and choose what we want to adhere to from the Geneva Convention. I do not call President Bush nasty names, but I am within my right to not respect the man.

As to what I teach my son. I teach him to respect his elders. At age five he does not get the concept of "respect". He gets kindness and what I tell him, for now. As he gets older I will let him make his own mind up as to who he respects and why.

[Haley64]

O.K. wow, is that what we teach our children too? Because he isn't being respectful, disrespect them back. Here we go again with having to over analyze a simple statement from someone. Do we always have to get so 'matter-of-fact.' It is something that bothers her - leave it at that and how about show her a little respect.

No I don't teach that too my kids but if someone honestly disrespects me in RL I distance myself from that person. I don't drag my kids up to the person and start the argument or disagreement while my children are watching hoping that they are learning by my behavior of standing up for my beliefs!
With that said there are a couple people in RL who do not get my respect but I still don't disrespect them back!

I guess it is a matter of what someone else thinks is disrespectful based upon their own thoughts or ideas on the subject and what they assumed we meant when we called him pet names.

Maybe instead, of everyone picking on everyone for not being "nice, respectful" or "politically correct" that they themselves sit back and think that not everything is as it seems without them knowing how we are thinking or reading into what things mean when written into typed words?
We all know how hard it is to read the real emotion by typed words alone...

I also respectfully responded to her question as did many others about why we used those names to address Mr. President Bush! darn that is too long to type out like that! :blush

[snaggletooth75]

She was asking for people not to call names of the men that do a job none of us are qualified to do. Me being one of the ones who called names as in Bildo ( funny to me not to others) and I respect the fact that she was nice to ask and asked nicely. Do I respect him HELL NO. Will I not call him names I can do that. I am 33 years old not 5. Computer name calling really doesnt do anything for me anyway. Regardless of what you think Bush has done personally to you all she asked was to not call names not that you HAVE to respect the people your calling names. IDK maybe Im wrong and my Percs are making me be rational.

[snaggletooth75]

Its prolly past my bedtime anyway LOL Ill be looking evil tommorrow
I wont be calling names from now on unless its to my husband :P

[Haley64]

When I hear Shrub and Bush I think of Kyle busch the driver in Nascar. LMAO Yeah I know its the redneck in me but what can I say

LOL I just caught this you little red neck! Gitt'er done! hehehe :yahoo


I wont be calling names from now on...

I won't either....sorry I called you a red-neck! :blush

[snaggletooth75]

Its even worse when you call names to peoples nascar drivers :lol:lol:lol
If people get riled with a politican being called a name, go to a nascar race :lol:lol I had a Bud can thrown at me for a JR comment

LOL I just caught this you little red neck! Gitt'er done! hehehe :yahoo

[Haley64]

I know what you mean, I love a good race myself! :) Amazing education! hehehe

[snaggletooth75]

Red Neck is a compliment :wub LOL I just dont want to get anyone mad so Ill leave my Bill comments to myself. You can call me a redneck anytime:yahoo

LOL I just caught this you little red neck! Gitt'er done! hehehe :yahoo



I won't either....sorry I called you a red-neck! :blush

[Haley64]

Red Neck is a compliment :wub LOL I just dont want to get anyone mad so Ill leave my Bill comments to myself. You call me a redneck anytime:yahoo

You do mean Bill Engvall right? ROFL

[snaggletooth75]

You can learn ALOT about people at a race. Specially infield LOL
I dont know how to put this but its the one place that you can go, enjoy yourself and not hear anyone talk politics LOL Unless its Nascar politics

[snaggletooth75]

HA LOL
Why the name I call Clinton stuck is cause thats ALL my husband calls him LMAO thats the nickname they had for him in the army. He got in big trouble saying that to a higher rank :lol:lol
You do mean Bill Engvall right? ROFL

[DirtyFeetDesigns (heb1976)]

No I don't teach that too my kids but if someone honestly disrespects me in RL I distance myself from that person. I don't drag my kids up to the person and start the argument or disagreement while my children are watching hoping that they are learning by my behavior of standing up for my beliefs!
With that said there are a couple people in RL who do not get my respect but I still don't disrespect them back!

I guess it is a matter of what someone else thinks is disrespectful based upon their own thoughts or ideas on the subject and what they assumed we meant when we called him pet names.

Maybe instead, of everyone picking on everyone for not being "nice, respectful" or "politically correct" that they themselves sit back and think that not everything is as it seems without them knowing how we are thinking or reading into what things mean when written into typed words?
We all know how hard it is to read the real emotion by typed words alone...

I also respectfully responded to her question as did many others about why we used those names to address Mr. President Bush! darn that is too long to type out like that! :blush

You are absolutely correct in that things can seem a little more snarky typed out then if it were said to your face. I do agree with that. I was mainly defending the fact that it was something that bothered her and that she *respectfully* asked. I seriously could care less what anyone calls the president, the candidates, etc ... Your prerogative.

[DirtyFeetDesigns (heb1976)]

LOL I just caught this you little red neck! Gitt'er done! hehehe :yahoo


Just to clarify, it is Git'er'done! And no I do not know that because I have a sign that says that hanging in my garage right now. :)

[snaggletooth75]

:lol Larry the Cable Guy :wub
Just to clarify, it is Git'er'done! And no I do not know that because I have a sign that says that hanging in my garage right now. :)

[tsaria]

Me being one of the ones who called names as in Bildo

I never heard that name for him before here. And I didn't get it until I said it out loud...kinda funny, but I like Cigar Boy better =)

KIDDING! I love Clinton!

[snaggletooth75]

I didnt get it either till my husband had to spell it out :lol:lol Then I realized it was hilarious. My grama even called him that once till she realized what it sounded like:lol
I never heard that name for him before here. And I didn't get it until I said it out loud...kinda funny, but I like Cigar Boy better =)

KIDDING! I love Clinton!

[Haley64]

Just to clarify, it is Git'er'done! And no I do not know that because I have a sign that says that hanging in my garage right now. :)

LOL I was too tired about being politically correct and respectful in my other posts to dig out Larry's CD or do a google search! It can also be spelled like this:
GIT-R-DONE which is the original spelling and how it is on my CD...:blush

[DirtyFeetDesigns (heb1976)]

You are right ... it is on my CD too. My husband must have picked up a fake at the local flea market. How dare him!

[tammy1999]

Its prolly past my bedtime anyway LOL Ill be looking evil tommorrow
I wont be calling names from now on unless its to my husband :P

Dang, didn't know there were other "Rednecks" at DST. YEA!!!!! My husband and I were both born and raised in the south and is a modern version of those confederate bunker dwellers. We've moved up to a trailor. :spin

Larry the Cable Guy talks about my family all the time in his show. hehehe

[mama_pajama]

O.K. wow, is that what we teach our children too? Because he isn't being respectful, disrespect them back. Here we go again with having to over analyze a simple statement from someone. Do we always have to get so 'matter-of-fact.' It is something that bothers her - leave it at that and how about show her a little respect.

I just have to say that no, we don't teach our children to be disrespectful. Do you talk the same way in front of your children as you talk with other adults? I don't teach my children to swear either, but I've been known to drop a killer f-bomb when the time is right and the kids aren't around.

If the OP had only stated that something bothered her, then no, I wouldn't have said anything. But that's not all she did.