Christians, Politics, and President Obama

I was raised to be respectful. I was taught that respect should be extended to literally every person in existence. That means random people you pass on the street, peers, teachers, bosses, anyone you are in authority over, and people in authority over you, and perhaps especially people in public office. I believe wholeheartedly in this teaching, and I feel that it is especially in line with the teachings of Christianity, which I adhere to. 

This is why I get angry when people disrespect the president. I’m referring here to any president that has, is, or ever will be in power. Political beliefs and affiliations aside, you should respect Obama not only as our president, but also as a person. “Obummer” is childish. This is the type of thing I imagine children on the playground might have called him when he was a child. 

Conservative Christians, regardless of their feelings for him, should be leading the way for other conservatives to respect him. Don’t we teach our children to not name call? Don’t we teach them that that is no way to win an argument or have a discussion? Why then do we feel that name calling our Commander in Chief is an acceptable thing to do? I realize that many people disapprove of Obama and his politics and will also cry “free speech!” I suppose if you wish to express your disapproval by exercising your right to free speech in such a childish way, then yes, that is indeed your right. 

But let me just say this in closing: Friends…grow up.