Webb vs. Bush - Respect

I believe the office of the President of the U.S. deserves respect.
I don't believe the current occupant of that job respects it. Bush does not respect the office of the President when he treats it as his own personal fiefdom, when he acts above the law, when he drags international good will from the heights of post 9/11 empathy to the dregs of hatred and disgust in pursuit of his own white whale. That said, Senator-elect Webb showed the office held by George W. Bush more respect that Bush has managed to scrape together so far.

When the President sought out Webb during a reception to ask how Webb's son (serving in Iraq) was doing, Webb responded, "I'd like to get them out of Iraq, Mr. President." - Bush pushed on, apparently expecting something warm and cuddly, "That's not what I asked you. How's your boy?"

Webb's response, "That's between me and my boy, Mr. President."

Knee-jerk conservatives have flailed about, bemoaning Webb's lack of respect. There was no lack of respect. Webb responded at each turn with the office title, "Mr. President." That he didn't give Bush the answer he wanted is not a lack of respect, except from those who believe, as does Bush, apparently, that he should constantly be allowed his way in this world.

Listen to the voters, Mr. President and your shrinking handful of sycophants, the lack of respect being shown to the office of the Presidency is coming from Bush & his cronies, not from the rest of the nation.