Opus 2019-019: Show Some Respect

Rodney Dangerfield has become the avatar of the 21st century.  We have come to the point where nothing gets any respect.

I remember I used to respect the police.  I thought FBI agents were noble servants of the republic.  And judges, what could be more worthy than a judge?  Pastors were awesome.  Teachers were the best. 

But what did I know?  Have I just learned to be more observant or have things changed?  I think it is both.  As I get older and have a broader pool of knowledge I find that things I used to accept now get me to raise my eyebrows.  I know that when I listen to the music I enjoyed as a kid I wonder how I survived the sexual innuendoes and suggestive pictures.

As a teacher I came to realize how lacking the profession is.  Part of that is the change that has gone on since I was a kid.  When I was in school being a teacher was one of the few professions that women and minorities could expect to use their talents, so if I had a black teacher it was someone who today would qualify to be a doctor or senior vice president if given the chance.  Today, with a few exceptions, we get the leftovers.  Principals were objects of awe.  Being sent to the principal was something to be avoided at all costs.  Now kids are on a first name basis with them and they side with the kid against the teacher.  Little respect needed here.

I have watched the FBI and court system become objects of derision rather than respect.  Top law enforcement has been using their power to destroy patriotic Americans based on political party.  You may have seen the FBI swat team that conducted a pre-dawn raid to arrest an elderly man who was accused of process crimes.  Judges ignore the Constitution and precedent to mold society when the left can’t succeed in the legislative process.  The ultimate was when the people of California passed a constitutional amendment and the state supreme court ruled it unconstitutional. 

As for pastors, I was one.  I have seen men put their wives to work so they could do their thing.  I have seen the egos.  I have watched as they have had affairs and embezzled funds.  I have watched the unworthy promoted and the worthy ignored.

I am sure none of this is new.  It doesn’t mean I have to like it.  I am an idealist at heart.  I hope I always remain one even though my eyes are more open.

homo unius libri