*02.27.2004 - 12:53 a.m.*

From My Dad with regards to my entry on the 25th:

Well thought out entry. I do object strongly however, to your use of the term "Bush". The individual in question holds the office of President of the United States of America. The office of President, regardless of whether you agree with the current occupant or not (and I frequently do not agree with him), mandates respect from our citizens. I would appreciate you referring to him in the future as either "Mr. Bush" or "President Bush" (either being appropriate). I thought I taught you better - feel free to quote me. Love, Dad

The way I see things, and many people probably agree with me, President Bush, while he has been in office, has not done a great many things people would consider worthy of respect. Our economy isn't great...the rest of the world isn't our friend at the moment...Iraq is in a terrible state...just to name a few. The only reason he commands respect right now is because of his position as the President. Once he loses that position, he will still have respect because he will become "Former President Bush". His title, rather than his actions, ensure that people will respect him for the rest of his life.

I don't like that.

You have always taught me that people who get and deserve respect have earned that respect. What has The President done besides win an election?

All that is besides the point. The point is, I call him "Bush" because that's his last name. It's not a respect issue, nor is it meant to be insulting. It's his last name. I'm sure his old [insert sports teams here] coach probably still calls him Bush and still slaps him on the back.