Respect Nothing!

The latest in the news is John McCain decrying Ted Cruz for his collective statement that people, of which Bob Dole happened to be one, lacked principle in their previous political existence.  McCain demands that Cruz apologize for the lack of respect which Cruz bestowed upon the undeserving Dole.

Respect nothing.  We're Americans, not subjects.  I also am a veteran.  I hear the "respect" mantra from some in response to what they consider to be disrespect to politicians, but I disagree.  In America, politicians are public servants, not public employees.  I don't think they should be treated like slaves, but they don't deserve favored status either.  These people buy and sell favors behind closed doors and use tax dollars to live in conditions that are way beyond normal.  Everything from their food to their housing, parking, and vehicles is subsidized by our tax dollars; therefore, to the demand for respect, I shake my head.

We are not subjects, but when you tell me that we need to respect our politicians, you ask me to switch roles such that the public master becomes the servant and the political servant becomes the master.  Forget that jazz.  The minute you submit your package to run for office, all your previous events that proved your integrity become a faded memory.  You don't live in a jailhouse for 20 years and come out unscathed as if you are a saint.  When you kiss the ring and become a public servant, it is because you want to achieve elite status.

If you are a veteran and run for office, regardless of your wartime status, when you choose to become an elite by your own volition, you become one of "them".  Don't expect me to believe that because you stormed the beaches of Normandy as you were commanded that you somehow achieved teflon status and have been immune to the thirty years of graft and corruption within which you immersed yourself in Washington DC when you chose to run for office.  While you certainly did not create it, you also were powerless to stop it, so leave the uniform at the door and don't tarnish that of honor with the dishonor of a political life.  When you conduct yourself as such you act as if we should look to you, the veteran, like one incapable of doing harm, all the while the memory of your uniform and heroism fights for you up front as you cash in favors in the rear.