Rodney Dangerfield made this line famous. Since I was a young man, I was taught to stand in the presence of those in authority to show them the respect they have earned. I have tried to teach my children to do the same.

In this respect, I once stood up at an event when a guest speaker was being presented around the room as she entered. She was a black woman–which meant nothing special to me, but it sure did to her when a white man stood before her in the presence of a room full of people who remained seated. And wow, did she let me know it.

She drew me close to her and thanked me personally for standing. It was a soft whisper that only I could hear, but it drew the attention of everyone.  

Now, I know that many of these traditions have fallen by the wayside. But I was especially surprised recently when I observed the president of the United States glad-handing a crowd of people, and NO ONE stood, NOT ONE!

It is obvious to me that he has unfortunately lost the respect of the people whom he was elected to serve. How sad. Unless something drastic happens to change his arrogance, he will ceretainly be a one term president.