In a recent letter to the editor (“Shocking disrespect to president,” Oct. 30), Mara McHugh admonished Mayor Lori Lightfoot and police Superintendent Eddie Johnson for not respecting the office of the presidency in their remarks following President Donald Trump’s visit to Chicago last week. Does the office command respect regardless of the behavior of the person holding the office? I don’t think so.
I'm a teacher. I expect respect from my students. I am worthy of that respect only if I respect them in return, and conduct myself in a professional manner. If I don't prepare for my lessons, do I deserve their respect? If I openly mock the disabled or taunt those who don't agree with me, do I deserve their respect? If I do not tell the truth, do I deserve their respect?
President Trump, as a guest in the city of Chicago, called it “embarrassing to us as a nation.” He was not demonstrating respect for his host city, and the mayor and police chief were right to call him on it. The respect goes both ways, Mr. President. Even my students know that.
— Joan Walton, Huntley
Note from KBJ: I see you've been watching CNN, Joan. President Trump has never "mock[ed] the disabled"; he hasn't "taunt[ed] those who don't agree with [him]"; and he has never lied. What you're not used to is a president who fights back when attacked. Not all Republicans are like George W. Bush, John McCain, and Mitt Romney.
