Showing "respect" for a political office

There has been some talk about the lack of respect some citizens have shown George W. Bush as he leaves office. There have been demonstrations throwing shoes on the lawn of the White House, and at a large effigy of George W. himself wearing that "Mission Accomplished" flight suit. Groups have gathered in D.C. to sing "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" both during election night, and on inauguration day as George W. left D.C. for good.

Any elected official, even the president, deserves no more or less respect than any other citizen. The leader of any nation, if elected by the people, is given power only through that electoral process, he or she is not royalty and should not be treated as such. Blindly bestowing respect to a politician because of the position he or she holds does not allow a democracy to function effectively. The best way to "show respect" for any democratic leader, and the democratic process, is to express one's political views and to get involved in the political process oneself.

Singing "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" as a politician leaves office, no matter the politician, is an inherently democratic act, and, I would argue, demonstrates a form of non-violent dissent our nation needs to thrive.