Damn! This is getting good, and I have to go and teach. Bugger. By the time I get back, everybody'll be agreeing and respecting and yada yada.

I think sometimes we use the word "respect" when we really mean "like". If someone here (Mudcat) absolutely disagrees with my view on....say.....abortion, or attacking Iraq, or whether religion should have ANY part in Govt. or whether I might feel that the President of the U.S. is all but illiterate....I can't see how they could POSSIBLY respect me, simply because if I had my way, many of their dearest beliefs would be diminished, and vice versa. Now, we may have met (or chatted ) and get along famously in a number of areas like music, sports, or whatever. And maybe they like the idea that I'm not rude, and am always willing to LISTEN to another point of view (if they've invested in the subject) but bottom line...can you RESPECT someone who disagrees with many of your core values? I'm simply not sure. I've SAID I respect someone whom I REALLY disagree with, but maybe I simply LIKE them.

Just thinking out loud.

Rap on folks

Rick