Yet, it’s important to respect presidential office ‘regardless of its occupant’

President Barack Obama uttered those three little words sooner than even I expected.

When Tom Daschle withdrew his nomination for secretary of health and human services on Tuesday due to owing thousands of back taxes, the president told media, “I screwed up.” Daschle was the latest in a string of presidential appointees to have his unpaid taxes questioned.

Some people were shocked. Obama, the Chosen One, the Savior of the People, the Champion of Change, screwed up? Inconceivable.

I was not one of those people.

Despite his supporters’ messianic glorification of him, Obama is still one of the least experienced presidents to grace the Oval Office. The question in my mind was not if he would “screw up,” but when.

Some people responded with ridicule and disgust. “He’s not my president,” they say. “I’m considering moving to Canada,” they say.

I was not one of those people, either, and not just because Canada is the wrong place to go escape socialism.

No, I don’t agree with Obama. I do not support most of his policies. I question whether or not he has the safety of the nation in hand, and I think his bailouts will depress the economy for longer than it would be depressed had he left it alone.

I may not have voted for him, but he is, after all the cards are dealt, my president. Call me old-fashioned, but I believe the office deserves respect regardless of its occupant.

Yes, even if it’s George W. Bush.

Make no mistake: compromise is not the answer. Fight legislation you oppose. Promote your causes proudly. Don’t fall into the stupor of contentment.

Fight honorably; attacking someone you disagree with only makes you look closed-minded. Presenting a strong argument that is well-reasoned and respectfully argued, can only help your cause.

In the New Testament, Jesus tells the Jews to “render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s.” In that particular case, he was talking about paying taxes to a government the Jews did not recognize as their own, but the sentiment is still applicable to modern life.

Too bad Tom Daschle didn’t take it to heart.