Obama has not earned respect

If Joe Walsh has shown disrespect for the president, Mr. Obama earned it. When the Democrats were in control of Congress, Mr. Obama told the Republicans, “We won” as a brushoff to requests for compromise. The White House has had nothing but contempt for the type of voters who elected Mr. Walsh. The president defines compromise as doing things completely his way and offers nothing but his old stimulus ideas in new wrappers. The Democrats control two thirds of the government and have not produced a written budget. Now, Obama sends a jobs plan with the order, not a request, “Pass it now!” We did that, once, and look where it got us. I believe Mr. Walsh had a point and, until the president earns respect, it should not be required from those he has disrespected.

Mark Bailey

Round Lake Beach