Rodney Dangerfireld became famous with his schtick, “I get no respect.” As a Jew who is truly pro- Israel and not  part of the JStreet crowd. I not only get ” no respect,” but instead  am characterized with  contempt.

We have a ” democratically elected” president who can’t spell the word of a hit song  that everyone who wasn’t deaf heard  every time the radio was on. If he missed it, because of his childhood sojourn in Indonesia, I’m sure he didn’t miss the Queen of Soul singing in the  comedy hit  the Blues Brothers.  So  how did our intelligent wondrous president, who as yet, did not “lower the seas or heal the planet” get a word that can be spelled in one’s sleep wrong? My theory is because he absolutely doesn’t care about respect for Ms. Franklin or anyone else  (if his or her name isn’t Valerie Jarrett.)

Jewish values command us  that everyone is to be treated with dignity and respect. “Who is honored? The one who honors others.” (Pirke Avot 4:1) The Hebrew word is  kavod( the translation is honor) Why? According to Jewish law we are all made in G-d’s image and are all created by Him. I find it terrifying that the one productive, Westernized country in the Middle East is considered the pariah. Time after time tiny Israel has proven its value as an ally. It’s innovations in scientific and medical research are  world class  and cutting edge. It’s inclusive  for Jews, Christians, and Arabs while the countries that kill, maim, and destroy lives are now the friends and allies of our government, NGOs, and pseudo Jewish groups like J Street. Although we have the myth about how supportive the United States has always been to Israel, in reality the State Department has always been full of Arabists. Ask Jonathan Pollard how pro Israel the United States is and then ask all the presidents who had their libraries built with Arab money. The difference is; now Israel hatred is considered fashionable and correct, as modeled by the disrespect of our president.

I describe myself as a traditional Jew. Unlike the intrepid blogger Carl at Israel Matzav who is Orthodox , I’m happy to obey the Ten and not eat bacon; however, I believe that as a country we have lost our way.  I believe that the only way we can find our way back on the ” derech tov” or right path is to start with respect. Let’s start with respect for  Americans, the ones who pay taxes that support this country. Let’s respect parents to raise their children the way they believe is best.  Let’s respect our friends and neighbors with kindness.  and let’s respect the Constitution and the freedoms it protects.

And our president?  He didn’t even have the courtesy to invite the great Etta James to sing her signature song “At Last” at his inauguration.  Instead, the poor substitute Beyonce was invited to perform.  Ms. James knew when she was disrespected, “You know your President, right? You know the one with the big ears?” she asked the audience. “He ain’t my President.” here Well, Mr Obama is our president and  when  he’s gone we’ll all be celebrating by shouting, ” At last”

of