Versailles News: Respect must be earned

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“Respect isn’t just given it must be earned.” Perhaps you believe this statement or perhaps you’ve never questioned that way of thinking because it has been a standard, although misguided axiom in our society for years.

This is just another example of our present day relativism; the belief that different things are true, right, etc., for different people or at different times. Relativism allows each of us to determine truth as we deem it to be and since it is easier for each of us to decide who is worthy of our respect and who is beneath such treatment we have ignorantly and willingly adopted this belief.

But the real truth is that everyone deserves respect. Every human life must be respected. We don’t always have to agree with one another but we are all deserving of respect. Respecting others is a decision we make, not because it has been earned, but because it’s the golden rule. We need to respect every human life from conception to the grave.

We must also respect legal authorities, as they are empowered over us. Everyone can recall newsworthy instances in which young people would still be alive had they respected such authority. Respect should be given to all adults, teachers, the elderly, including oneself. Each of us needs to have self-respect for self-respect forms our morals. We can never respect ourselves if we don’t first respect others nor can we respect others if we do not first respect ourselves.

Respect is foundational to our civilization, without it we will become a society with an expiration date, for we cannot survive when we lose respect for authority and mankind. Instead we would have anarchy; a society without government or law, existing in turmoil, chaos, and decay.

Hollywood exploits contempt by making it look valiant and honorable. For example recall nearly any Clint Eastwood movie. He always portrays a defiant, self-righteous loner spurning authorities, breaking rules and laws to uphold his own sense of justice. It’s the perfect embodiment of disrespect. His character always emerges victorious while bringing ridicule to those within the establishment.

If we are to keep this nation together we must again be respectful of our people, symbols and positions of authority; including the American flag and the President of the United States. Both represent the will and sovereignty of its people. Both should bring to mind our country’s rich history of those who fought for equality and freedom, those who have defended it, and even those who hide behind it.

Remember we don’t have to like everyone but we must treat them with respect and dignity. In some cases it’s the law and in all cases it’s the golden rule. Saturday is Sweetest Day remember the day with kind words and/or flowers.

Upcoming events:

This weekend Browns Sweet Shop celebrates both new ownership and retirement with raffles, prizes and surprises for dine in customers from 5 a.m.-1 p.m. today and Saturday and from 6 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday. There will be free cake and coffee from 1- 3 p.m. on Sunday and the public is invited to extend their gratitude to Larry Brown and Arlene Brown Keiser as they begin retirement.

The Darke County YMCA of Greenville is offering free weekly classes on preventing or managing diabetes. Classes are every Thursday from 6:15-7:30 p.m. from now through Nov. 17, for more information or to get registered call 548-3777.

Today at 2 p.m., the Versailles Health Care Center has an Elvis Performance and Bake. This is open to the public.

Saturday at noon, a public rosary and other prayers will be petitioned for the welfare of this beloved country please join us at the fountain square with an open heart and lawn chair.

Tuesday, Encore Show Choir performs its Fall Variety Show at 7:30 p.m. in the Versailles Performing Arts Center. Admission is by donation, doors open at 7 p.m.

Open house for Books by the Bushel at 164 Subler Drive this Friday, Oct. 14 from 4 – 8 p.m. Refreshments will be served and the public is welcome!

Mark your calendars for the 16th Annual Versailles Athletic Boosters Dinner/Auction held Oct. 29. Doors open at 5:30 with dinner at 6:30 p.m. For reservations, call Cathy Peters at 937/214-2974.

Congratulations to Heather Albers, daughter of Ronda and Bryan Albers, and Aaron Mangen, son of Sandy and Randy Mangen. who were crowned 2016 Homecoming Royalty.

Birthday wishes to Greg Bergman, Deacon Mike Meyer, Megan Subler, Mary Ann Leach, Taylor Hemmelgarn (2), Camille Watren, JoAnn Albers, Melissa Bowman, Linda Link, Jacob Treon, Jane Mumaw, Megan Subler, Jerry Gasquez, Hayden Miller, Diana Subler, Deb Ward, Jennifer Shields, Amy Hoying, Carrey Whittington, Stacy Poeppelman, Lindsay Rethman, Mike Kelch, Mert Bensman, Brandon Christian, Christina Garlinger, Lindsay Schultz, Jacob Poling, Jane Agne, Jaycee Lewis, Heidi Epperly, Andrew Platfoot, Robin Brown, Connie Winner, and Virginia Goubeaux, Joann Bohman, as their birthdays approach as well as, anniversary wishes to Brook and Ben Wilson (1), Mandy and Daniel Miller (4), Jessica and Justin Erwin (4), Michele and Kevin Henninger (7), Jessica and Nick Groff (10), Dina and Jim Marchal (14), Jenny and Phil Pleiman (16), Darlene and David Meyer (16), Lela and Jack Munn (18), Julie and Todd Deeter (22), Lori and Doug Davidson (23), Elaine and Kurt Bohman (27), Terry and Roger Bey (40), Joan and Mike Bergman (41), Madonna and Fred McEldowney (45), and Thelma and Harold Schultz (67).

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Angie Keiser, Mary Barga, Zane Francis, Dan Norris, Theresa Turner, Al Bliss, Regina Fischer, Wilma Didier, Anabelle Subler, Steve Grilliot, Lavern Brunswick, Jeanette Simons, Julia Billenstein, Fr. John White, Glenn Monnin, Merilyn Borchers, Lewis Didier, Alan Stammen, Cameron Magoto, Lewis May, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Linda Henry, Jan Turner, Pete Ecabert, Levadia Barga, Susan Crocker, Patty Jenkinson, Paul Cordonnier, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Linda Wilson, Lois Youngker, Sam Yagle, Barb Goubeaux, Jan Turner, David Zumberger, Brian Voisard, Cyril Frantz, Michelle Ullom, John Davis, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Barb Agne, Samantha Smith, and all those not mentioned by name who are ill, suffering, hospitalized or homebound.

Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Bob Homan (66) and Carol Hart (75). Also remembering the lives of Fran MacLean, Basil Subler, Lorys Bohman, Gary Long, Nancy Jones, Lucille Alexander, Robert Grillot, Joe Bensman, Verna Cool, Betty Wooley, Julie Hiatt, Harold Phlipot, Gary Kimmel, Lowell Marshall, John Gasson, Lucille McClurg, Betty Grilliot, Bill Hawkey, Slim Wehrkamp, Red Mescher, Ken Wulber, Waldo Barga and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing nears.

“Show respect even to people who don’t deserve it; not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of yours.” ~Dave Willis

“Respect means valuing others.” ~Unknown

“Respect people’s feelings even if it doesn’t mean anything to you it could mean everything to them.” ~Unknown

“Respecting others is the gateway to loving one another.” ~C. Edwards

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By Kathy Magoto

Versailles News

Kathy Magoto is a volunteer citizen columnist, who serves The Daily Advocate readers weekly with her weekly Versailles community column. She can be reached at [email protected] or at 526-3798. Feel free to contact her with Versailles news and tidbits. Viewpoints expressed in the article are the work of the author. The Daily Advocate does not endorse these viewpoints or the independent activities of the author.

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