If you saw President Barack Obama, would you shake hands with him?

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Yes, I would. Courtesy and respect are due the office, no matter whether you like the person currently holding it.
 
I think I would shake his hand because I respect his office. Do you think the Pope should refuse to shake the Dalai Lama’s hand? They’ll know we are Christians by our love.

In Christ
 
I would out of courtesy and manners, even though I vehemently disagree with his politics.
 
I find the posts on this thread very encouraging. 👍

If we had a “like” button I would have clicked it a lot. 😃

Alan
 
AlanFromWichita said:
He does have quite the silver tongue, doesn’t he? At least when the teleprompter is working right. 😃

Alan
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Besides words alone not making reality, people forget that eloquent oratory can be used for good or evil, and they automatically assume the good intentions of the speaker.There was another historical figure who once used oratory to get millions to swoon, and millions more to die, but he will remain nameless.
 
I shook Jimmy Carter’s hand, voted for him, then voted for Senator Ted Kennedy the next time around, then went back to voting for President Carter for that year’s general election based on the choices I had. So sure I would. And I know it’s a Catholic perspective to say if one is pro choice they are for abortion. But I don’t even know if the President and First Lady personally favor abortion. They have brought 2 seemingly fine young girls into the world and appear to be a good family unit with family values. I know they support choice on the matter in secular law. I personally would not choose abortion if I were a woman with the exception possibly if my life was in danger. In that case I am uncertain. But whether the Obamas would personally choose to abort an unborn fetus under the law or not is really none of my business either way. A slave was not an unborn fetus.
 
I think there is some indication here that a handshake means anything you want it to mean, sorta like “hope and change”.
The handshake is thought by some to have originated as a gesture of peace by demonstrating that the hand holds no weapon.
The handshake is initiated when the two hands touch, immediately. It is commonly done upon meeting, greeting, parting, offering congratulations, expressing gratitude, or completing an agreement. In sports or other competitive activities, it is also done as a sign of good sportsmanship. Its purpose is to convey trust, balance, and equality. – Wikipedia
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In view of the fact that I don’t trust øbama, I wouldn’t shake his hand. Note: This is a one-way street since he doesn’t have to trust me.
 
Allegra said:
What do you mean? Are you asking how many presidents publicly announce their view on abortion or how many actually do anything about it?
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How about both? Let’s separate the talkers from the doers!
 
Definitely. I’d probably also say that I’m disappointed that he hasn’t really brought change, but I’d still be friendly and shake his hand
 
ronh4 said:
His policy’s are not mine.

I would not shake his hand for any reason.
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I think that’s disrespectful. Not because it’s the President, but because you disagree with him. I think it’s very disrespectful not to shake someone’s hand because you have disagreements with that person
 
philial said:
How about both? Let’s sepaqrate the talkers from the doers!
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In that case, I would say that nearly all of them pronounce some sort of opinion on abortion. As far as actually doing something…the office of president doesn’t really have the power to get rid of abortion totally. He can’t just say, “Abortion is now illegal!” and that is the end of it. He can use his influence in congress and he can appoint judges which agree with him if a vacancy exists. He can also veto bills he disagrees with if they are passed. But the president can’t really make laws by himself. That being said, our current president has pushed congress to implement laws and programs which allow and encourage abortions at the tax payers expense. (Even in foreign countries!) So, no one can say he isn’t doing his bit. The previous president pushed several laws which made abortion more limited and did not support the taxpayers paying for abortions as the current administration does. His accomplishments may not seem very great given the number of children being murdered daily, however, I think he did as much as he could and utilized the powers his office allowed.
 
Gift_from_God said:
I think that’s disrespectful. Not because it’s the President, but because you disagree with him. I think it’s very disrespectful not to shake someone’s hand because you have disagreements with that person
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Agreed. In sports, it is common to shake hands with the enemy before and/or after the fight.

Alan
 
Allegra said:
In that case, I would say that nearly all of them pronounce some sort of opinion on abortion. As far as actually doing something…the office of president doesn’t really have the power to get rid of abortion totally. He can’t just say, “Abortion is now illegal!” and that is the end of it. He can use his influence in congress and he can appoint judges which agree with him if a vacancy exists. He can also veto bills he disagrees with if they are passed. But the president can’t really make laws by himself. That being said, our current president has pushed congress to implement laws and programs which allow and encourage abortions at the tax payers expense. (Even in foreign countries!) So, no one can say he isn’t doing his bit. The previous president pushed several laws which made abortion more limited and did not support the taxpayers paying for abortions as the current administration does. His accomplishments may not seem very great given the number of children being murdered daily, however, I think he did as much as he could and utilized the powers his office allowed.
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Thanks for that. Yes, of course, there are constitutional limits to power (thank God!). it’s similar over here. But my guess is that most leaders would rather not be troubled by the question in the first place - either way and there’s a risk of losing votes! 😦
 
philial said:
Thanks for that. Yes, of course, there are constitutional limits to power (thank God!). it’s similar over here. But my guess is that most leaders would rather not be troubled by the question in the first place - either way and there’s a risk of losing votes! 😦
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I think for alot of candidates it’s the exact opposite. They use the abortion issue in their campaign to rally the support of those sympathetic with their party. If conservatives don’t remember to get out and vote, babies will die! If librals don’t vote, the world will instantly be overrun with so many people it will be near impossible to find enough food. Never mind the fact that the fellow is running for an office that has absolutely no control over the legalization of abortion whatsoever!
 
philial said:
Thanks for that. Yes, of course, there are constitutional limits to power (thank God!). it’s similar over here. But my guess is that most leaders would rather not be troubled by the question in the first place - either way and there’s a risk of losing votes! 😦
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If he had his way, there would be no Congressional vote so he could act unilaterally. He said that during the “debt ceiling” fighting, but in a few minutes I couldn’t find the clip on YouTube.

Alan
 
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