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Brad,
I basically agree with what you have said - that you have to give respect to receive it.
But I feel that everybody starts off with the smae ammount of respect from me. I respect anyone I meet until they do something to change my opinion (either positively or negatively).
The concept that you start off not respecting anyone, until they do something to earn your respect is flawed. This (to me) is the same as the idea that you have to have experience to get a job - if every employer felt that way, then no-one would have jobs.
If you refuse to respect someone until they do something to earn their respect, and the other person feels the same way, then no-one will respect anyone.
As people in positions of authority, I feel it is up to us to set the example. I will deal with everyone I meet respectfully and in the same maner regardless of age/race/gender/social status or job, until they do something to change my opinion of the level of respect they deserve.
But hey, that's just MHO.
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