This Sunday, many attended a patriotic devotional in the Marriott Center. We heard Matt Holland speak of Abraham Lincoln, an inspired man. We listened to favorite American songs that move us, as Americans, to appreciate more fully how we are a unified people, bound together by love of God and country.
This past winter, I had the opportunity to attend the most significant inauguration in our nation’s history. I felt love for my country as I stood before the Capitol, listened to patriotic music and witnessed the peaceful transference of power that has set our nation apart as a “city on a hill.” I watched Barack Obama become our new president.
At the devotional (to my great chagrin), a slide show presented slide after slide of President George W. Bush, and seemed to completely disregard the new president. Finally, a single picture of President Obama popped up. I realize Utah is a predominantly Republican state; however, it is time to show support for our current leader, differences aside. What does this say about us as a people if we do not show the proper support for our nation’s leaders? In the Articles of Faith, we read that we “believe in being subject to … presidents.” Just as we now sustain President Thomas S. Monson after the death of President Hinckley, so should we support Obama as our nation’s new leader.
Republican or Democrat, we are first Americans. It is time that we realize that we are “one nation, under God,” with, might I add, one president.
Kristen Brown
Provo
Feeds 
I agree with your comments that there needs to be more respect for the office of President, and the man who holds that office. Please remember though that for the last 8 years, the man holding the office of President was not respected, largely by those who now support Barack Obama. That doesn't mean Republicans should compare Obama to Hitler (gosh, I'm so sick of that already) or that we should act as though he's trying to take away all our freedoms (also sick of that). But Republicans do have the right to criticize the President's policies, just as Democrats had the right to criticize George Bush's policies. Thank goodness we live in a country where both sides have that right.
You have to understand that it rings rather hollow for Democrats to request respect for Obama when none was shown by them for Bush. So as a die-hard classical liberal who liked a lot of George Bush's policies and who disagrees with most of Obama's (but nonetheless respects the president as a decent person), allow me to join your request for greater respect for the office of President. And allow me to extend that request to those who denigrated the previous President as well, and will likely be tempted to denigrate future Republican presidents.
While I will respect the new President and unlike others, not derogate him at every opportunity, I have no duty nor intention to "Sustain" him as I sustain the Prophet, my Stake President or my Bishop.
I am glad for the symbolic importance of having a "Black President" and am grateful that many who felt ignored or oppressed by the system now embrace it and feel empowered and embraced by their country.
However, the President has to do more than be a symbol. He needs to preserve our freedoms, he needs to have sound judgement, and he needs to support intelligent and useful legislation.
It is on the latter grounds that I do not support or sustain Obama. His policies will deprive us of more freedoms than the patriot act. Our freedoms hinge on our individual economic independence! The more we are dependent on government for the basics of life, the less freedom we have. No one can challenge a government that can deprive one of their economic livelihood and the ability to defend against the deprivation.
Obama's policies consistently deprive us of economic independence, and make us more dependent on government. Unless we speak out now - we won't be able to speak out soon!
J.M. Robertson - BYU Grad 1993