The Importance of Respect in the American Presidency

The president, regardless of who falls that role, is owed some sort of respect. To be grateful to someone, you have to have a responsible agent who did a praise worthy act and it didn't benefit you. In terms of Swen's example, not the individual who holds a rank with the rank itself justifies respect. But if you're directing at something, which is a mechanical instrument, like a Spitfire Thunderbolt, an abstract entity like a corporation above and beyond the people who own or manage it isn't deserving of gratitude.