Long after the dust has settled on the issue of whether U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., should apologize to the president, and also to Congress, for his "You lie!" outburst during President Obama's speech to Congress, the debate will continue.

There will still be discussions on the issue of increasing demonstration of disrespect for the "burucranium" (that metaphorical chair occupied by the boss).

I agree with those who say the disputes surrounding the president's pep-talk to school children goes beyond this particular president or this particular time. It touches on whether, as a people, we are losing our respect for "the office" of the president.

Former first lady Laura Bush said it best: "It is really important for everyone to respect the president of the United States." She was talking more about "the office" than the "man."

To disrespect the office of the president is to weaken the president's influence, especially in the realm of foreign policy, where it is referred to as the sole organ. Stephen J. Cann, in his book, "Administrative Law," defines sole organ as the concept that foreign policy must be conducted by one office occupied by one recognizable individual with the authority to speak for the whole nation.

"In foreign policy, said the Supreme Court, with its important, complicated, delicate and manifold problems, the president alone has the power to speak or listen as a representative of the nation. He makes treaties with the advice and consent of the Senate; but he alone negotiates. Into the field of negotiation the Senate cannot intrude; Congress itself is powerless to invade it," Cann wrote.

Entrusted with such constitutional powers, how juvenile is it for elected officials to undermine the Office even in the face of irreconcilable differences of opinions?

If we realize that "the office" is the essence of our work places, our schools, our churches and our nations, then we will realize that in order for these institutions to be effective in their respective authority, we should respect our bosses, our principals and teachers, our pastors and ministers, leaders of our countries and, yes, the president of the United States.

In a democracy, each has a vote, a court and ultimately the judgment seat of God to vindicate our just causes.

There is no place for disrespect.

- Eusineca Smith is a student at the University of the Virgin Islands.