Respect and Fairness

"I'm not here to make friends. I'm here to ask questions." -- CNN Anchor Don Lemon.

"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." -- Harry Truman.

   Many politicians feel that if you are not an advocate, you are an adversary. News reporters are neither. They ask the tough questions because they need to be asked.
   A current Candidate has demanded that he be treated with respect and fairness. This, however, works both ways. Respect cannot be demanded; it must be earned. And when the Candidate fumes and blusters with abuse and insult at anyone who dares to question or disagree with him, he shows no respect for others. Therefore, he should not expect any in return.
   It follows, then, that this Candidate shall remain nameless in this space until he shows respect for others and earns respect from others. If the Candidate continues to behave like a petulant child when things don't go his way, he can pick up his metaphorical marbles and go home.
   As for fairness, when the Candidate cries that a debate moderator "isn't being fair" because "she isn't being nice to me," that shows still more of the petulant, childish behavior common among arrogant bullies who demand obedience without challenge or question.
   In a republic founded on democratic principles, anyone can ask any question of anyone at any time. Free speech and a free press are an inherent part of that principle, and during a political debate, moderators have the right and the obligation to ask tough questions, and to challenge the Candidate if he does not  answer. Journalists ask these questions not because they have any special rights, but they do so on behalf of all citizens. 
   To abuse and vilify the questioner shows contempt for all citizens. And such behavior is contemptible.