President caps off quite a week in La Crosse

La Crosse finds itself in the presidential spotlight again this week. Continuing a string of hosting presidential visits that stretches back to George H.W. Bush, La Crosse will welcome President Barack Obama to town on Thursday. At least we hope he will be welcomed warmly. Critics of the President have cranked up the volume of their hatred on social media and elsewhere in the wake of what is being called the best 10 days of his presidency. Obama got a boost from the Supreme Court ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act. Despite opposition from his own party, Obama scored a legislative victory on trade. And of course the advancement of marriage equality was the cherry on the cake. In between all that, Obama had to deliver the eulogy of a slain pastor in South Carolina which earned rave reviews. But online comments continue to illustrate the underbelly of racism which is very much on display. A number of bloggers continue to use vile terms when referring to the President of the United States, which won’t be repeated here. The President of the United States deserves the respect of all of us, regardless of whether we agree with his policies. We don’t have to agree with his actions, but we also shouldn’t sink to name calling and other derogatory acts. Let’s welcome President Obama to La Crosse on Thursday with the respect he deserves. Remember, the world will be watching.