One does not give respect to a "position," or "office," one must respect the individual in that position or office if they are performing the duties of that office as they should. Kerry's an ass, and so is Bush and they both should get the heave-ho. We Americans are pretty incompetent about electing our officials for the most part nowadays. As for this minister, whomever appointed him to this esteemed position should have made certain he wasn't an idiot and could properly perform the duties of his office and follow protocol so he does not look like a dolt!