I want to get something off my chest. The subject of this rant is the house in the background of a “selfie” we took with our niece and nephew.

My wife and I went to Washington, D.C., a year ago to see Andrea and Loren … and to take in some of the sights around the city. We took the train into town and walked all over creation on this hot day.

We stopped in front of the White House to snap this picture.

I want to make a quick point about the building and, oh yes, its current occupant.

This blog has been unrelenting in its criticism of Donald J. Trump, the president the president of the United States. I will continue to criticize him whenever I see fit. I’ll offer praise when he deserves it, too.

No matter the occupant, no matter his politics or his behavior or his demeanor, the White House on this day in June 2017 stood as a magnificent symbol of this great nation. It reminded me that the stature of the office of president transcends any individual who happens to occupy that office.

Later in the day, we were walking through Georgetown when we noticed the helicopter designated as Marine One as it flew past us toward the White House. I believe the president was returning at that moment from one of his getaways to Mar-a-Lago. The chopper was taking him back to the place he has derided as “a dump.” The comment offended me in the moment, as the current tenant was referring to “my” house, the “people’s house.”

Seeing Marine One fly overhead provided a treat as well, reminding me of just how cool it is to see the trappings of this great office up close in that manner.

I’m looking forward to the day when the president can treat this house with the dignity it deserves simply by carrying himself — or herself — in a dignified manner.

Do not misunderstand me. None of his has a single thing to do with the White House, the structure. It is to be admired and revered.

I am proud to be one of its owners.