I would love to hear your thoughts on tolerance and respect!

well for one, they are completely different things. Tolerance is a pretty new concept and just about always implemented w/hypocrisy. Respect is as old as time.

Most people can only tolerate things they understand, or that fit within their psyche in some way. What they do not understand or does not fit within their identity, they usually do not tolerate, or even entertain the notion of. A lot of times intolerance is out of not accepting anything beyond ones own limitations. (this does not include gross or harmful things).
Respect for someone has to be felt within - it is not automatic and no one is entitled to it.

Respect is the most important aspect of any matured relationship.
And tolerance is essential for that to be a lasting one.

There is way too much of it which is causing a swift moral decline

Like not being a racist booty hole?

It takes strength. It takes emotional intelligence. And to not do so lessens ourselves.

(Tolerance here applies to difference, not license to harm others.)

I cannot tolerate anything I cannot respect.

I can't tolerate people who get on my nerves.
I can't respect people who haven't earned it.
The usual thing I do is stay away from those people.

tolerate and respect everyone's right to live as they please. I'm a piss pants don't judge until you've tried it