Tempest over Obama's tea cup salute: Commander-in-chief sparks anger by saluting US Marines with drink in his hand

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

Yes. He's human, and like I said, he's got a lot on his plate. There is no need for a congressional inquiry, or getting beat to death over it.

Several years ago in basic training, I walked past a senior officer and did not salute. I just didn't see him as I was having a conversation with my friend next to me. We were immediately shouted down to halt. We did. Then, we were sent to a 16-hour non-stop salute and marching party. From that day forward I knew what I was supposed to do or get in bad trouble. It wasn't until later that I learned the more subtle reasons of why our fighting men and women are taught to do this. It's more than just protocol. It's more about the absolute respect and trust you must have to follow your leaders into dangerous places from which you may never return. It's about doing it with the pride and respect for your fellow soldiers and most especially for the people of America, and our Commander in Chief.

I don't believe he hates the military. But, he needs to remember those who are dying for their country and put their lives on the line range in age mostly from 17-22 years of age. He just needs to acknowledge it, and avoid ever doing it again.

I think those of us who have served our country, all had that same special moment you had. I failed to salute a full bird one time. I just flat was day dreaming and did not see him. He came over and saluted me, and said good morning sir, as I was in Civilian clothes. He was cool but made his point very well. I gave him and crisp salute, snapped to attention and apologized. He gave me a little smile and all was well

Same thing with a career 0-4 at Ft Lee. He had a shat fit.

Edited September 24, 2014 by The Nature Boy

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

He screwed up. He should recognize it and apologize to the soldiers that were there as well as all the others in a public statement. People screw up. Its like that time he messed up and then went back to shake the soldiers hand an apologize. And FTR I appreciate your response. Its sensible and makes a good point.

I'm sure I'll get flamed by others for this, so just a heads up to those that plan to tell me how this president hates the military or something, don't waste your time.

See the first paragraph of my response to ExExpat.

I don't think any reasonable person would have an issue with an apology.

Why does the Preznit hate the Military ?

[GandD 5,966]

I don't think any reasonable person would have an issue with an apology.

Why does the Preznit hate the Military ?

Pot stirrer.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Surely it must be an impeachable offense.

Oh my God, who cares.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Anyone in the military knows the CIC is a civilian. Every single president has one of these moments. Nobody really cares, regardless of who the POTUS is.

However, it makes for good tabloid fodder and a unique opportunity for displays of exacerbated feigned outrage.

The horror. The humanity!! The sheer BS of it all!

The service personnel who will go into combat and put their lives on the line, at his say so.

They might to know that he respects them and the sacrifice they are prepared to make. Is the courtesy of a proper return salute too much to ask of their Commander-in-Chief?

[Rob L 3,811]

_{He would have been better off to not Salute}

_{U.S. Marine 'Customs and Courtesies'}

_{'In some situations, the salute is not appropriate. In general, do not salute when ... carrying articles with both hands or being otherwise so occupied as to make saluting impractical.'}

[Pooky 3,844]

Anyone in the military knows the CIC is a civilian. Every single president has one of these moments. Nobody really cares, regardless of who the POTUS is.

That you don't care is glaringly obvious, captain.

However, it makes for good tabloid fodder and a unique opportunity for displays of exacerbated feigned outrage

The only exacerbated feigned outrage I see here is yours, as you make abundantly clear in the paragraph that follows.

The horror. The humanity!! The sheer BS of it all!

I'm merely disappointed that on the day he ordered US assets to strike at targets in Syria, the Commander-in-Chief did not display the presence of mind to show his respect to the Marines when disembarking from Marine One.

[Dan and Judy 614]

Now that's a salute.

Edited September 24, 2014 by Dan and Judy

[GandD 5,966]

Anyone got a movie of grant? That would be fantastic.

[Karee 4,191]

Now that's a salute.

Maybe it has something to do with him being a former 5 star general. Just a guess.

[GandD 5,966]

Maybe it has something to do with him being a former 5 star general. Just a guess.

That would give him far less of an excuse IMO.

[Dan and Judy 614]

Maybe it has something to do with him being a former 5 star general. Just a guess.

This would be his 5 star general salute.

[Karee 4,191]

That would give him far less of an excuse IMO.

Maybe. I'm not sure how all that military stuff works. I'm sure one of our resident jarheads will chime in.

[Dan and Judy 614]

Commander in Chief does not owe military personnel a salute. As career military, Eisenhower knew this.

[Karee 4,191]

This would be his 5 star general salute.

Those are foreign troops. He should be posthumously impeached.