does smirk's saluting bother anyone else?

[fryguy]

I know its been a tradition for presidents to salute the Marine or Air Force soldier when they exit Marine One or Air Force One since Regan started doing it. And at a certain level it would make sense, being as the president is also commander-in-chief. However, isn't this patently incorrect under military doctrine? Isn't one only supposed to salute while in uniform and covered (wearing a hat)? Every time I watch smirk do his half-assed wave to his forehead I want to scream. Its like he's playing president (in so many ways).

Does this bother anyone else or am I way off in left field on this? Also, is my understanding about the protocols of saluting incorrect?

[Insider]

1. the president

is special

[Insider]

12. IHT: "Drop that Salute, Mr. President"

someone who apparently agrees with you:

http://www.iht.com/articles/93291.html

[fryguy]

16. good article

thanks

[trogdor]

2. That's actually the least bothersome thing about W*...

...that I can think of.

[fryguy]

7. granted...

but its indicative of his attitude about being pResident. Instead of doing it because of a urge to serve the public, it goes about the job as if were fantasy camp....

[RetroLounge]

3. I don't know about protocol

but it bothers the hell out of me...

RL

[sniffa]

4. i'm bothered

because of awoL saLuting. he shouLda Lost that right.

[Doctor_J]

5. everything about * bothers me

the prance, the smirk, the gin blossoms, the slouch. And that's BEFORE he opens his mouth.

[Parrcrow]

6. I agree absolutely

Its always really pissed me off. It seems like a stupid little role-playing game. I think that your assessment of the military protocol is correct as well. Commander-In-Chief is also a political position not a military rank.

Like many of Dubya's stupid superficialities, it started with Reagan.

[MissB]

8. It doesn't bother me

It bothered the freepers when Clinton saluted.

Presidents get to salute, no matter what we think of them.

[goclark]

11. Clinton's Didn't Bother Me

He never made it seem so smirkie.
He is such a classy guy and always knew how to handle himself.


They blame him for something that they all have done - each had their Monica's.

Larry Flynt, where are you when we need you to find the Monica for this sorry chimp!

[fryguy]

13. but not for the same reason

freepers bitched about Clinton's salute because he didn't serve in the military, not because it is/was fundamentally inappropriate for someone not in uniform and covered, at the time, to execute a military salute.

[Deja Q]

9. I've only seen * imitate Hitler's salute...

And he looks like Hitler on crack...

Wait, let me be more apropos: He looks more like Hitler on hard liquor...

[Daisey Mae]

10. But H e is PLAYING President....

It is all Pretend .......

[Qutzupalotl]

14. Everyone is correct.

He is special, in that as CiC, he can salute without being in uniform. But considering the trouble he's caused, he really shouldn't.

[ret5hd]

15. chimp is like an 8 yr old in a superman cape...

or wearing a cowboy hat and cap pistols...

in a role and insisting that everyone else play along

*** juvenile fantasies of impressing his father ***

[TimMooring]

17. Protocol

The President is the civilian head of the military. The chairman of the joint chiefs is the highest military position. As a civilian, the President should not salute anyone. When the national anthem is played he should place his right hand over his heart (no nazi salutes please). bushes penchant for military mannerisms and military drag has always reminded me of il duce more than hitler. Military operations in Iraq look very much like Italy in Ethiopia. Bend over and take a halliburton pipeline up the ass or face escalation all the way up to B52 carpet bombing of your town. The sweet smell of cheneybush branded freedom.