Politics, protocol and diplomacy are not my line. I heard that when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Then again, there are ways of bowing that does not humiliate the people back home – specially the WWII vets. For me though, my reflection about this is that if he can respect earthly rulers, why not the Ruler of the heavens?
Oh, and one more comment. I think the first photo would have been more palatable if the teleprompter were blocking the face of the person refusing to salute, to spare him and other true Americans from embarrassment. As for the second photo, if one interprets it from behind the gentleman bowing, this could actually be the solute 'he' is giving to America. 😉
POTUS can actually render a salute while not in uniform, so he had two choices in that first picture. Yet, he chose the disrespectful third. Ugh…. It's galling to know that he is my Commander in Chief.
The first picture where he's not saluting the flag, or placing his hand over his heart…Was that during his campaign? What were they doing in the picture? Saying the Pledge of Allegiance? Or singing the National Anthem?
I just would like a little more info…
The first picture, according to the AP video of the event, was taken during the playing of "Hail to the Chief." I can just imagine the accusations of arrogance if he had saluted himself during "Hail to the Chief."
November 16, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Politics, protocol and diplomacy are not my line. I heard that when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Then again, there are ways of bowing that does not humiliate the people back home – specially the WWII vets. For me though, my reflection about this is that if he can respect earthly rulers, why not the Ruler of the heavens?
November 16, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Also…
http://mediamatters.org/research/200911160014
November 16, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I only have one comment… YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 16, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Oh, and one more comment. I think the first photo would have been more palatable if the teleprompter were blocking the face of the person refusing to salute, to spare him and other true Americans from embarrassment. As for the second photo, if one interprets it from behind the gentleman bowing, this could actually be the solute 'he' is giving to America. 😉
November 17, 2009 at 5:28 pm
POTUS can actually render a salute while not in uniform, so he had two choices in that first picture. Yet, he chose the disrespectful third. Ugh…. It's galling to know that he is my Commander in Chief.
November 17, 2009 at 9:43 pm
The first picture where he's not saluting the flag, or placing his hand over his heart…Was that during his campaign? What were they doing in the picture? Saying the Pledge of Allegiance? Or singing the National Anthem?
I just would like a little more info…
November 18, 2009 at 1:34 am
The first picture, according to the AP video of the event, was taken during the playing of "Hail to the Chief." I can just imagine the accusations of arrogance if he had saluted himself during "Hail to the Chief."