Why is it acceptable now for people to insult President Obama, when it was unacceptable with former President Bush?

2016-06-14T16:05:32-04:00

I did come in at the tail end of President Bush's presidency, so perhaps it's perspective , but even in civilian life it came across as "treasonous" to insult, mock or in question the loyalty of the current President.

Since President Obama has taken office, I'm heard blatant insults, remarks on his religion and national origins and blatant statements now about his loyalty, even in this community.

Edit: I'm not discounting that President Bush was insulted. I fully acknowledge that he was. This is also wrong in my opinion. Why was that tolerated previously, why is insulting our current President tolerated now?

Edit 2 : For those that just come on for an easy way of saying "This political party is the reason for all of x, y and z", I'm basically going to ignore you. It's not the point of the conversation and you add nothing to the conversation.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jun 14 at 2016 4:09 PM

2016-06-14T16:09:59-04:00

I think Yomama has more to be criticized about but the press never engages him like they bid Pres. Bush. No way did Pres Bush get treated better than yomama!

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jun 14 at 2016 4:12 PM

2016-06-14T16:12:21-04:00

What? As I remember it, people were insulting president Bush, Clinton, and Reagan all the time.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 4:12 PM

2016-06-14T16:12:29-04:00

Hi, Sergeant Gunter.

My loyalty is to my country always, and my government when it deserves it. - Mark Twain

But you're right. The vitriol we as a nation have shown President Obama has always been out of hand, and it's only gotten worse.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 14 at 2016 4:12 PM

2016-06-14T16:12:30-04:00

If you are in the military you are not supposed to insult the Commander and Chief.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jun 14 at 2016 4:18 PM

2016-06-14T16:18:53-04:00

"Since President Obama has taken office, I'm heard blatant insults, remarks on his religion and national origins and blatant statements now about his loyalty, even in this community."....Sgt Gunter

I've been a member here for several months and have seen Obama criticized quite often but not for his Protestant Religion, national origin (USA) nor his loyalty to our nation. Most of the criticisms aimed at Obama are for his leadership, dovishness, partisanship, & dishonesty to name just a few. Bush left office almost 8 years ago so we really don't often bring him into the conversations but he has been criticized but not very often here anymore. I think the old dog doesn't hunt anymore.

Btw I watched Obama's press conference today and I agree with him that we should not ban Muslims, I'm of mixed mind for banning some weapons. But think Obama's war on ISIS should have been outlined to us a long time ago. I understand why he doesn't like the label "Islamic Terrorists" but I disagree with him.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 4:20 PM

2016-06-14T16:20:52-04:00

Bush received some hardcore licks during his time.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 14 at 2016 4:20 PM

2016-06-14T16:20:55-04:00

You're kidding, right?

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jun 14 at 2016 4:21 PM

2016-06-14T16:21:01-04:00

You must have been sleeping for the eight years of his presidency and even now. He was probably the most maligned president in history, with the possible exception of Reagan. Also, you may want to revisit the meaning of the word treasonous.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 4:23 PM

2016-06-14T16:23:30-04:00

Why is it ok for democrats to portray a presumptive republican nominee in this way?

http://mediaequalizer.com/brian-maloney/2016/06/hillary-supporting-website-selling-severed-trump-head-t-shirts

Hillary-supporting website selling severed Trump head T-shirts | Image shows Clinton holding...

For a mere $27.68 a pop, the overtly pro-Hillary website Wonkette is peddling anti-Trump apparel, complete with Clinton holding The Donald’s severed head.

Response by PO2 Robert Aitchison made Jun 14 at 2016 4:26 PM

2016-06-14T16:26:05-04:00

Political discourse has been going downhill for years now, Bush was on the receiving end of some vile attacks but it appears we've hit a new low with what's being said and written.

Response by MSgt Michael Bischoff made Jun 14 at 2016 4:29 PM

2016-06-14T16:29:34-04:00

You are right it seems to be more acceptable with each POTUS, Obama taking the worst thus far.
You find little sympathy in this forum for your cause; however, a large group of them speak poorly of Obama constantly.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jun 14 at 2016 4:48 PM

2016-06-14T16:48:55-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member You are kidding, right? Were you in a coma when the left and the media insulted President Bush on a daily basis?

Response by SPC Darren Koele made Jun 14 at 2016 5:23 PM

2016-06-14T17:23:11-04:00

From a personal viewpoint (not speaking for others), it did bother me a little that people mocked, insulted, and questioned the loyalty of Bush; but this was because I supported Bush. However, I never claimed it was unacceptable to do any of this to the president. In fact, being critical of our leaders is the very epitome of the 1st amendment's freedom of speech, even if that free speech is less than classy and disrespectful. You see, IMO, in a free country, I don't see where we owe any loyalty, allegiance, or even respect for a given leader, now the office on the other hand, is a different story and it can be a very fine line.
In no way do I feel extreme criticism of a president is tantamount to treason. In fact, it is the very definition of liberty. And before anyone says it, death threats are beyond criticism and should not be protected.
Personally, I'm still divided on whether I question his loyalty or just his ideology. I mean, he keeps making statement such as "that's not who we are" and "that's not what America's about", well quite frankly, what he thinks we are, runs very much contrary to what America was founded on. So is he loyal to the country, or the country he wants us to be?

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 5:30 PM

2016-06-14T17:30:51-04:00

Simple, its not. Bush was republican, the majority of the military is republican, leads to less acceptance for criticism/insults. Obama is a democrat, the majority of the military is not democratic, thus less people agree and there is more criticism.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 5:43 PM

2016-06-14T17:43:52-04:00

Overall President Bush stayed out of civilian affairs in law-enforcement matters, over his last four years he still got crucified by the media for your everything possible and impossible.

President Obama comments every chance he can on civilian law-enforcement and how things are right or not right according to him. These actions, or should I say speaking this way, invites discussion. When the discussion is against how the President feels, people say he's getting picked on. I say if you're going to use the bully pulpit you better do it for something good, not at your every personal whim the way our current president does.

Response by SSG Drew Cook made Jun 14 at 2016 5:48 PM

2016-06-14T17:48:55-04:00

Everyone gets their fair share of insults and blasts. Everyone else will complain about it. I don't condone spouting off insults to anyone, and while I defend the right to free speech, I don't think it's necessarily appropriate for unnecessary meanness, regardless of one's position.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 6:19 PM

2016-06-14T18:19:45-04:00

There was plenty of vitriol aimed at GW Bush, even in this forum.
Those of us who serve are affected greatly by the decisions the men we have elected President have made. We also have sworn an oath to follow the orders that he issues as well as one that compels our respect and deference to our civilian leaders.
Having said that, debating the merits of policy and the methods of execution thereof is as American as it gets, even in the ranks. We just have to salute smartly when the order is given.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 6:21 PM

2016-06-14T18:21:09-04:00

Hypocrisy, plain and simple.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Jun 14 at 2016 6:28 PM

2016-06-14T18:28:33-04:00

I think common courtesy is sorely in need-You must be rewriting history as Pres Bush received more than his share of insults etc from those on the leftt while he was president. To Pres Bushes credit he has pretty mush withheld comment on Pres Obama's performance, something I'm sure we wont see when Obama leaves, especially if Trump get the presidency.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 14 at 2016 6:30 PM

2016-06-14T18:30:49-04:00

Honestly, I have no idea what you are talking about. Maybe it's just the different crowds we hung around, but all throughout his 2 terms I have heard nothing but derogatory things regarding Bush. Personally, I am of the mind that regardless of the politics, you should never be disrespectful of the President because he is still the representative of our Country and to do so makes him appear weaker in the eyes of foreign affairs.

So in everything you have mentioned, I have heard just as badly in regards to Bush. Minus the birth certificate fiasco. But I've heard plenty of "Bush was only elected because of his Daddy" "Bush sold our country out for oil" "Bush is a moron" "Bush is hitler" "Bush caused 9/11". The list goes on and on.

I do not believe any service member should be openly critical of the commander in chief. But every single President has been openly ridiculed by the general public. You might only hear about Obama because of the rise in popularity of social media, but a simple Google Image Search of "Is Bush Hitler" will produce about 100 or so images of President Bush doing Nazi Salutes and Bush with Hitler mustaches etc etc.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 6:31 PM

2016-06-14T18:31:42-04:00

Amusing. Bush was hanged in effigy. I guess that didn't count as an insult.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Jun 14 at 2016 6:37 PM

2016-06-14T18:37:11-04:00

Insulting the president has been going on since the country was founded. One example was the posters of Nixon showing him to have a head shaped like the head of a dick.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 14 at 2016 6:41 PM

2016-06-14T18:41:56-04:00

It's partially because social media is more common these days. But I served under 3 Commander In Chiefs: Clinton, GW, and Obama. Four if I count George HW, but I was still in Boot Camp when he left office and Clinton took over so I didn't really serve in the HW era Navy.

But I heard many insults directed at all 3 men. More so towards Clinton and Obama, but I heard quite a few directed at GW as well. Hell, I voted for GW and I may have voiced my displeasure with him on more than one occasion. The difference was I never posted it on the Internet.

Response by LTC David Brown made Jun 14 at 2016 7:06 PM

2016-06-14T19:06:31-04:00

There was a movie made called "The Assination of George Bush". Reagan was called "The Amiable Dunce". The press held Reagan in absolute disdain.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 7:28 PM

2016-06-14T19:28:42-04:00

It is not.. He is still the Commander in Chief ... that said.. remember that as a SM you serve the Constitution, NOT the President.. as a SM your opinion can get you into trouble.. just ask a few Marines that where discharged for FaceBook comments.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 7:54 PM

2016-06-14T19:54:30-04:00

It is part of what we do in this country. If we don't like the views of the current leadership, it's easy to express that discontent with insults. This has been going on since the beginning of our Union and I expect it certainly continue into the future. Surely Jefferson Davis had a few choice words for Lincoln. I would bet there were plenty of insults aimed towards JFK and LBJ, about Vietnam among other things.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jun 14 at 2016 8:10 PM

2016-06-14T20:10:43-04:00

One of the best ways to get the enemy to dig in, is to lob a few mortar or artillery shells onto his position. It is not wrong to criticize President Obama's policies outside of our duties in an informal format. But as military men and women, active or not, we owe professional courtesies to the office and the person who occupies it.

I try not to get insulting of people or their positions on this web page because I hope to persuade or be persuaded. I never persuaded anybody by kicking them in the shins. And people who come out swinging never taught me anything but to put up my dukes.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 8:15 PM

2016-06-14T20:15:47-04:00

My 2 cents. There isn't any rhyme or reason to it. Both Presidents had some serious failures, both pushed through executive orders that were questionable and gave unwarranted power to the office. Both had triumphs that were never reported.
What bothers me most is all the active duty personnel feeling free to trash talk the president on social media. I may or may not consider you a good president(I didn't like either one) but I will uphold my oath and follow your orders, as long as they are legal, ethical and moral.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jun 14 at 2016 9:19 PM

2016-06-14T21:19:40-04:00

Will Ferrel makes a living off W. Josh Brolin's portrayal of W was truly vicious. How that must have hurt the Bush family. Cindy Shehan?
Is the president ever imitated on SNL? I don't see anyone dare to insult this man.
Questions were asked about his motivations, religious upbringing, sketchy documentation. Questions that were fought tooth and nail and still vague. Anyone who said anything was shouted down as a racist and they still are. He is the most protected, insulated president I've seen. Nixon was my first president. So I have seen a few.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jun 14 at 2016 9:21 PM

2016-06-14T21:21:53-04:00

Good thing I don't drink beer early in the morning, or else I'd have dropped it laughing and been charged with alcohol abuse!!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jun 14 at 2016 9:37 PM

2016-06-14T21:37:38-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member The current POTUS has failed to inspire ANY loyalty to his 'plans' to defend America from terrorists!

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Jun 14 at 2016 10:25 PM

2016-06-14T22:25:23-04:00

I insulted W constantly.

Response by CPL Patrick Brewbaker made Jun 15 at 2016 12:00 AM

2016-06-15T00:00:27-04:00

That's what the Bill of Tights are for. We have the right to say and print want we want to say. I'm sick of this PC crap.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 9:25 AM

2016-06-15T09:25:12-04:00

For Obama's 1st 4 years he was handled with kid gloves, the liberal media came after Bush from day one and still blame him today for crap that is Obama's to own. Not sure where this question is coming from.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 1:58 PM

2016-06-15T13:58:34-04:00

That's the thing it's not acceptable, but people are allowed to do it. It boils down to a lack of discipline. The Commander in Chief is the Commander in Chief no matter who it is and deserves the respect that comes with holding the position.

Response by PO2 Mark Voris made Jun 16 at 2016 7:51 AM

2016-06-16T07:51:55-04:00

Acceptable? Not sure it is for either. The only hedge there is Obama has been such a disgrace as a leader some might feel that he deserves it. You MUST respect the office but you are NOT required to respect the person.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2016 12:47 PM

2016-06-16T12:47:46-04:00

i insulted Bush all the time, and his father. Obama's strings are just a little easier to see.

Response by SFC Casimir Vital made Jun 17 at 2016 7:59 PM

2016-06-17T19:59:26-04:00

Some people will throw a lot of regs. At you and tell you it is ok out of uniform. I served my entire career and did not speak ill of any president sitting or past. I still don't. There is a decision you have to make. What kind of man are you? And what kind of soldier are you? Correct it when you hear it or let it go and watch it grow. It is really up to you. I personally do not like it and point it out when I hear it.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jun 19 at 2016 8:48 PM

2016-06-19T20:48:09-04:00

SGT I started insulting him before he went into office. The hand writing was on the wall with Joe the Plumber and the tingle go up the reporter's leg. You do know that people actually went to the bank and asked when Obama was going to make their house payments.

Response by PO2 Mark Voris made Jun 27 at 2016 10:23 AM

2016-06-27T10:23:23-04:00

I don't think it is any more or less acceptable than it always has been. I think the issue is who is doing the reporting on it. The left supports Obama and the right doesn't. The right supported Bush and the left didn't. The left is definitely more vocal than the right so it gets more press and the left also finds it convenient to talk out of both sides of the mouth on this subject. It's free speech to insult Bush. Somehow it isn't to insult Obama. Forked tongue.

As a civilian retiree, I do support the office of the President, I am NOT required support the person residing there. I don't condone insulting the office but the man is fair game. For those on active duty, it is a VERY fine line to follow. However, following a valid order is respecting the office even if you don't like the person who gave that order.

AND, I will NOT support a person who continually undermines the security and integrity of this country. The United States is a Democratic Republic, not an aristocracy.

Response by 1SG Michael Hudson made Jul 6 at 2016 9:00 PM

2016-07-06T21:00:20-04:00

More importantly, why isn't he addressed as "President Obama"? Mr. Obama is all I hear however every other President was and still is called President so and so.

Response by SFC Casimir Vital made Jul 8 at 2016 6:56 AM

2016-07-08T06:56:17-04:00

Respect all, insult none. That is a rule to live by. If soldiers hear their leaders insulting their superiors from the president on down they will eventually follow the line that their leaders set as the standard.

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made Jul 13 at 2016 7:22 PM

2016-07-13T19:22:02-04:00

I agree with you. Number one...there are some people who do not actually see Obama as POTUS. Again there are people who will tell you he is not their president. So that in itself is an insult. As a soldier for 22 years...whomever was in office I had to respect no matter what my beliefs were. Whoever wins this one...I will have to respect also....by virtue of the position as Commander in Chief. Some people will not be happy either way. My happiness does not depend on who is president...at all. As long as I can put bacon in my mouth...I do not care who is president. It always comes down to our egos...every time. Some people just hate the fact that we have a black president and if Hillary Clinton wins they will hate that we have female president. Fear and hate destroys nations...it's destroying ours.

Response by SGT C Mendez made Jul 14 at 2016 2:38 PM

2016-07-14T14:38:43-04:00

To my brothers and sisters still Active Duty, words to live by. Play the game until your ETS or retirement. Yes you are an American and have 1st Amendment rights but (no offense) you know you signed your life away right? That is what makes the military unique from other organizations in the country. You have rules to abide by; so follow them. Sure, you may not like the President but guess what, all you have to do is respect the office. Show that professionalism. Come to think of it, I have not liked some of my bosses as well but the Army taught me how to work with and for people that I didn't like. Do the job, complete the mission and save your opinions for when you ETS or retire.