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

CPT Jack Durish - Always the trendsetter CPT

Ha ha!!

We're did you get that?LOL

CPT Jack Durish - I seen one with Michelle.

Unfortunately I must have misworded my statement. I'm not saying "President Obama is a victim of evil press while President Bush got off scott free"; I am saying that as the years of President Obama's presidency have gone by, I've noticed a comfortablity with servicemen/women to insult the sitting President.

Is this common? You would have experience in these Presidential cycles, being a COL with ideally 20+ years in, has this been common place? Did it happen with President Clinton? Did it happen with the first President Bush? Should we expect this to occur with President Trump/Clinton/whomever.

SGT (Join to see) - I certainly think that people, including those in the service, have become more vocal in their criticism of the President. That is a result of a more "open and liberal" society, as well as, in large part to the explosion in the use of social media, where it is much easier to share opinions than it has been in the past.

I also think that a president who not only does not support the military but, in many cases, shows contempt for the military, such as Obama does, will garner much more criticism from those in the military (and veterans) than somebody like Bush, who openly showed his love, respect, and appreciation for the military. Will we see it if Hillary Clinton becomes President? Absolutely.. Trump? Absolutely not.... For the reasons stated above.

MCPO Roger Collins - In response to your post, again, I bring up that I'm not taking a political side and I'm condemming insulting any current or past President in a manner of disrespect, such as calling him a fascist or a tyrant - which many have done to President Obama.

Are we even on the same page?

SGT (Join to see) - No, and never will be. I dislike hypocrisy and you are being hypocritical. If you can not follow you are wasting my time. Every point I made was to counter your original post.

MCPO Roger Collins - Don't forget Bush was booed at Obama's Inauguration Ceremony in January 2009. I was not a big fan of the Bushes but that crossed the line. And I doubt you will hear booing when Obama attends Hillary Clinton's Inauguration Ceremony in January 2017.

I just hope Obama is as gracious as Bush was when he left the White House, the Clintons were absolute hacks they way they acted when Bush was elected. Bush treated Obama with grace and class when he handed over the keys.

Finally...common sense. Thanks SFC Lindley for a very truthful comment. I myself have do not particularly care for either President but when I served it was under the first Clinton and the 2nd Bush. They were my Commanders in Chief and we all followed orders.

Yea but not demean Obama for his religion, national origin or loyalty as mentioned in the opening remarks. I think basically all of the criticisms here on RP are aimed at what Obama has said & people have taken exception to his comments or policies.

Sgt Tom Cunnally - As it should be. I also think that the community has been pretty fair at policing Service Members who cross the line.

Again, I can only speak of my experiences and that covers President Bush and President Obama.

Anytime involving President Clinton was when I was young and didn't have any grasp on politics. But, still, good to know.

You are absolutely correct and, as Al Capp might say, if you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen

SGT C Mendez - I also do not publicly disrespect elected or appointed government leadership. Public disagreement with a policy or decision by a leader is not the same thing as being disrespectful. If you want to paint a fence red and I say I disagree, we should paint it orange, I have not offered you any disrespect.

There is a big difference between the two following statements:

I disagree with President Obama's most recent release of a Gitmo prisoner. [Not Disrespectful]

and

President XYZ has decided that eating carrots is a violation of carrot rights and because of that, I think President XYZ is a stupid fruit loop. [Disrespectful]

Neither statement is appropriate if I am in uniform and making the statement publicly; or in some manner I imply that you should give my statement more credence because of my position in the Marine Corps. But the first statement is a perfectly valid comment for me to make as a private citizen, who also happens to have served in the military.

Maj John Bell - I totally understand. In my opinion, I try not to get overly political about things or prefer one side over another. I chose to respond differently. I do not want to be labeled a bleeding heart liberal or a right wing conservative. If anyone wants to voice their opinion, that is their right. You are right about the first comment. However, some people take it to extremes. Have disagreements and intelligent debates but remember, perception is everything. I was just stating how I choose to respond to things.

SGT C Mendez - I was responded to SFC Vital, who implied that I was violating my oath of office and very specifically labeled me as "subversive". That false attack based on his ignorance, I take very seriously and VERY personally. I was a regular officer, and am subject to recall for disciplinary purposes.

If he truly believes that I have violated my oath, he has a responsibility to report me and to allow the military justice system to make a determination. He has not done so. As a senior SNCO, he has some explaining to do if he does not have the courage of his convictions. I took your post as an endorsement of his accusation, and a confirmation that you believe that disagreement with political leadership constitutes disrespect.

Just as we have an black letter law obligation to conduct ourselves in a certain manner, we have a moral obligation to offer our unique experience and judgment to mature, respectful political discourse of this nation. To muzzle veterans and service members, limiting them to the ballot box as their only form of political expression is a theft from the nation.

Maj John Bell - My apologies :)

I respectfully disagree James (long time no see by the way, hope you're doing well). I served under 3 Commander In Chiefs (I don't really count HW as he was my CINC for a little over a month while I was in Boot Camp), Clinton, GW, and Obama. I heard insults directed at all 3 men. Granted, more towards Clinton and Obama since the majority of the people I hang out with on a regular basis were/are right leaning, but I did nonetheless hear plenty of GW insults. I "may" have directed a few at him myself and I voted for the man!

The difference is that I never personally heard or saw an active duty service member get away with criticizing President Bush while he was in office, but I've witnessed dozens of senior leaders and junior members alike stating very negative opinions of President Obama quite openly, and it's largely tolerated because most senior leaders in this profession belong to the GOP. It's a hypocrisy.

SGT (Join to see) - Yes but Obama has not approved some of the planning to defeat ISIS presented to him by Ash Carter & developed by the Pentagon Planners that were approved by Generals Dempsey, Odierno & Dunford

Sgt Tom Cunnally - Ah, i had actually missed this. I'll have to do some research on this part, for that would be a shame if it's just sitting on the President's desk.

SGT (Join to see) - Google General Ray Odierno and then check for his statements about the war in Iraq and the war against ISIS. You might just find how he became frustrated with Obama's hesitancy to approve the Army's plans. SecDef Chuck Hagel was shown the door by Obama because he could not work with Susan Rice and Valerie Jarrett who would not OK the Pentagon plans for Iraq and Afghanistan.

Staf develops plans. The "boss" approves them, rejects them, or provides guidance for how he wants them modified. Then intell changes and the cycle starts over again.

Huh, now that is interesting. I've always taken it at face value as filing under the same concept as you can't disrespect your CO or 1SG.

I am happy to have a discussion without subtle blasts. Have a nice day MCPO.

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

I believe that you will find those of us who are not in the Military will not insult the Commander in Chief..... CSM.. I really have not seen it from those who I follow on RP especially the retired officers.

Sgt Tom Cunnally - I would agree. I have never and would never openly disrespect the CinC. In fact I do not openly disrespect anyone. Thanks for the response.