Posted on Jun 14, 2016
Why is it acceptable now for people to insult President Obama, when it was unacceptable with former President Bush?
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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.
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.
Posted in these groups: 
Respect
Office of the President (POTUS)
Respect Office of the President (POTUS)
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 42
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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.
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.
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SGT (Join to see)
Sgt Tom Cunnally - Probably, I know i'd skirt around folk that ask questions like that. Mind you, I am reminded of a town hall when someone asked him when he was coming for their guns and he gave a quizzical "Really?" look then deferred the question.
Not sure, although I'm not trying to analyze President Obama's career but rather our reaction to it.
Not sure, although I'm not trying to analyze President Obama's career but rather our reaction to it.
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Sgt Tom Cunnally
SGT (Join to see) - I'm not a fan of Obama but do respect the Office of the Presidency and I for one am saddened at the thought our next President may be Trump or Clinton.
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SGT (Join to see)
Sgt Tom Cunnally - I can respect that. I do admit my bias toward seeing President Obama in some favorable light because he helped clear away DADT, which was rather progressive. The successor to the title of President is a worrisome topic, but upon January 1, I'll refrain from any negative comments of him/her.
But for now, neither of them are the President and the possibility of them becoming so is worrisome.
But for now, neither of them are the President and the possibility of them becoming so is worrisome.
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Sgt Tom Cunnally
SGT (Join to see) - When I served our Presidents and Commanders in Chief could do no wrong. Whatever they directed us to do we did without giving it a second thought. I don't like to see so much disrespect leveled at Obama but he has not been the strong leader that we expected him to be. Much too cautious or too timid would be my guess?? If I had my choice I would like to see Gen Petraeus as our President and Commander in Chief and that might have happened if he had not screwed up with another Army Officer who was writing his bio..
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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SGT (Join to see)
SSG, valid points.
Honestly, I'm a bit worn down by people just going after the idea that President Bush was insulted too much to write a full bodied response; that being said, you have a valid point. We serve the constitution and people there in, however the President has been elected - in one form or another - to his office by the people.
Thank you addressing the question.
Honestly, I'm a bit worn down by people just going after the idea that President Bush was insulted too much to write a full bodied response; that being said, you have a valid point. We serve the constitution and people there in, however the President has been elected - in one form or another - to his office by the people.
Thank you addressing the question.
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SGT (Join to see)
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.
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.
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SGT (Join to see)
This is actually the type of answer I was hoping to get from seniors.
So this is a common cycle to see? I've served under President Bush and President Obama but from my perspective the insults towards President Bush were rather muted or passed over - most likely due to him time almost being up.
It's interesting to note that this is a normal cycle that occurs.
Thank you for addressing the question
So this is a common cycle to see? I've served under President Bush and President Obama but from my perspective the insults towards President Bush were rather muted or passed over - most likely due to him time almost being up.
It's interesting to note that this is a normal cycle that occurs.
Thank you for addressing the question
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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.
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Amusing. Bush was hanged in effigy. I guess that didn't count as an insult.
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Capt (Join to see)
Sure can. But I have to wonder what would happen if it was done to Obama.
Bet some would not consider it a joke.
Bet some would not consider it a joke.
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SPC Darren Koele
Capt (Join to see), It was done to Obama and earned Secret Service investigations. Herr's 3 separate incidents.
http://www.kctv5.com/story/25670299/deputies-probe-obama-dummy-found-hanging-from-i-70-bridge
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/secret-service-investigating-after-obama-effigy-hanged-in-georgia
http://m.christianpost.com/news/quran-burning-fla-pastor-probed-by-fbi-for-hanging-obama-effigy-76447/?m=1
http://www.kctv5.com/story/25670299/deputies-probe-obama-dummy-found-hanging-from-i-70-bridge
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/secret-service-investigating-after-obama-effigy-hanged-in-georgia
http://m.christianpost.com/news/quran-burning-fla-pastor-probed-by-fbi-for-hanging-obama-effigy-76447/?m=1
Feds investigate after effigy of Obama found hanging from I-70 bridge
The Secret Service has joined the investigation after an effigy of President Barack Obama was found hanging from a highway bridge.
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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.
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.
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SGT (Join to see)
Just the circumstance of my enlistment caused me to mostly see any insults toward President Bush be treated rather harshly and during my time i heard very little against him.
However the majority of my enlistments have been under President Obama.
I do have to thank you for at least addressing the issue. I agree in general the a service member needs to be respectful toward their Commander in Chief.
However the majority of my enlistments have been under President Obama.
I do have to thank you for at least addressing the issue. I agree in general the a service member needs to be respectful toward their Commander in Chief.
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