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Did Obama Salute While Talking on a Cell Phone?
Did President Obama continue talking on a cell phone while saluting marines as he exited the Marine One helicopter, as a popular photo suggests?
The photo is real.
It has been shared with angry captions such as:
- “Like” if you think the President should get off his phone and return the salute properly!
- That is very disrespectful to our military, wonder what he would think if they were to talk on their cell phones while he was coming of the plane. He is so full of himself and rude. he’s not worth a vote at all.
Even though the photo has only caught attention in October 2012, it was apparently taken on January 29, 2010 in Baltimore. No doubt the election season has fueled the photo’s proliferation.
Here is the photo being circulated:
Here is the same photo from a much wider angle:
The other side of the political aisle can take solace that GOP President George Bush was also criticized for saluting marines on several occasions while carrying his dog Barney, as seen below. Of course Obama critics will claim that there is a difference between the distraction of a cell phone and carrying an object under one’s arm. That’s an argument we’ll let the partisans fight out.
Ronald Reagan began the modern trend of the Presidential salute, often while exiting Air Force One or Marine One (the presidential helicopter). There have been many commentaries over the years critiquing each president’s salute. Below is an interesting argument that the President should never give a military salute unless he is in uniform. It is also pointed out that President, and former General, Dwight D. Eisenhower never saluted after his military retirement.
Related:
Does This Photo Show the Obamas Doing a Left-Handed Flag Salute?
Filed under: Hoaxes & Rumors · Tags: Obama
As a retired military vet, I will tell you what Mr. Bush did was quite alright. In the military if we carry something its always in our left hand so we may render a salute. The photo of Mr. Bush is the correct way of saluting. Now Mr. Obama on the other hand should have put the phone down in his left hand and saluted. This is total disrespect in any veterans eye.
I’ve been in the military for 8 years and Colonels and Generals do talk on the phone while getting off their vehicle. We just salute and carry on. So George, I don’t see any problem with that especially when the leaders, at least u don’t know what conversation he his having at that time. Real military personnel would not get their feelings hurt. Drive on soldier.
Being in the military for 8 years and driving a Colonel around doesn’t make you anywhere near the caliber of HMX Marine One personnel. I wouldn’t bother with you either, but with them it’s really a given as every single lift is a photo op with the Nation watching, not some Company formed up for the Battalion CO… not the same dude. I was there, we go everywhere at a moment’s notice for a dog and pony show. He could just put it down for a second and resume the important dinner request from the first lady.
You are absolutely correct. Barry and Michelle share the same disrespect for America… this photo is just one little example.
Seems like this story is more about partisan politics than military etiquette.
There is no way you poutraged whiners claiming this is offensive are real military. Read the comment by blessing Enosin above and watch the video. Then go check in to the VA and try to get over your deep, deep wounded feelings, you pathetic pussies.
Mercin – I invite you to watch today’s video of Obama boarding Marine One with nothing in his hand and still didn’t return the salute. And if you refer to me as a pussy after 18 years of military service, Ill reply with, you are what you eat – thus Ill refer to you as a dick.
It’s just my opinion, again, and it is worth nothing, but did we join the military to be lauded, bought drinks and have our backsides kissed profusely? Or is it to serve our country? I chose the latter and am embarrassed to be thanked. I do what I do to feel I am contributing and I am paid well for it. I mean no disrespect, but feel it is time we realize we are a democracy and here to serve, not be served.
Sameara: your opinion is not worth nothing, but you joined the military for the wrong reasons. Our WORST ENEMY controls the military. Yes I’m referring to the NWO cabal, which treats our military like dumb animals who are pawns of foreign policy, as Henry Kissinger stated. We are in dire straights right now, and if you people (and the police) don’t awaken to who are real enemy is, there is no hope. You are “serving” the criminals who control our country and the world, not the citizens of this country who pay your salary. I hope and pray you will all wake-up before it’s too late. Forget the jingoistic super-patriot crap: you have been HOODWINKED into sacrificing your lives for your worst enemy.
Oh good grief. Lighten up and realize that the President is a civilian. Holding a cell phone while saluting is not disrespectful, pretending to be upset by this proves a compusively uptight disposition.
Well, we’ll just have to forgive this man because he really doesn’t
know much about military affairs…remember how he pronounced the
word “corp”??
Let me remind all that the President does not need salute anyone.
There is no protocol for a return presidential salute…period.
President Eisenhower never returned a single salute while in office and that man was a 5 star General.
This “practice” began with Ronald Reagan and even he got flack for doing it. Since then, every President has done it thou there is no real need.
The commentator is right…The president does not have to return the salute, But out of respect, it is a return salute of respect that most anyone in the military would have done; And, by lowering their cellphone it solidifies that respect!