What a Difference
Interesting Receptions
I have always felt a great camaraderie with the Marines. Even though I am an old soldier much of the thought processes are the same. Below is a comparative video from YouTube that I think speaks volumes about how troops in general but Marines in particular feel about the current President.
What a Difference!
Any time there is a VIP visit there is much that goes into the assembly of the troops involved. In all likely hood the troops arrive as much as an hour or two before POTUS does and you are likely to have to be standing at attention or parade rest 10-15 minutes before he actually walks out on stage. All in all, a 'Dog and Pony' show that no PFC likes but is more willing when you believe the President is more like you than different; and has the common bond of basic training and military service. After all he signed the same blank check that says I'll give everything I have including my life for your freedom.
I would suspect that there was no prompting on the Commands part for the focus and intensity of either reception; just the natural grunt marine's view. It means a lot to those who have served to have high ranking politicians who are veterans come and visit them and talk to them. It is something quite different when high ranking politicians come and talk to them with a policy statement. It makes them a backdrop instead of the audience and they all know the difference.
It is also worth noting that even with the difference in the reception of the two Presidents, that in all respects the Marines are polite, and respectful. It would not serve the good order of the service to be anything less. But it does serve to show the difference of having a Comrade in Arms as the President and one that chose not to serve.
If you see it differently please comment. Thanks
Comments
I believe you are right. Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard. I think President Bush would have gotten a warmer response.
People and the media use to bash Bush because of supposed string pulling to get in the air national guard.
What they overlook is back in the days of Viet Nam it actually may have been easier to pull strings and not go at all, than to pull strings and try to get in a specific branch of the service.. I know that is what I learned prior to joining the Marines.
I mean, I knew of guys who went to Canada, had false medical diagnosis made or even had ear drums ruptured to avoid serving.
It would have been extremely easy for the son of a rich and politically connected politician to not serve at all. Take a look at Congress at that time and the small number of children of congressmen and senators who served.
The air national guard is a strange way to avoid service. Bush still had to go through the training and through the danger of learning to fly and flying a jet fighter. That is something few if any of his critics would ever be able to do.
I believe that veterans of all branches recognize those who stepped up and served and understand that once you step forward the winds of fate can blow anyone into harm's way.
There was no guarantee (just as now) his national guard unit wouldn't be called up and shipped to the war.
Hmrjmr1,
The difference is quite striking. You cant BS a Marine.
Now how can we expect the CIA to do their jobs. Obama say lets move forward, Holder says lets prosecute. Who in hell is running this farce.
Farce is right Tom...and to Hmrjmr1....this is a wonderful hub....kudos to you!!! Many kudos sir....
- Author
Keith - it is especially telling for those of us in Aviation who know he flew the F-102 probably the most dangerous Airframe ever produced for the American Military. You got to respect that.
Tom - So right on all accounts
Wealthmadehealthey - Glad you liked it
Thanks to all for stopping by..
Huge difference !!!! I have noticed Every piece of film I seen Obama on,..he has walked around with his nose up in the air, as if he is greater than all, perhaps that is why he is poorly recieved by the Greatest of Greatest,..our Troop's !!! Excellent Hub !!!!
- Author
AIM- Except when he is bowing to foreign leaders! Which I think has even more to do with the reception, you can respect some one who has the gonads to think they are better than you, (proof comes in other ways) But there is no respect when you cow-tow to people your supposed to be equal or greater than. If you're gonna represent the US and it's Armed Forces (Marines in particular) You better stand tall and proud.
Oh there simply is NO comparison! When George Bush visited Ft. Benning, GA one time (he visited so many military bases so often, too many to count) my son happened to be in Air Bourne school. My son talks monotone on the phone - it's just the way he is - but when he called to tell us Mr. Bush not only was there but that he TALKED to him - he sounded like a little kid who just got ice-cream from the ice-cream truck. He described the guys with him and they were equally thrilled. There is nothing but contempt for the current President - I hear it from seasoned troops and military officers - quitely spoken in hushed whispers or private conversations. Mr. Obama is a disgrace and this video speaks VOLUMES! Thanks for the heads up! I'm so glad I saw this!
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CJ The UCMJ prohibits military personnel from making public disparaging remarks about elected officials, but it can't make you like them.
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