Now that it's a Democrat in the White House....
President Barack Obama speaks during a visit on April 7, 2009, to Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq.Mandel Ngan / AFP / Getty
Did Daily Kos ever note how much rousing applause President Bush received? I certainly made a respectful hat tip toward President Obama earlier today, regarding his visit.
Labels: Barack Obama, George Bush, Iraq, military
posted by The WordSmith from Nantucket at 4/07/2009 10:51:00 PM
14 Comments:
I don't see any happy faces on any of those troops behind him. I'm surprised that I also don't see any middle fingers. Good thing I'm not standing there.
You sure did manage to attract a persistant spammer. Every post got hit!
AA,
I read comments at BlackFive as well remarking and downplaying the excitement of the troops as overexaggerated by the media; but I think that's just partisan wishful thinking. I think there are soldiers there that were plenty excited to see their commander-in-chief, whether because they actually voted him in office/support him, or because they are patriotic Americans who would support and be enthusiastic over whoever the sitting president maybe.
As for the spam, I went through and deleted everyone.
The more he interacts with troops, I hope, the more they'll humanize for him and he'll be just a bit more tolerant in his rhetoric and actions.
BZ
A fair post Wordsmith.
And you were prophetic in your thoughts that would be coming from some in the Blogosphere.
You are right, Wordsmith..troops are professionals and work for the CIC. Heck, when I was in, we even had to respect LBJ!
"I don't see any happy faces on any of those troops behind him."
Maybe they're suffering from the dreaded stop-loss policy.
However, there is good news on the horizon for them. The Pentagon is phasing out the use of the stop-loss policy to be completed in 2010. Plus current stop-lossed soldiers will be receiving $500 more a month for their overtime.
Probably too little too late to put a smile on their face, however.
Word, This force did not seem enthusiastic about seeing their CIC when one talks down the military it is not easily forgotten but they are a professional force and will pay respect to the office....and unlike other they take the oath to defend the Constitution to heart and do as lawfully ordered by their commanders. LIKE, "You will go to that formation".....stay well....
"This force did not seem enthusiastic about seeing their CIC"
Huh? Are you deaf and blind? Or did you just refuse to watch the videos?
I really don't doubt that there are soldiers who were excited for President Obama, whether it's the honor of being visited by a sitting U.S. president or because they personally support the president's policies; but I wonder if this (which can be taken with a grain of salt, but not sure if there is reason to really doubt it) isn't all that uncommon and wasn't done under Bush, as well.
I don't know whether it (re: your link in the last comment you made) was done when President Bush visited, Wordsmith, but I never saw anyone write anything about it. Still, that doesn't count because I visit so few liberal blogs. I hope it wasn't done under Bush, but it certainly is possible. I don't have any problem believing it was done on all presidential visits.
As for your post, I left a comment at Town Hall.
Wordsmith, that doesn't surprise me in the least. I can believe it.
Yes it was done under Bush too. My son and other soldiers told me how the military screens and controls what is done and said in front of the press.
Now that I think about it, I remember talking to my son after Bush made his famous thanksgiving visit to Baghdad. My son was there and I asked him if he got to see the president. He said hell no, he wasn't allowed in there and was fed a turkey sandwich in the mess hall.
Also Stars and Stripes reported that when Bush made that visit all those cheering soldiers were pre-screened. Some soldiers actually came to eat turkey, but were turned away. I'll try and find a link at Stars and Stripes, but I doubt I can since it was so long ago.
Thanks, Marty.
we do know the troops were hand picked.
Post a Comment
<< Home