[SJackson]

Well sure, it's a bad thing, and Reagan started it, but maybe someone can help me.

OK, it's about all branches, but mostly the President is around Marines in his daily activities.

I never met a President, but my recollection is that when I'm in uniform any senior officer, even if civilian clothing, is due the respect of a salute.

Am I forgetting something here?

No disrespect intended for Ike or any or Reagan's predecessors.

[cubreporter]

I am not in the Army," Wills wrote.



Then he should mind his own business. What is he...JEALOUS? Worried about militarizing politics?????????? Get a life Wills.

[keepitreal]

This seems to correspond with an article earlier today about Hillary figuring out how to properly salute. Hmmm....

[Squawk 8888]

Well, I don't know the rules of the US military, but in the UK and Canada saluting and returning a salute is only done if one is wearing a uniform.

[SkyPilot]

At least Reagan knew how to salute.

[gunnyg]

Ref
RR & Saluting/Marines

http://www.network54.com/Forum/220604/message/1151415696/A+SENSELESS+SALUTE...OR%2C+PRESIDENTIAL+TRADITION-
http://www.network54.com/Forum/220604/message/1151415696/A+SENSELESS+SALUTE...OR%2C+PRESIDENTIAL+TRADITION-

[Names Ash Housewares]

Reagan was right.

The Soldier

It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.

By Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC

[SIDENET]

"The citizenry at large is now thought of as under military discipline," Wills wrote.

And Wills is on crack.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

What a surprise coming from Commie Dave. As I've stated before, he and I served together in the military years ago.

He had the same contempt for the military back then, but he still cashed his paychecks!

He's SUCH an @ss.

[SandRat]

Check the photos of FDR during WWII, he often returned the salute by placing his hand over his heart.

[jimfree]

The salute is referred to as a "military courtesy." Reagan's return of the salute acknowledged and returned that courtesy; I saw it as an indication of the respect he held for our military and those of us serving in it.

[Bogeygolfer]

I simply don't think this is ever going to be a pressing issue or our time but I'd prefer that Presidents not salute. I think the guy makes a couple of good points to boot. For my part however I just don't want Hillary saluting anybody, period.

[rgboomers]

Well, this is an easy one to figure out.

As Commander in Chief, the President has final say on military protocols and traditions of all kinds.

If the President wants to salute, the President salutes.

The President can never be wrong in regards to something like this. He is the final authority.

[1rudeboy]

I've always looked sideways at a person in civilian clothes saluting a person in uniform. But the flipside is that, while a salute is certainly martial, the military doesn't "own" the gesture . . . and ultimately, that's all a salute is (if done by a civilian).

[ken5050]

The military salute their commander in chief. In military etiquette, a salute "demands" recognition..what's he supposed to do, nod at them or give them a high 5?..Reagan returns thye salute out of respect for the men and women who offer it.

[YellowRoseofTx]

I don't know if it's proper or not. I think of it as the President showing his respect for the military.

To me this is nit-picking on the authors part. It sounds like he's concerned about Mrs. BJ Clinton, he's assuming she's going to be the next Pres., doing it and not doing it correctly

[Old Sarge]

AR 600-25 (Customs and Courtesies) tells us the senior officer present is rendered a salute, in uniform or not. The President as Commander-in-Chief receives this courtesy.

The recipient of a rendering of military courtesy (the salute) is required to return it when in uniform, optional when not. Since the Commander-in-Chief has no specific uniform, it is at the C-in-C's discretion.

[Lancey Howard]

What's a "progressive"?

[keepitreal]

For you SJackson:

There will be no limp wrested salutes to US Military personnel as her husband Bill Clinton was so famous for when he was president. Bill Clinton was constantly under fire for the way he treated the US Military, and it was always noted that in a letter written to an ROTC Colonel in 1969 Bill admitted that he 'loathed the military.' Hillary will have none of that if she is elected as Commander-in-Chief. According to a report from Matt Drudge, the New York Times will report on Tuesday that she is actually practicing her salute.
http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272612343.shtml

It was in today's NYT too.

[jazusamo]

It all may seem like small potatoes, but Wills and others see that attitude and the extension of the salutes as the increasing militarization of U.S. politics.

Well to Zweifel, Wills and others small little minds it may but it's up to the president whether he wants to return a salute.

[Zetman]

"The citizenry at large is now thought of as under military discipline," Wills wrote. "The executive branch takes actions in secret, unaccountable to the electorate, to hides its moves from the enemy and protect national secrets."

This description probably fits Bill Clinton better than almost any other President in history. And yet, none of them ever complained when he did it. When he did it, it was OK. In fact, these same people tried to destroy anyone who had the audacity to point out when Bill Clinton was doing this. How strange!!