Presidential Salute

[ypsiguy]

I sure hope our nation's next President simply STOPS returning the salute of the sevice member who stands at the steps of Air Force One. It is inappropriate; a civilian does not salute a member of the military. Not only that, but when GW Bush does it he looks ridiculous. I believe Ronald Reagan started this practice, and every President since has continued doing so out of Deference to him. But now that he's gone, maybe it's time to stop.

[whistle]

1. Dubya AWOL Bush is not a civilian, he is a veteran.....

....although he did manage nicely to avoid military service.

[ypsiguy]

3. Veteran vs civilian

A veteran is one who has served in the military. A civilian is one who is not currently on active military duty. The President, by definition, is a civilian commander-in-chief, and thus should not return the salute of a member of the military.

[leveymg]

4. Didn't Ronnie also avoid any real military service?

As I recall he never fought on any front more dangerous than the Hollywood Canteen, except in his impaired memory. There's another similarity with Dubya.

[chaplainM]

6. The Reagan war experience was titled...

..."Saving Hal Roach (Studios)."

[leveymg]

8. Ronnie was a cartoon character, but I think he was under contract

at Warner during the war.

Too bad he wasn't a better actor. He wouldn't have had to do those Industrials for GE that led to his being bankrolled as a GOP pol.

[leveymg]

2. I'm sure a nice tip would be more appreciated.

Welcome to DU.

[whistle]

5. Hey, that looks like the doorman at the Plaza Hotel NYC

[leveymg]

7. Didn't they close The Plaza to build a condo tower?

My Aunt took me for brunch at the Palm Court when I was a kid. I guess that's no more.:-(

[Igel]

9. He's supposed to when in uniform.

IIRC, he's allowed to when not in uniform. Up to him. I looked up the protocols once, but it's been a year or two.