# Obama does his best to degrade a couple of Marines. Next episode: Wipers! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 16, 2013, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538 "2013-05-16T18:51:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 18
**Author:** ![VernWinterbottom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/c67d28/32.png) [@VernWinterbottom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VernWinterbottom)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2013, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/341 "2013-05-21T19:41:20Z")
I’m sure this has been said many times upthread, but the President of the United States is Commander in Chief of the entire military. He can order Marines to go off and face death, but he can’t ask one to hold an umbrella? ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2013, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/342 "2013-05-21T19:55:23Z")
Apparently not. ---
**Author:** ![mlees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@mlees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlees)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2013, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/343 "2013-05-21T19:56:18Z")
> [@VernWinterbottom](#): > > I’m sure this has been said many times upthread, but the President of the United States is Commander in Chief of the entire military. > > He can order Marines to go off and face death, but he can’t ask one to hold an umbrella? Of course he can. He can countermand any current standing order out there, including this one. He can order them to drop and give him 20 push ups, while still wearing those nice white gloves. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2013, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/344 "2013-05-21T20:44:08Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > It’s my understanding that retired military personnel retain the right to wear their uniform on certain occasions. Do presidents have that right revoked, or do they just not wear the uniform (even as _former_ presidents) because it would look too banana-republic-ish? As President, you’d mostly attend those “certain occasions” – military funerals, memorial ceremonies, etc. – in your role _as President_. Since the USA does not have a sash or chain of office for the Head of State to wear at ceremonial events, you just show up in your suit. (Dunno if I’ve ever seen a President wearing a VFW/American Legion hat while in office) The military WILL outfit the CinC with environment-appropriate gear if he’s out on the field and it’s necessary for his safety – GWB’s flightsuit, for instance. Normally in those cases the garments are devoid of rank or unit insignia and simply show his name, the Presidential Seal and “Commander in Chief” on the patch. Since W _had_ been a fighter pilot, his patch showed flight wings. Notice though that _ **before giving the speech to the carrier’s crew, he changed back into his suit.** _ But in an non-fieldwork environment, there is no need to provide him a dress uniform. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2013, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/345 "2013-05-21T22:40:16Z")
> [@Sicks\_Ate](#): > > Being tewwibwy afwaid of getting his hair wet, during a press conference President Obama summoned two Marines to hold umbrellas over himself and the Prime Minister of Turkey. > > Just looking at the [picture](http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/marines-beckoned-shield-president-obama-turkish-prime-minister-erdogan-rain-press-conference-interupted-shower-article-1.1345980?localLinksEnabled=false) makes me want to kick…um…someone in the throat. > > Fuck you, you arrogant, condescending fucker. There’s _no_ reason that you couldn’t just suck it up like a score of press attendees are doing, and towel off and change your fucking suit later. Or move the goddamn thing indoors. Nope, you decided instead to look around and find a couple of what you must consider peon scum to trot over and hold your umbrella like fucking servants. > > This is about one step up from Obama stepping out of the shitter, and Biden clapping and calling for [wipers](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ5rbPlsdHw)clad in dress uniform. Thank you, hateful racist, but your call can not be completed as dialled. Please hang up, and…keep it there. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/346 "2013-05-22T02:44:20Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > I don’t recall ever seeing a picture of \*any \*President or former President who had been a military officer of \*any \*rank wearing a uniform during or after his time in office. For that matter, I can’t remember seeing \*any \*former high-ranking officer in uniform at any public occasion after retirement, either. I seem to recall seeing George Washington’s military uniform that he wore at his second inauguration. At the Smithsonian in Washington. Could that be correct? Or is it just that the styles of the day made it seem to my now-distant memory like a uniform? I remember it because the docent told us a story about Martha convincing him to wear it because George had had it made so long ago and only worn it once. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/347 "2013-05-22T04:27:24Z")
> [@VernWinterbottom](#): > > I’m sure this has been said many times upthread, but the President of the United States is Commander in Chief of the entire military. > > He can order Marines to go off and face death, but he can’t ask one to hold an umbrella? To be fair to the OP, the OP isn’t saying the Pres can’t order the marines to hold an umbrella, so your point isn’t to the point. The OP thinks the Prez shouldn’t so order. Of course, pretty much everyone disagrees with the OP on this point. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/348 "2013-05-22T04:30:35Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > I seem to recall seeing George Washington’s military uniform that he wore at his second inauguration. At the Smithsonian in Washington. Could that be correct? Or is it just that the styles of the day made it seem to my now-distant memory like a uniform? I remember it because the docent told us a story about Martha convincing him to wear it because George had had it made so long ago and only worn it once. Maybe you’re thinking of another event associated with the second inauguration? He changed into uniform for a parade or something? Because AFAICT the record is clear that at the inauguration ceremony itself, [G-Wash was rocking](http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2013/0119/Inauguration-2013-10-highlights-from-previous-second-term-addresses/George-Washington) “a black velvet suit, silk stockings, and diamond knee buckles”. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/349 "2013-05-22T04:33:38Z")
Wait, that _wasn’t_ the standard issue uniform in the Continental Army? …huh. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/350 "2013-05-22T04:35:57Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Maybe you’re thinking of another event associated with the second inauguration? He changed into uniform for a parade or something? Because AFAICT the record is clear that at the inauguration ceremony itself, [G-Wash was rocking](http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2013/0119/Inauguration-2013-10-highlights-from-previous-second-term-addresses/George-Washington) “a black velvet suit, silk stockings, and diamond knee buckles”. It could have been that outfit. Uniform or civvies, I recall Martha urged him to wear it because he’d only done so once. In my mind’s eye, it’s looking like a uniform, but I think it must be that one. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/351 "2013-05-22T05:51:33Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > AFAICT the record is clear that at the inauguration ceremony itself, [G-Wash was rocking](http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2013/0119/Inauguration-2013-10-highlights-from-previous-second-term-addresses/George-Washington) “a black velvet suit, silk stockings, and diamond knee buckles”. George Washington: Super Pimp. ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/352 "2013-05-22T11:49:14Z")
I guess **Sicks Ate** ’s phone interwebs is still on the fritz or something, since he hasn’t been back in to address the photos of Marines holding umbrellas for previous Presidents… ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/353 "2013-05-22T12:10:52Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > I don’t recall ever seeing a picture of \*any \*President or former President who had been a military officer of \*any \*rank wearing a uniform during or after his time in office. For that matter, I can’t remember seeing \*any \*former high-ranking officer in uniform at any public occasion after retirement, either. Scroll down and you will see a picture of LTG Hal Moore and CSM Basil Plummley in uniform long after they retired. > **[hal moore on Tumblr](https://www.tumblr.com/tagged/hal%20moore)** > > See a recent post on Tumblr from @historicalfirearms about hal moore. Discover more posts about hal moore. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/354 "2013-05-22T13:15:25Z")
Edit: nm ---
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/355 "2013-05-22T15:43:27Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > Scroll down and you will see a picture of LTG Hal Moore and CSM Basil Plummley in uniform long after they retired. > > [hal moore on Tumblr](http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/hal%20moore) I see uniforms like that and I wonder how the military kept open gays out for so long. ---
**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/356 "2013-05-22T16:50:57Z")
There is actually some fun trivia coming from this thread that started with such little promise. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/357 "2013-05-22T17:11:54Z")
> [@Gangster\_Octopus](#): > > There is actually some fun trivia coming from this thread that started with such little promise. Shit makes good fertilizer. ---
**Author:** ![Aquadementia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aquadementia/32/555_2.png) [@Aquadementia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aquadementia)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/358 "2013-05-22T17:35:29Z")
Imagine the headlines if he told that Marine he didn’t need him to hold the umbrella. “Obama tells military to stand down in front of foreign leader” “If this administration can’t protect itself from moister what use will they be against terrorist?” “President puts health at risk to do photo op” How many millions is it going to cost the taxpayers for every day you’re sick, lounging around in bed, wearing a pink fur lined bathrobe, eating bon-bons Mr. President? :mad: ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/359 "2013-05-22T17:53:35Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > You know, it the midst of the liberal juggernaut crushing the Tea Party, all the excitement, did anyone remember to put some flower’s on ACORN’s grave? I hope you posted that to the relevant threads. (Not that it wasn’t relevant to the conversation or that the OP wasn’t pretty much irrelevant in the grand scheme of things…) ---
**Author:** ![Sealemon88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c68b51/32.png) [@Sealemon88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sealemon88)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/360 "2013-05-23T06:24:16Z")
Funny how this type of scandal was never mentioned before, with previous presidents… [http://www.kfiam640.com/pages/MorrisOKelly.html?article=11300402](http://www.kfiam640.com/pages/MorrisOKelly.html?article=11300402) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538.md?page=17) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538.md?page=19)