# 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:** 5
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/81 "2013-05-16T20:50:53Z")
> [@Lobohan](#): > > It’s the Marine’s job to hold umbrellas when asked. Or push a wheelchair when asked. > > Or kill Charlie with a spoon when asked. The only reason to see holding an umbrella for the leader of the strongest nation on Earth as demeaning is because you think the leader isn’t worthy of respect. > > Whatever, just be honest that you think Obama should fly coach and cook his own meals, don’t dress it up in starry-eyed wonder at the perfection that is _Marine_. Piffle…replace it with any service member in ceremonial dress, in a ceremonial capacity and the critique stands. ---
**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 16, 2013, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/82 "2013-05-16T20:51:03Z")
> [@Sicks\_Ate](#): > > Because it actually \* is\* their job to run around doing petty shit like that. What is a marine supposed to do? ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/83 "2013-05-16T20:51:43Z")
> [@Sicks\_Ate](#): > > There is no such thread, obviously. And while the incidents are similar there are differences. The important similarity is that being upset about either makes you look very, very stupid. > [@](#): > > In the Bush case, there had to have been deliberation and a conscious decision by somebody to use the Marine to push the wheelchair. In Obama case, what bothers me is that his first instinct was to grab a couple of Marines who are, yes, largely there to stand and bee looked at. In other words the job was degrading and insulting, but if the degradation and insult were deliberate and planned, that’s not so bad. If it was a spur of the moment response to an unexpected event, though, that’s unforgivable. You know who else thinks this way? Absolutely nobody. The whole gripe is based on the idea that Obama looks down on these guys, which is itself invented and based on jack shit. > [@](#): > > A poly sci puke intern would have been much more appropriate.. If he’d done I figure you would have Pitted the interns and typed “NERRRRRRDDD!” over and over. ---
**Author:** ![Kolga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e56c9b/32.png) [@Kolga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolga)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/84 "2013-05-16T20:53:04Z")
OP, did you know that Obama doesn’t make his own clothing? How dare he wear something someone else has made!!! He also didn’t build the house in which he currently lives, but instead lives in comfort based on the effort of others. GET THE TORCH AND PITCHFORKS! What an idiot. ---
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/85 "2013-05-16T20:54:57Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > The important similarity is that being upset about either makes you look very, very stupid. > > In other words the job was degrading and insulting, but if the degradation and insult were deliberate and planned, that’s not so bad. If it was a spur of the moment response to an unexpected event, though, that’s unforgivable. You know who else thinks this way? Absolutely nobody. The whole gripe is based on the idea that Obama looks down on these guys, which is itself invented and based on jack shit. > > If he’d done I figure you would have Pitted the interns and typed “NERRRRRRDDD!” over and over. From what I know about nerds and poly sci majors…polysci majors are unlikely to be nerds. Geeks maybe? Trying to decide why I’m more comfortable making myself look very, very stupid intentionally, as opposed to accidentally. Blaming it on my phone.. Actually, this entire thread has been one long bad auto correct. I’ve been trying to post a thread about Duck Dynasty the whole time. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/86 "2013-05-16T20:55:32Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > What is a marine supposed to do? Something dignified, like cleaning the barracks latrine with a toothbrush. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/87 "2013-05-16T20:56:08Z")
> [@The Great Sun Jester](#): > > May as well add: umbrellas were on hand, honor guard was on hand–most likely the Marines were briefed beforehand regarding the accepted protocols of bumbershoot deployment in anticipation of engagement with precipitation, inclement, several minutes of. Thanks a lot, now my face is all pink from trying to giggle silently. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/88 "2013-05-16T20:56:34Z")
> [@Sicks\_Ate](#): > > From what I know That ain’t much. ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/89 "2013-05-16T20:59:19Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Thanks a lot, now my face is all pink from trying to giggle silently. I don’t get it. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/90 "2013-05-16T20:59:56Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > What is a marine supposed to do? Whateverthefuck their CO tells them to do! > [@Leaper](#): > > I don’t get it. ☹ Just some field manual styled lingo. Funny to some, not to others. ---
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/91 "2013-05-16T21:00:05Z")
> [@Mr.Miskatonic](#): > > That ain’t much. But I know I love youuuu ---
**Author:** ![JackieLikesVariety](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackielikesvariety/32/296_2.png) [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/92 "2013-05-16T21:02:00Z")
> [@Gangster\_Octopus](#): > > This just re-affirms the fact that many folks simply do not see Barack Obama as the leader of this country and therefore do not afford him any dignities that may come with it. this makes sense. the OP makes none, none whatsoever. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/93 "2013-05-16T21:05:20Z")
> [@Sicks\_Ate](#): > > From what I know about nerds and poly sci majors…polysci majors are unlikely to be nerds. Geeks maybe? Good question. Best to keep calling them weak and worthless jerks until everybody realizes only Marines are important. ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/94 "2013-05-16T21:10:46Z")
> [@The Great Sun Jester](#): > > Certainly. Precipitation, monetary of divine origin, 1 cent denomination. We no longer get that in Canada. You’ll note that the President has a terrible relationship with the USMC. Here he is [sneaking up to strangle a Marine](http://www.denverpost.com/nationworld/ci_18906019). You may also note that the Marine in question asked to have a beer with him. ---
**Author:** ![Kolga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e56c9b/32.png) [@Kolga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolga)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/95 "2013-05-16T21:11:23Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > Good question. Best to keep calling them weak and worthless jerks until everybody realizes only Marines are important. Too important to fulfill a request from the Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States of America, for sure. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/96 "2013-05-16T21:11:38Z")
My understanding has always been that Marines consider guarding the President to be an honor second only to guarding the Unknown Soldier. I have no doubt whatever that these men were proud and happy to help the President in this way. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/97 "2013-05-16T21:18:37Z")
> [@Truman\_Burbank](#): > > Oh, c’mon, OP, it’s not like the Prez threw up in the Prime Minister’s lap or anything. About the only thing Bush did that I believe was classy. His whole aircrew was killed when Bush was shot down in WWII. ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/98 "2013-05-16T21:27:15Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > If this trend continues we’ll have them standing around the tomb of some nameless soldier. He’s not nameless, we just don’t know his name. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/99 "2013-05-16T21:27:16Z")
> [@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. You’re what’s wrong with America. ---
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538/100 "2013-05-16T21:34:48Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > You’re what’s wrong with America. You’re not the first one to say it in this thread, but you’re the first one I’ll tell to suck it. The definition of “what’s wrong with America” always seems to be strangely similar to “people who don’t worship the President like I do.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-does-his-best-to-degrade-a-couple-of-marines-next-episode-wipers/658538.md?page=6)