So it really came as no surprise the other day when Obama announced his nominees for two top spots in our military’s leadership, and ended up disrespecting them in front of the nation while purportedly honoring them.Obama tapped Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Joseph Dunford to replace Gen. Martin Dempsey as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, saying “I know Joe. I trust him.”
He also picked Air Force Gen. Paul Selva, chief of the U.S. Transportation Command, to become the next vice chair of the Joint Chiefs.According to Allen B. West, the disrespect came in the form of Obama introducing and addressing both men by their first names, repeatedly, instead of by their hard-earned title and rank of general, a title that should command the honor and respect it is due, similar to judge, doctor, or even, dare I say, president.West maintains that Obama should have addressed both men by the title of “general,” particularly at an event honoring their service and announcing their ascension to the top leadership roles of the entire U.S. military.Of course, Obama doesn’t think about the military much, and certainly isn’t keen to their traditions, making this disrespectful action more of an oversight — likely the result of simple ignorance and not a deliberate smack in the face.That being said, this incident brings back memories of Obama talking about “corpsemen” and is yet another example of how entirely unfamiliar he is with the traditions and honor of military service.
Can you manage to avoid any more horrible ceremonies for a few months? Please? This is just embarrassing at this point.
