Just went OFF on a niece (Facebook) - GRRRR!!!

[IdaBriggs]

So, I have some wingnut family members. This particular woman is married to a member of our military who is suffering from severe PTSD. She also just had a baby. While waiting to get discharged from the hospital, she posts a picture of President Obama exiting from what looks like a military helicopter being saluted by two full-dress marines. President Obama is talking on a cell phone, in mid-step, and the photo catches him in "mid" salute with his right hand (the left is holding the cell phone to his ear).

The photo is from "patriotunderground" and has the heading, "These men will put themselves between you and a bullet. Put down your damn cell phone and give them a proper salute, Asshole."

My niece does the Facebook "share" thing, and titles *her* comment, "How disrespectful!"

Okay, we went round about the "Benghazi" crap a few weeks ago, but this one just torqued me off. At first I tried to play dumb. It did not work.

(Me) Completely! What kind of a moron would insult the President of the United States while this country is at war???

(Her) I would without those men we would lose this war that he is continuing to send them over. He could have put the phone down for a moment

(Me) Good Lord, (Niece) - the man is the President of the United States, and he is their Commander in Chief. They know what is going on - he is doing HIS job, and they are doing THEIRS. Get a grip, and start acting like YOU have respect for him, instead of posting this crap. He is your President. Your husband took an oath. The whining is getting old.

(Her) Well sorry u do not like my opinions but I feel very strong over these things and I will not stop putting my own opinions out there.

(Me) Here is MY opinion: With a husband in the service, calling his Commander in Chief an "Asshole" on Facebook is disgusting. Those lies you posted about Benghazi - implying he would let people die for no good reason - were despicable. I don't know where you are getting the information you are using to form your opinion, but I suggest you change the channel. And in the meantime, although you might not like him for reasons known only to you, he *IS* the President, elected by a LANDSLIDE of electoral votes, and a majority of the popular vote not seen in decades. You don't like his policies? Fine! But HOW DARE YOU imply he doesn't value the troops? You. Should. Be. ASHAMED.

I am still convinced Bush was a psychopath who didn't care about the troops who died under his watch, let alone the Americans on September 11, 2001 or the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Yet implying that Obama doesn't care - well, I just went *off* on the woman Who Just Had A Baby.

I have been being *very nice* to the disappointed Republicans. I have had civil discussions about the debt, the morals of abortion, and even the upcoming apocalypse foretold by the Virgin Mary if we sinners allow the devil to stay in the White House (seriously - it has been A Long Week), but for some reason, I have hit my limit.

I just don't want to hear the lies anymore. Cute baby pictures on Facebook aren't worth it.

It is obviously time to walk away from Facebook for a bit.

They aren't going to make it easy, are they? They lost the election, so now it is time to double down on the Crazy.

ARGH!

[JustAnotherGen]

1. No answers here

Either my very few FB Republican list has been eerily quiet - or three have 'flipped' to Democratic Party this election.

[PatSeg]

18. My FB republican relatives

have been quiet as well and I have avoided crowing about our victory. I recently told my nephew that I would not argue politics with relatives on Facebook. We all seem to maintain an understanding, which is good. Many of them will eventually turn off FOX News and find other interests besides politics, and we will still be family.

I've noticed there is a lot of anger out there and people need to direct it at something or someone. FOX and Rush told them where to put it!

[woodsprite]

2. The consensus is that the pic of him w/ the cell phone was photoshopped.

Last edited Fri Nov 9, 2012, 12:41 PM - Edit history (1)

I saw a post on DU awhile back. There's an extra arm in the picture or something. I'll see if I can find a link.

Found the previous DU thread about it:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021541638#post12

[Chunk]

4. Yep look at the photo again.

You will see that he has two left hands one holding the phone and one down by his waist. He also uses a blackberry not a white iphone.

[SnowCritter]

35. I don't see the second left hand down by his waist

I do see a red navigation light on the landing gear housing.

In any case, as an MNLOAD (Marine No Longer On Active Duty - there are no ex-Marines) I remember situations like this happening all the time. Most of the saluting I did was in passing - neither I or the person I was saluting stopped.

[NYC Liberal]

72. Personally I think presidents should stop the "saluting" crap altogether.

It only started with Reagan-the-actor in 1981 (he wanted to play solider I guess). Eisenhower was a five-star general and he never returned salutes as president. AFAIK it's technically against military protocol.

Stop militarizing the president and the presidency.

[GoCubsGo]

11. Even if it wasn't...

Who the hell knows with whom he was speaking. For all these ridiculous assholes know, he could have been trying to talk Mr. Netanyahoo out of depositing Israel's entire nuclear arsenal on Iran and dragging us into another fucking war. Yeah, he's going to interrupt that in order to salute some Marines. Sure. Goddamned hateful idiots.

[ThoughtCriminal]

66. It's not

And either is this one:


http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/photos/cellsalute.asp

Up next: the unhinged waste clock cycles explaining why the Bush image is "Different"

[whathehell]

3. I get it. I've got a couple of wingnut cousins who have -- amazingly! -- begot wingnut sons!

and I REALLY understand what you're saying about attempting -- sometimes succeeding -- in having

civil discussions with them....After awhile, in my case at least, I just run into the same ole, same ole.

I'm actually AMAZED by how some of their half century stupid stereotypes survive.

I hear stuff from RWingers, some I KNOW to be much younger than me, that I heard as a KID in

the Nineteen Fifties!...and I don't even live in the Deep South!...I live in a Blue State Suburb of

a Big Northern City!

I heard a funny thing the other day from Bill Maher, don't know if you've heard it:

"The only thing a teabagger hates more than being called a racist, is Black people".

I found it sad, but hilariously true...They do get all worked up if you DARE call out

the dog whistles of some of the more "subtle". Righteously indignant.

[GoneOffShore]

6. Send them the lyrics to "You've Got to Be Taught"

From "South Pacific"

Maybe they'll understand a little better, but I doubt it.

[txdemsftw]

15. Just posted those lyrics yesterday..

You've got to be taught
To hate and fear,
You've got to be taught
From year to year,
It's got to be drummed
In your dear little ear
You've got to be carefully taught.

You've got to be taught to be afraid
Of people whose eyes are oddly made,
And people whose skin is a diff'rent shade,
You've got to be carefully taught.

You've got to be taught before it's too late,
Before you are six or seven or eight,
To hate all the people your relatives hate,
You've got to be carefully taught!

from South Pacific

[abelenkpe]

33. Wow. Thanks! Nt

[central scrutinizer]

5. So she favored the guy who never even mentioned the troops in his speeches?

the guy who dodged Vietnam by hiding in Paris? the guy whose family has never had anybody serve in uniform?

[OkieGranny]

7. So tired of the butthurt whining

Unfriended five since last night. Done with that shit.

[Marrah_G]

8. Perhaps you two should avoid topics of politics or avoid facebooking with each other

She is your niece, she just gave birth to your grand niece/nephew, why not keep the conversation to more pleasant things and enjoy the new addition to your family.

[Darth_Kitten]

21. These people put up their own roadblocks to good family relations.

My niece is having a baby...only reason my mother, the child's great-grandmother, will know is because I told her. She's married to a right-winger with some questionable views (I think so anyways)
She actually had some contact with her extended family, but due to the influence of my sister, etc, has become rather distant. I think she has married the same kind of man my sister married, a sanctimonious, "family values" type, rigid hypocrite. How does one play "happy family" with these types?

My niece, when a younger person, was very intelligent and a wise young woman. Then, her parents put her in this pathetic private religious "school", to keep her away from the outside world, no doubt.
Now she's having a slew of babies, can barely spell, and is married to this right-winger (straight from my province's bible-belt) I'm hoping she'll come back to the good side, but when she re-posts things on FB that her hubby believes in, it's hard not to feel angry and a little ashamed. This girl wanted to be a scientist when she was very young, now she's a baby machine

Family relationships are never simple and easy; it's actually easier to be disappointed and angry with these people because you would think they would be on your side in some way. And yes, I may seem upset, but I've been dealing with family crap for DECADES.

[blueamy66]

23. I take exception to your statement about "pathetic private religious schools"

I went to Catholic schools all of my life and I can spell, have grammar skills and am not married to a right-winger.

I have great relationships with my nieces and other family members.

Don't pigeon-hole all the kids that went to private religious schools, please.....

[Darth_Kitten]

29. Read what I wrote again, please.....

I'm not knocking religious schools in general, just these private ones I have no use for; they are absolutely useless.

Don't pigeon-hole ME, please.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

62. Every child who transferred from the nearby Christian school to the public elementary school where I

used to teach had to be assigned to a grade one to three levels below the grade they'd been in at the Christian school. From my contacts with other teachers, i know that this is not uncommon in other school districts.

[blueamy66]

67. Wow.....95% of the kids that graduate from my Catholic HS go to college

Where do you live?

Maybe Christian and Catholic schools are worlds apart.....

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

71. Absolutely. "Christian" schools, at least here in the tri-state DE, PA, MD, are not

Catholic schools. The people I know who attended Catholic schools are very well educated.

Personal, anecdotal experience is really all I have concerning either Christian or Catholic schools, so, obviously, just a pixel in the larger picture.

[Indpndnt]

60. I didn't take the post that way at all.

"Pathetic private religious schools" means just that: The private religious schools that are pathetic, not all private religious schools. Some, not all. Since the poster is well-aware of that particular school, I'm guessing the adjective "pathetic" is deserved.

There are public schools that are pathetic, too. That doesn't mean they are all pathetic.

[Marrah_G]

25. It sounds like your family issues have more to do with just politics

The OP was very upset with a young family member and their posts on facebook. No amount of fighting in a public place is going to A) help keep family peace and B) change anyone's mind.

Better to stop facebooking with each other and instead maybe spend some quality time together.

[Darth_Kitten]

30. Quality time?

You are not getting what I'm wrote about. Just putting on a smiley face doesn't cut it sometimes.

[Marrah_G]

53. I think we are talking past each other

I was responding to the OP and her situation, but you are taking it as if I was giving you the same advice.

I feel for you and your situation, I hope someday it gets better. I say that as someone who hasn't seen my 22 year old daughter in 5 years. There is always hope that things will change for the better.

[IdaBriggs]

54. Valid point. But somebody on the internet is WRONG!!!

OMG, I am a moron myself! Lol! My guy won, I don't like them implying he doesn't respect the troops (don't know why that one was over the top for me - maybe because I take the troops and the service they perform so seriously), and NOW I am arguing with a friend of hers who purports to be a disabled veteran who "dissed" Obama in Iraq when he was campaigning.

I just wanted to see baby pictures - and I got sucked into the drama. Sigh. :shiver:

[Marrah_G]

55. LOl I know right?

[Chunk]

9. Just post this one for her ;)

[renate]

26. oh, god... I just had a flashback to those eight years

Remember when we had to see him being a goober all over the place on a daily basis? Even Barney has a faraway look in his eyes, like "I don't really want to be here...."

[lady lib]

41. Win!

A picture IS worth a thousand words.

[JohnnyRingo]

45. Needs an appropriate caption:

[laundry_queen]

56. Good one! nt

[Missn-Hitch]

49. Perfect!!

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

63. Please....

I'm sure that's okay because it's Bush, you know. White guys get a break.

[phantom power]

10. there are certain double-standard games that conservatives always play...

This is one of them: when a Democrat is in the White House, it's always about generating faux outrage over some petty (and quite frequently fake) supposed "slight" that the President makes toward The Troops(tm). It's always about How The President Doesn't Respect His Troops Enough.

When a Republican is the White House, the conversation immediately switches to how we Democrat Proles don't respect The Commander In Chief Enough (tm).

Another fun variation was when Obama headed up the operation to take down bin Laden. If George Bush had ever taken down bin Laden, the GOP fan-boyz would have absolutely wet their pants in adoration of His Manly Commander In Chief-Ness. But since it was a Democrat who was in charge the conversation instantly had to become about How The Effete Dem President Takes All The Credit From The Brave Troops(tm).

So, you see how this works. It has all the subtlety of grade-schooler word games on the playground.

[Rockyj]

12. I haven't been on Facebook...

for over two years as a result of too many old idiot friends and family.
But mostly because of privacy issues.
I have a bumper sticker that says...This is not Facebook and I am not your friend.

[nobodyspecial]

13. How disrespectful!"

give them a proper salute, Asshole."

Tell her you agree that she is VERY disrespectful

[blueamy66]

14. I am so happy that my nieces don't post anything political. Just wanna see the kids' pics.....

My sister-in-law (more like an actual sister) posts alot of "Jesus" stuff, but nothing political. I read it and take it for what it's worth.

I just move on past the crap that friends and family post that make me cringe. Heck, I'm from a very devout Catholic family. It's been rough.

FB has turned into a crazy place. It's a social media site. My best friend and I were speaking about it yesterday. We can agree to disagree. We're adults now. It's nice to know that we can still love eachother although we have political differences.

Can't wait until this election shit settles down.

[sarisataka]

16. Having done several VIP security details...

with dignitaries from several nations, we never took offense at any 'improper' salute. Sometime it was a good one, sometimes a good try, sometimes just a nod. The acknowledgement is what matters.

The PM of East Whatever, or Secretary of the Department of Redundancy Department may never have served in the military but they have a job that has greater ramifications than being hung up on protocol.

IMO this is a shopped picture. Very few high level officials walk around talking on a cell when cameras are about. If the call is that important, they will finish it before stepping out.

[dooner]

17. I share your frustration

I have a relative who posts crazy, mean, "wing-nut christian", disrespectful lies about the president on Facebook. I only engage
if I have easy proof that something is an outright lie and I try to stay extremely calm and cool.

I don't mind "unfriending" people I went to high school with (I probably didn't like them before either) or even people I know through work, but it's a little more difficult to write off relatives you have to deal with in real life!

[barbtries]

19. they talk about respect

and have none. it's the hypocrisy that really gets me.

[BellaKos]

20. I understand completely.

In my case, I've "lost" a cousin, all of my in-laws, friends....
And the thing is *they* are the ones who are so insistent on "informing" me of the "facts" so I will finally wake up and see that Obama is destroying the country. They copy the style of their masters, Rush and Hannity or Bourtz -- thinking that if they repeat their lie long enough, say it louder, or write in CAPS maybe I'll "get it."

I'm fed up. If they can't see that they are wrong, brainwashed, and firmly entrenched within their bubble, then fuk 'em. I swear. We just had an election for gawd's sake. That was real. And that alone should make them wonder if maybe they've missed something.

Good gawd. Is this 1858, or what? I feel like an abolitionist in New York and that all my relatives are Georgia plantation owners.

[HopeHoops]

22. My eldest is over two years into a relationship with a fine young soldier.

They could ship him out at any point. I'd be proud to have him as a son-in-law, but I don't want to see him get killed. But that's also part of the deal you make when you enlist. Your niece needs to come to grips with that. The shrub didn't give a shit about our troops. Obama does. She needs a virtual whap upside the head.

And if you really want to piss her off, point out to her that the acronym "CIC" was commonly referred to as "Chimp In Charge" by the troops when the shrub was squatting in the WH.

Then there was the infamous turkey prop. Yes, it was a real turkey, not plastic, but it had been sitting out for hours before he arrived - just as a prop, with shellac even (to make it shine). None of the troops got any, not that they'd want it. The CO's also required all ammunition to be removed from guns before the shrub arrived. Gee, I wonder why.

Obama held his promise and brought our men and women home from Iraq. He'll keep his promise to bring them home from Afghanistan too and won't send them into Iran. Oh, and Rush Limbaugh is STILL on the Armed Forces Network. I own "RushOffAFN.com" but haven't decided what to do with it yet. Now that the election is over, I might just put some work into that. Our men and women in uniform don't need to be subjected to that treasonous bullshit.

[Aristus]

24. She's married to a service member, so all she is doing is borrowing someone else's glory.

Tell her for me, please, that when I was a sergeant in the Army, I saluted officers all the time who were too busy doing other things to return the salute. I was cool with that. As you put it, I had my job, and they had theirs.

Tell her to either can her pissy, adolescent, prime-time-ready outrage, or suit up and take the field. Her unfortunate husband's PTSD is not the fault of our current President...

[DCKit]

27. I'd lose my shit if my niece was a Republic.

As it is, she also has to deal with her Republican parents. Not just Republican, but rabid - Rush Limbaugh lives up their asses.

I don't have any clue about what to tell you, we're in the same boat - We love 'em, we hate their politics and can't understand why they're so misinformed.

You have my support.

[ornotna]

28. Easy to fix this

Hover your pointer over her avatar, then the friends button. Un-check "show in news feed". Problem solved.

[vlyons]

31. You should have asked her to consider the possibility that

the Prez might have been on the phone to the Army chief of staff about any number of dangerous and super critical issues regarding the safety of troops, a terrorist attack on troops, more money for FEMA victims, expediting troops sooner from Afghanistan, etc etc. She is pre-programmed to automatically assume the worst.

[Kaleva]

32. The senior is not required to return a salute

"Here is some general guidance on whom to salute, and when and where not to salute:

The hand salute is required on or off duty on all military installations.
A salute is rendered at 6 to 12 paces when walking or when at a standstill. However, senior officers must always be alert to salutes rendered when further away than the minimum distance.
A salute is held until the more senior officer has returned the salute or has passed.
Never hold anything in your right hand when saluting.
When attempting to pass a more senior officer, the more junior officer must approach on the left hand side of the senior officer, salute when abreast, and say, “By your leave…(Ma’am or Sir or Rank + Surname of the senior officer).” The more junior officer waits until the senior officer returns the salute and replies with “Carry on” or “Permission granted” or “Very well.”
Salutes should be accompanied with a greeting such as “Good Morning / Afternoon / Evening… (Ma’am or Sir or Rank + Surname).”
Officers of equal rank salute more or less simultaneously when greeting one another.
When seated outdoors a more junior officer should rise and salute to greet a more senior officer. "

http://ccmis.usphs.gov/ccbulletin/articles/Protocol_05_2009.aspx

[oldbanjo]

37. Is he required to salute, he's not in the Military.

[Kaleva]

39. Not sure. He's Commander in Chief but also a civilian

[sarisataka]

64. yes, as Commander in Chief

the president is considered military. Several dozen high-ranking pentagon officials are also included in military protocol, even though they are 'civilian'

Edit: to be clear, the people who receive a salute, including the President, are not required to return the salute. It is considered polite to return some greeting, but also is not required per se.

[meeshrox]

34. I was already at a 9.5/10 on my limit leading up to the election...

being called a socialist coward two weeks ago put me over the edge. Now that it's over, more FB friends are coming out of the woodwork to warn of the impending apocalypse. Doubling down is all they know!

Do not despair, we are all here for you! Rant anytime!

[Lebam in LA]

36. I quit FB about 2 weeks after joining

The crap my RW relatives were spouting was/is disgusting. I was getting so angry at them I decided to leave rather than go off on all of them. Best decission I could have made.

[oldbanjo]

38. Me too, about 2 weeks that was enough,

I've always been a private person, I put very little on the net.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

40. We are reaping

what Fox has sown. The people who take most/all of their information from Fox speak almost in identical phrases/words when talking about any particular issue. They are, in effect, brainwashed......

[Chorophyll]

46. Yep. It's a cult. nt

[JohnnyRingo]

42. Let me help. Use this pic:

[Chorophyll]

48. +1

[southernyankeebelle]

43. You go girl. Of all things to be upset about is a hand salute. Give me a break. Did she ever

stop to think he might be talking a head of state? Maybe to a VIP about Sandy? She really is showing her ignorance to her husband. Doesn't she realize that he is the Commander-in-Chief. Respect the office. My husband spent 21 yrs and he couldn't stand Reagan or even Bush II but he showed respect for the office and would never say anything on a FB page like that. My goodness doesn't she realize that her husband is in the military?

[The Wizard]

44. I told my right wing cousin

that every time I get a right wing email I donate to Democrats/Obama.

[allan01]

47. re:Just went OFF on a niece (Facebook) - GRRRR!!!

block them even if she is a relative .

[Kaleva]

50. It was Reagan who began the practice of a president returning salutes

Until then, no president, not even Ike who was a retired 5 star general, returned a salute.

"Reagan’s decision raised eyebrows at the time. Dwight Eisenhower, a former five-star general, did not return military salutes while president. Nor had other presidents.

John Kline, then Reagan’s military aide and now a Minnesota congressman, advised him that it went against military protocol for presidents to return salutes."

http://blogs.reuters.com/talesfromthetrail/2008/12/24/to-salute-or-not-to-salute-thats-obamas-question/

[JimGinPA]

51. My Teabagger Niece Un-Friended Me Wednesday For Calling Her Out On Her Whining

She lives in Georgia and her Dad, my ex brother-in-law, has turned into a real right-wing scumbag racist. Her sister lives in the suburbs of Detroit (also a repub - but more moderate) had disowned both of them a long time ago.

[IdaBriggs]

52. UPDATE: The facebook war continues (but my niece has dropped out for now)

(DW) Respect for him??....really....(Niece)...ok I'm so tired of the bullshit and people thinking he's actually a good man. Fuck that!! Talk to some of the god damn troops and find out the fucking truth. I'm so tired of this shit linds. I'll tell you what, I know either way the president will always fuck over our husbands but really...Obama...really...

(DW) Omg every time I read this I just start laughing..ugh so stupid!!

(Niece) Its not right that we have marines living in condemned barracks and can't afford anything but at the drop of a hat they leave and fight for this country and any service member deserves a proper salute and a time of day.

(Other Relative) Wow Ida I remember not so long ago u had issues with Busch..I recall u saying much worse things than put down the phone asshole... I agree its common courtesy ..u go Into a store. and many cashers are told don't wait on a person on the phone..common. courtesy.. why should the president be held to less standards..is it OK to be rude in public to anyone ?? Would u tolerate that behavior from a McDonald's employee ?? Our constitution state freedom of speech..Lindsey post these post from other marines and wife's of marines... who pray every day there loved ones come home..I'm thinking it is time for u to get a grip.. fb.was founded for venting talking.. expressing...

(Me) I will join you in outrage over "marines living in condemned barracks" or (my personal pissy issue) inadequate funding at the VA (which Obama has increased by another 10%), or about veterans not getting jobs (oh, wait-a-minute, the Republicans BLOCKED his "help vets become employed bill&quot , but this picture is misleading and disrespectful. REAL issues will get the support of every decent American; this crap is divisive, insulting and disgusting.

(Me) to (Other Relative) Snopes is your friend. This is a guy doing his job - not holding a dog, but the implication is that he doesn't respect our troops. The last guy used them to make his buddies rich, and I've got NOTHING good to say about that man, but marines don't have "freedom of speech" because He is their Commander-in-Chief. I sincerely doubt (Niece) is getting this crap from marines, who know that *respect* is given by not sending you to Iraq to come home in a body bag. I don't like the Afghanistan crap, but at least they got bin Ladin, and they are still taking out al Q. http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/photos/cellsalute.asp

(DW) How is the picture misleading?? It's clearly showing him NOT giving the military the respect they deserve by putting the phone down for a few seconds. There's nothing misleading about it. He didn't give a shit. Try and sugar coat it all you want and try to stick up for him in this picture but it speaks for itself.

(Me) The military does not get "respect" by getting salutes, especially when the guy is on the phone DOING HIS JOB, and is in mid-step coming down from the helicopter. He didn't give them the finger; quit pretending your FAKE OUTRAGE is relevent.

(DW) Ok sweetheart. Enjoy your life. (Niece) I'm done dealing with this on fb...needs to be handled differently..

(Me) Oh, and if you look closely at the picture, it has been PHOTO SHOPPED. Apparently the President has TWO left arms - one down by his side, and one holding a *white* cell phone (while he uses a BLACKBERRY).

(Other Relative) And did snoops confirm he wasn't talking to his wife of making a lunch order.. it does not matter who be was on the phone with. give respect to get it..I no a lot of Marines I don't no 1 who voted for him...I saw first hand the slums these men live in ...get ur facts before u go off...

(Me) FACTS: Bush Dead in Iraq = 4,222; Obama Dead in Iraq = 264. (Remember the invisible WMDs?) More Facts: Afghanistan Dead under Bush (where al Q actually *was*): 630; Obama Dead = 1,520 - THIS number upsets me, especially because we are fighting enemies we created under Bush. Oh, and Obama got them all pay raises, so picture living on $400 a month less than you are making now. Cleaning up someone else's mess takes time, and I will join in the calls for reform, but the wife of an (active duty) Marine to be disrespecting the Commander-in-Chief this way ("Asshole?&quot in PUBLIC is disgusting.

(Me) My last word: http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/25/us/marine-obama/index.html

(CT-Vet) Ida, the potus IS required to give a PROPER salute, which sure as hell isn't done with a phone in hand! Also, he is an ass hole, served to protect him in 08 in ramadi while he was campaigning, and he showed absolutely no respect towards any of us, unless of course it was feigned for cameras or a speech. There is a hell of a lot to be said about his utter lack of character, as well as his disregard towards our troops. I'm 100% disabled for the rest of my life, I definitely earned my right to express my honest opinion gained through one on one experience with this p.o.s, so how bout you show some respect to US, and can it! You know nothing of which you speak. BTW, president or not, nobody is required to like or respect the man, as we say in the corps, respect the title, not the man, lest he's earned it, and this tool, doesn't rate my respect.

(Me) a) Romney didn't even mention the troops in his RNC speech, and b) he still has the title, so RESPECT IT Chase. You chose to serve, and I will honor you for it, but don't expect automatic respect when you - a disabled veteran - refer to the Commander in Chief as a "tool". I respect your service; I certainly don't respect your opinion. Oh, and don't forget that as a DISABLED VET this "tool" is making sure you are taken care of - talk to the guys who tried to get help under the last President if you want to compare.

(Me) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/22/mitt-romney-gold-star_n_2003530.html
Report: Romney Left Insensitive Messages For Gold Star Mother After Her Son's Death

(CT) Yeah, actually thanks to the cuts he IMMEDIATELY made, it took me well over three years to get any form of treatment, and thanks to that, I live in agonizing pain every day, suffer from very severe TBI and PTSD, which I'm just NOW starting to get treatment for. I have literally had to move states in search of worthwhile care. I spend 90% of my time in a bed, and my future ain't looking bright. I'm ok with that, it was my choice, but he could do a HELL of a lot better by the troops! While on active duty, I served as an nco NOT RECEIVING PAY off and on for my last three years, ALL under his presidency, never saw a dime of any of it, and besides the fact that I was still working every day even though I could hardly move, I accept that as well. I accept it as a monumental failure of his administration, among MANY other things he has put myself and my brothers through. Do NOT tell me I must respect that man, he is a failure, and a coward, and you're damned right I let him know that TO HIS FACE in Iraq before he took office, still one of my proudest moments. Perhaps all my misfortune is do to that. Don't care, still proud, and fuck that traitor he can KISS MY CRIPPLED ASS!

(CT) "That's all I've got to say bout that!"

(Me) to (CT), I call bs on you - http://ccmis.usphs.gov/ccbulletin/articles/Protocol_05_2009.aspx

(CT) Actually, after reading some of your "facts", guess I'm not done. How bout actually listening to those of us who LIVE THE FUCKING LIFE, as opposed to believing whatever b.s you read and hear out there! Pay raise?!?! Lmfao! Ok, at this point, I gotta say it, just stop, leave this post, you are BEYOND CLUELESS!

(Me) But I'm not a liar.

(CT) Ask ANY service member if he was in the wrong, we don't give two fucks what the media has to say on our "behalf", so blatantly IGNORANT!!!

(Me) Sorry, (CT), didn't realize the *real* problem is that you are just a sore loser. Well, get over it, man, because he's still in charge. Go, America!

(Me) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tyre-nelson/veterans-obama-election_b_2068914.html

[sarisataka]

65. Marines would say

Its not right that we have marines living in condemned barracks and can't afford anything but at the drop of a hat they leave and fight for this country

"It has been that way since 1775, SSDD. What do you need us to do, sir?"

[Spitfire of ATJ]

57. That whole "Obama cell phone" thing still cracks me up....

....a long discredited steaming pile.

The right-wing circulated a video of a black woman claiming Obama gave her a cell phone and the racists were off and flying.

Now every time they see a black person with a cell phone they have stop themselves from beating the hell out of them for stealing from THEIR tax dollars. I can just see these Morans flying off at their phone companies, "It's because I'm white, Right???? That's why I don't get a free phone, RIGHT????"

[CakeGrrl]

58. It's a fake. POTUS CANNOT use a cell phone.

Your niece obviously missed the explanation on Leno the other week. He has a Blackberry but cannot have conversations over wireless for obvious security reasons.

I'm sure someone can enlighten her - not that she'll listen. Good luck.

[Corgigal]

59. She needs to think what she is posting

Her husband can be called in his command about it. My daughter is in the USCG and just yesterday they started doing this. She's allowed to have a stupid opinion but if his military command finds out this information and then goes to her husband she will be more then embarassed.

In fact, I would stop engaging her because of her stupidity of putting her husband career in jeopardy. She's not active duty and she doesnt understand how the military sees this. The military wife will be seen and her husband will be told to get her inline. Serious.

[ieoeja]

61. Marines do not salute when uncovered.

If they want to pretend there is some rule saying the President has to salute, then they should at least know the rules of their silly game.

1. There is no rule requiring the President of the United States to salute anybody. He may be Commander in Chief, but he is still a civilian and civilians are not expected to salute.

2. If you want to pretend POTUS is subject to military rules (which he isn't), those of higher rank in the military frequently do not return salutes.

3. Back when most Presidents were ex-military they usually did not, in fact, salute the Marines standing guard. Probably because they were accustomed from the military experience to the practice of ignoring the salutes when they are going about their business. It is the non-veteran Presidents unaccustomed to the practice who seem to think they should salute.

4. And they almost universally do a piss poor job of it. Reagan sucked at it. Clinton sucked at it. Bush II sucked at it. Obama ... well, he has actually been better than any of those three, but he still isn't all that great at it. Frankly, he should probably just quit.

5. Even after all that, if you really, really, really, really want him to play soldier ... those guards are not soldiers. They are Marines. Marines do not salute when uncovered (that means not wearing a hat for those of you who don't speak Girene). The President was not wearing a hat. So by Marine Corps rules he shouldn't have saluted them in the first place.


Feel free to copy and paste for your facebook pals.

[DiehardLiberal]

68. I'm wrestling with what to do with some recently discovered birth relatives

They have posted some despicable things on facebook - tea partiers, and pseudo-Christians who think they are so damn superior and patriotic. Tonight it was an impeachment post with a photo of President Obama with fangs for teeth. I can't take much more without telling them what i think of their ignorant, hateful asses. I'm lucky I was adopted 64 years ago by some wonderful people who were staunch Democrats and led their lives helping others and never judging. I've been blessed by not being taught to hate. But these new family members are teaching me well to hate them and their ilk... We don't live near each other but I see their posts every day.

What to do???

[Indpndnt]

69. Just take them off your Newsfeed. They'll still be your FB 'Friends' and they'll never know.

Your blood pressure will thank you.

[DiehardLiberal]

70. Thanks - I guess I thought it was all or nothing.

Appreciate it!!!

[Raine]

73. Is this "genius" privy to who Obama was talking to? Could be it was a very important conversation

with a world leader that might have an effect on those who are in trouble spots. Still I guess Obama should've given em the "bum's rush" so he could salute properly.