No. of Recommendations: 10
Some of us remember when Clinton was flamed for returning salutes, especially as a "draft dodger"
Of course, it was different when Saint Reagan did it. Technically, Saint Reagan was in the service during the war, making propaganda and training films, but he had been discharged, decades before he was POTUS.
Google AI net sifting:
Former President Bill Clinton was criticized for returning military salutes, a practice adopted from his predecessor, Ronald Reagan. Critics viewed the gesture, performed by Clinton as a civilian not in uniform, as a violation of military protocol and an inappropriate exaggeration of his role as Commander-in-Chief.
Context of the criticism
Deviation from tradition: The act of a president returning a salute was a break from long-standing tradition. Before Reagan, presidents, including former generals like Dwight D. Eisenhower, typically did not return salutes while in civilian attire. Eisenhower, understanding military custom, recognized that a salute was for the uniform, which he no longer wore as president.
Clinton's military record: The controversy was exacerbated by Clinton's lack of military service and the draft deferment he received during the Vietnam War, which created tensions with some veterans' groups. For some, his salute was seen as a sign of his administration's perceived disregard for military comportment and tradition.
Perceived as "playing soldier": A 2003 New York Times opinion piece described the habit as "puerile," suggesting it was the "joyful gesture of someone who likes playing soldier".
But Trump is "exceptional", so he's patriotic, when he salutes.
/sarcasm
Steve
