The Briefing Room

General Category => National/Breaking News => Topic started by: mystery-ak on May 28, 2014, 03:35:26 pm

Title: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: mystery-ak on May 28, 2014, 03:35:26 pm
http://ulstermanbooks.com/west-point-grads-give-obama-tepid-welcome-most-refuse-to-stand-for-president/ (http://ulstermanbooks.com/west-point-grads-give-obama-tepid-welcome-most-refuse-to-stand-for-president/)

An often rambling, excuse-laden speech appeared to hold little interest to West Point military grads today.  According to media sources, Barack Obama found himself greeted with a decidedly less than enthusiastic crowd, one that remained quiet throughout his many “not my fault” talking points.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/05/28/article-2641713-1E4638A000000578-801_638x380.jpg)

President Obama tried repeatedly to assure the military audience that he believed in American exceptionalism.  This comes after several years of the president downplaying, and at times, apologizing for America’s influence throughout the world.

 

The current Commander in Chief went on to demand the United States work with the United Nations, that such a relationship will be the hallmark of future U.S. foreign policy.  The West Point grads appeared less than enthusiastic about such a goal, perhaps noting the inherent contradiction of a president trying to convince them he believes in American power, while at the same time, demanding that power play a secondary role behind working with such entities as the United Nations.

 Posted byulsterman
May 28, 2014
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: Slide Rule on May 28, 2014, 07:17:06 pm
Evidently West Point still trains moral leaders.

Good.  Very good indeed.

Al

Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: Bigun on May 28, 2014, 07:19:39 pm
Evidently West Point still trains moral leaders.

Good.  Very good indeed.

Al


 :amen:
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: mountaineer on May 28, 2014, 07:22:15 pm
Obama Tells West Point Grads They Will Be Fighting Global Warming

I’m pretty sure fighting a figment of Al Gore’s imagination isn’t what they had in mind when they signed on to serve in the Army.

OBAMA: Keep in mind, not all international norms relate directly to armed conflict. In the face of cyber-attacks, we are working to shape and enforce rules of the road to secure our networks and citizens. In the Asia Pacific, we are supporting Southeast Asian nations as they negotiate a code of conduct with China on the South China Sea, and are working to resolve territorial and maritime disputes through international law. That spirit of cooperation must energize the global effort to combat climate change – a creeping national security crisis that will help shape your time in uniform, as we’re called on to respond to refugee flows, natural disasters, and conflicts over water and food. That’s why, next year, I intend to make sure America is out front in a global framework to preserve our planet.

Weaselzippers (http://weaselzippers.us/187484-obama-tells-west-point-grads-they-will-be-fighting-global-warming/)
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: mountaineer on May 28, 2014, 07:24:10 pm
Obama: US can’t ‘exempt’ itself from global climate rules
By Laura Barron-Lopez - 05/28/14 12:11 PM EDT



President Obama forcefully told West Point graduates Wednesday that the U.S. must lead on climate change, just days before the administration is expected to announce the cornerstone of his climate legacy.

Obama railed against climate change skeptics, saying they make it harder for nations to cooperate in the fight against global warming.

"We can’t call on others to make commitments to combat climate change if so many of our political leaders deny that it is taking place," Obama said on Wednesday.

"You see, American influence is always stronger when we lead by example. We cannot exempt ourselves from the rules that apply to everyone else," he added.

Obama went on to say that "cooperation must energize the global effort to combat climate change."

Using strong rhetoric, Obama called the warming climate a "creeping national security crisis" that will shape the West Point graduates’ time in uniform.

More and more, he said, troops will be called on to respond to "refugee flows, natural disasters, and conflicts over water and food."

"That's why, next year, I intend to make sure America is out front in a global framework to preserve our planet," Obama added, alluding to the United Nations climate change talks in Paris.

The comments come just before the announcement of Obama's climate change regulation, which will be the first rule limiting carbon emissions from existing coal-fired power plants.

Obama has indicated his intent to unveil the rule himself alongside Environmental Protection Agency chief Gina McCarthy.

McCarthy and a number of administration officials have worked overtime to craft the rule, which will be the strongest show of force on the administration's part in the ongoing battle against climate change.

That also makes it the most contentious rule to date to come forward under Obama's climate agenda. Global leaders will be looking to the rule, as nations ready for the Paris talks.

However, at home, Obama will face an onslaught from Republicans who consider the regulation a "war on coal."
The Hill (http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/207404-obama-us-cant-exempt-itself-from-climate-fight#ixzz332XGdc00)
____________________
Who can blame them for not standing?  :thud:
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: EC on May 28, 2014, 07:28:07 pm
Who can blame them for not standing?  :thud:

I do. You respect the position if you can not respect the person.

It's like respecting the flag. We co-based a lot, and we'd freeze, form up, and salute during the evening flag ceremony. Not our flag, not our tradition, but respect, you know? I mislike larval officers who do not show respect.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: mystery-ak on May 28, 2014, 08:42:20 pm
http://www.mediaite.com/tv/cnn-reporter-icy-reception-for-obama-from-west-pointers-during-speech/ (http://www.mediaite.com/tv/cnn-reporter-icy-reception-for-obama-from-west-pointers-during-speech/)

CNN Reporter: ‘Icy Reception’ for Obama from West Pointers During Speech
by Noah Rothman | 2:59 pm, May 28th, 2014

Obama’s “philosophical” speech to the 2014 graduates of West Point about a new direction for America’s foreign policy was “not a great” speech for that audience, said CNN anchor Jim Clancy on Wednesday. He said that the president did not sound like a “commander-in-chief speaking to his troops” and got an “icy reception” as a result.

Clancy did not criticize the substance of President Obama’s speech outlining a shift in tactics, specifically as it relates to America’s approach to fighting terrorist groups. However, he did think that the defining of a new foreign policy doctrine was not something the attendees wanted to hear.



“It was a philosophical speech,” Clancy said. “It was not a commander-in-chief speaking to his troops. And you heard the reception. I mean, it was pretty icy.”
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: Lando Lincoln on May 28, 2014, 08:44:59 pm
I do. You respect the position if you can not respect the person.

It's like respecting the flag. We co-based a lot, and we'd freeze, form up, and salute during the evening flag ceremony. Not our flag, not our tradition, but respect, you know? I mislike larval officers who do not show respect.

 :patriot:
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: musiclady on May 28, 2014, 10:01:57 pm
Is it a requirement to stand, or just expected?

If there's an option, then I say, stay seated, even if you respect the office.

It makes a powerful statement that, IMO, needs to be made by our military.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: EC on May 28, 2014, 10:10:35 pm
Is it a requirement to stand, or just expected?

If there's an option, then I say, stay seated, even if you respect the office.

It makes a powerful statement that, IMO, needs to be made by our military.

No, my friend.

These are - or will be at some stage - officers. Those who are responsible for discipline, respect and the traditions of the service. They do not get a pass on this.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: Chieftain on May 28, 2014, 10:45:07 pm
Understand that this was a Commencement address for the graduating class of cadets.  How would you feel if the President showed up to make a speech that is nothing more than attempting to answer his critics, not laying out some kind of clear, coherent foreign policy.  That does not exists.

Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: mystery-ak on May 28, 2014, 10:54:20 pm
WOW

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0C_FvDymfc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0C_FvDymfc)
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: mystery-ak on May 28, 2014, 11:09:04 pm
compared to

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TgLYLuDjlY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TgLYLuDjlY)
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: MACVSOG68 on May 28, 2014, 11:18:47 pm
I do. You respect the position if you can not respect the person.

It's like respecting the flag. We co-based a lot, and we'd freeze, form up, and salute during the evening flag ceremony. Not our flag, not our tradition, but respect, you know? I mislike larval officers who do not show respect.

Absolutely correct.  At a formal dinner or military ball, an officer will start the toasting by tapping the glass, rising, lifting his glass and saying:  "The President of the United States".  Then a dozen or so toasts would be offered depending on the outfit you were in.  At least it used to be that way.

I still think it's unfortunate the West Point graduating class couldn't have heard Admiral McRaven instead of this smug, miserable, ineffectual, sleazy, gutless, make-believe leader with his defensive, self-important speech.  I can say that because I'm a retired officer...
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: EC on May 28, 2014, 11:20:34 pm
http://www.c-span.org/video/?41321-1/west-point-commencement-address

Made me laugh like hell in spots. Honest. humorous, and totally respectful of the cadets. The Worm is a foul person in comparison. Yet - he's still CinC.

Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: mystery-ak on May 28, 2014, 11:22:32 pm
I thought the protocol was all military stood at attention when the Pres entered..maybe it is different at commencement ceremonies.... :shrug:......of course you can't make civilians do that....
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: mystery-ak on May 28, 2014, 11:31:20 pm
What a difference

U.S. Military Academy Commencement

President Bush spoke to graduating U.S. Military Academy cadets at West Point. Topics included the war on terror and U.S. policy towards the terrorists.

http://www.c-span.org/video/?192749-1/us-military-academy-commencement (http://www.c-span.org/video/?192749-1/us-military-academy-commencement)
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: EC on May 28, 2014, 11:33:35 pm
Absolutely correct.  At a formal dinner or military ball, an officer will start the toasting by tapping the glass, rising, lifting his glass and saying:  "The President of the United States".  Then a dozen or so toasts would be offered depending on the outfit you were in.  At least it used to be that way.

I still think it's unfortunate the West Point graduating class couldn't have heard Admiral McRaven instead of this smug, miserable, ineffectual, sleazy, gutless, make-believe leader with his defensive, self-important speech.  I can say that because I'm a retired officer...

That always makes me smile when we do that. Our tradition is the most junior officer proposes the toast. Watching them being red faced and embarrassed and so damned proud to do the toast is one of life's wonders.  :laugh:

Yet all forces present get toasted equally and the correct response is expected in each case.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: MACVSOG68 on May 28, 2014, 11:36:14 pm
I thought the protocol was all military stood at attention when the Pres entered..maybe it is different at commencement ceremonies.... :shrug:......of course you can't make civilians do that....

Yes, you're right it is military protocol, even for the wives.  And while of course not required, it is proper protocol for anyone, military or civilian.  It's the office, not the person.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: MACVSOG68 on May 28, 2014, 11:39:15 pm
That always makes me smile when we do that. Our tradition is the most junior officer proposes the toast. Watching them being red faced and embarrassed and so damned proud to do the toast is one of life's wonders.  :laugh:

Yet all forces present get toasted equally and the correct response is expected in each case.

Yes, I recall.  The officer who begins the toasting is usually nervous as hell, just knowing he'll screw up the words.  And yes, the correct responses are important. 
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: EC on May 28, 2014, 11:45:54 pm
Yes, you're right it is military protocol, even for the wives.  And while of course not required, it is proper protocol for anyone, military or civilian.  It's the office, not the person.

Totally agree. The person may not be worth a used tissue. The office still gets respect.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: mystery-ak on May 28, 2014, 11:47:54 pm
Well I just looked at a few West Point Commencements over the years and it must not be mandatory to rise...some stay seated depending on who the Pres is it seems....lol
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: Lando Lincoln on May 29, 2014, 01:43:43 am
Well I just looked at a few West Point Commencements over the years and it must not be mandatory to rise...some stay seated depending on who the Pres is it seems....lol

Surprising, actually.  The cadets are officers in training and protocol is a big part of that training.  Personally, I would expect them to be instructed to stand appropriately.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: MACVSOG68 on May 29, 2014, 02:27:39 am
Surprising, actually.  The cadets are officers in training and protocol is a big part of that training.  Personally, I would expect them to be instructed to stand appropriately.

I didn't go to West Point so I don't know if the graduates and guests are told to remain seated or not.  I do know the normal protocol for the CIC is for everyone to stand when he's announced or otherwise enters the area.  In fact, unless things have dramatically changed, everyone would rise when a senior command officer enters a room. 

Reminds me, I still remember handing the dollar bill to the first enlisted salute.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: Lando Lincoln on May 29, 2014, 02:31:19 am
I have a good friend whose son graduated from West Point just last year.  I will ask about this. 
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: DCPatriot on May 29, 2014, 02:52:49 am
Totally agree. The person may not be worth a used tissue. The office still gets respect.

What it shows then, is the degree of animosity to which we've come.  For them to sit in protest.

It means to me that they don't think the person is worthy of the office, so they won't recognize it.

Try to picture a West Point student officer asking their instructors WTF...to explain any number of a dozen decisions made by President Obama.

crickets....so you have to think he doesn't yet control the class room at West Point of Annapolis.   The sitting graduates or student body 'knew' they had support.   

The Tea Party is not dead.....LOL! 
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: Carling on May 29, 2014, 03:00:58 am
I do. You respect the position if you can not respect the person.

It's like respecting the flag. We co-based a lot, and we'd freeze, form up, and salute during the evening flag ceremony. Not our flag, not our tradition, but respect, you know? I mislike larval officers who do not show respect.

Respect must be earned, and never assumed.  The sheer audacity of Obama to waltz into West Point and give a speech while in the midst of the VA scandal.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: sinkspur on May 29, 2014, 03:10:03 am
Respect must be earned, and never assumed.  The sheer audacity of Obama to waltz into West Point and give a speech while in the midst of the VA scandal.

Obama's a narcissistic little pr*ck.  He strides into the most prestigious military academy in the world, and, instead of addressing the graduates, he uses his speech to trash his opponents and tries to explain why he's ceding American foreign policy to "coalitions". 

He disrespected those men, and he's lucky they didn't stand up and turn their backs on him.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: Carling on May 29, 2014, 03:21:38 am
Obama's a narcissistic little pr*ck.  He strides into the most prestigious military academy in the world, and, instead of addressing the graduates, he uses his speech to trash his opponents and tries to explain why he's ceding American foreign policy to "coalitions". 

He disrespected those men, and he's lucky they didn't stand up and turn their backs on him.

In many parts of the world, a leader who gave that speech in front of his military's best and brightest may not have made it out of the building.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: DCPatriot on May 29, 2014, 03:57:45 am
Obama's a narcissistic little pr*ck.  He strides into the most prestigious military academy in the world, and, instead of addressing the graduates, he uses his speech to trash his opponents and tries to explain why he's ceding American foreign policy to "coalitions". 

He disrespected those men, and he's lucky they didn't stand up and turn their backs on him.

HOO-RAH!  :patriot:
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: EC on May 29, 2014, 04:22:54 am
Obama's a narcissistic little pr*ck.  He strides into the most prestigious military academy in the world, and, instead of addressing the graduates, he uses his speech to trash his opponents and tries to explain why he's ceding American foreign policy to "coalitions". 

He disrespected those men, and he's lucky they didn't stand up and turn their backs on him.

Teachable moment for the cadets. The brass never have your back. You are there to cover their arses, not the other way around.

Still, if they were my pups, there would be a lot of bruises this morning.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: aligncare on May 29, 2014, 07:53:02 am
The last time I visited West Point I heard many cadets and their families speaking Russian. From personal experience working with Russians who came here from the former Soviet Union, first and second generation Russian-Americans despise communists and love the freedom that America offers.

Maybe that's why many stayed seated, because they felt free to do so. Something unthinkable in the old Communist Party dominated Soviet Union. They didn't come to America to see it fall to Communists like Obama.
Title: CNN Reporter: Obama’s Speech Earned ‘Icy Reception’ From West Point Grads
Post by: rangerrebew on May 29, 2014, 09:44:01 am
CNN Reporter: Obama’s Speech Earned ‘Icy Reception’ From West Point Grads

Posted By Brendan Bordelon On 3:51 PM 05/28/2014 In | No Comments


CNN reporter Jim Clancy questioned the wisdom of President Obama’s foreign policy speech in front of West Point graduates on Wednesday, claiming the president’s policy of disengagement was met with an “icy reception” from the future Army officers.

Clancy spoke Wednesday afternoon with CNN anchor Brooke Baldwin about the speech Wednesday morning, in which President Obama urged a shift away from direct military intervention in foreign conflicts — a policy his White House has not historically pursued.

But although the veteran CNN reporter didn’t seem put off by the content of the speech, he was a little perplexed by the venue.

“[It] probably, you know, wasn’t really a great speech to give at the U.S. Military Academy,” Clancy noted. “It was a philosophical speech. It was not a commander-in-chief speaking to his troops. And you heard the reception. I mean, it was pretty icy.”

Other reports on the speech also commented on the tepid applause graduating cadets gave their president. Last Sunday, Washington Post columnist Chuck Lane noted that the ongoing VA scandal is a “huge setback” for President Obama’s push to turn the military into a Democratic constituency.



Article printed from The Daily Caller: http://dailycaller.com

URL to article: http://dailycaller.com/2014/05/28/cnn-reporter-obamas-speech-earned-icy-reception-from-west-point-grads/
Title: Obama Tells West Point Cadets We Need to Role Model Climate Change Behavior
Post by: rangerrebew on May 29, 2014, 10:58:35 am
Obama Tells West Point Cadets We Need to Role Model Climate Change Behavior


May 28, 2014
By Sara Noble

 

Obama mad

President Obama spoke to the West Point graduates on Wednesday. His speech was a philosophical rehashing of his tired and worn ideas. One of the agenda items was climate change.

He said this:

In the Asia Pacific, we’re supporting Southeast Asian nations as they negotiate a code of conduct with China on maritime disputes in the South China Sea, and we’re working to resolve these disputes through international law.

That spirit of cooperation needs to energize the global effort to combat climate change, a creeping national security crisis that will help shape your time in uniform, as we are called on to respond to refugee flows and natural disasters, and conflicts over water and food, which is why, next year, I intend to make sure America is out front in putting together a global framework to preserve our planet.

You see, American influence is always stronger when we lead by example. We cannot exempt ourselves from the rules that apply to everyone else. We can’t call on others to make commitments to combat climate change if a whole lot of our political leaders deny that it is taking place. We can’t try to resolve problems in the South China Sea when we have refused to make sure that the Law of the Sea Convention is ratified by the United States Senate, despite the fact that our top military leaders say the treaty advances our national security. That’s not leadership. That’s retreat. That’s not strength; that’s weakness. It would be utterly foreign to leaders like Roosevelt and Truman, Eisenhower and Kennedy.

Obama seems to think that if we sign the Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST) and give up a “pinch of our sovereignty” as Samantha Power would say, China will want to follow our example and give up their coal plants.

If we lead by example, he thinks, the communists, socialists, and other dictators in the world will follow.

The Law of the Sea Treaty will require the U.S. and other signatories to follow the guidelines but the countries menacing the world, such as China, will not sign on.

There has always been an informal law of the sea which allows for the innocent passage of one nation’s ships through another nation’s territorial waters.

Lost, the Law of the Sea Treaty, formalizes the “right of innocent passage.” There are conditions, such as it cannot threaten the sovereignty and security of that nation, but there are serious and unnecessary limitations that would be placed on the wealthy nations, in other words, the United States.

LOST, formally known as the Third United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS III, was adopted in 1982. It was negotiated as UNCLOS I and II in the ’60′s and 70′s. Reagan refused to sign UNCLOS III because he saw it as a threat to liberty.

In the ’90′s, Clinton signed a supplementary agreement on deep seabed mining which was more acceptable to the U.S. and which modified some of the more objectionable clauses in UNCLOS III. UNCLOS III, with a Bush approval, received Senate confirmation and was signed in 2004. It is now being renegotiated.

The treaty being negotiated is a threat to U.S. sovereignty and economic interests because it is based on a failed socialist model:
•The treaty is reliant on the economic beliefs held by the U.N. The treaty seeks “fairer” terms of trade and development financing for the so-called under-developed and developing nations. In other words, it seeks redistribution.
•The treaty requires parties to the treaty adopt regulations and laws to control pollution of the marine environment. These are the ideas that Ronald Reagan rejected as contrary to U.S. values of freedom.
•The treaty also establishes specific jurisdictional limits on the ocean area that countries may claim, including a 12-mile territorial sea limit and a 200-mile exclusive economic zone limit. The biggest problem is the clause that requires the U.S. to provide just compensation to the rest of the world. Remember, we are talking about socialists and redistribution here. The UNCLOS members could extend that distance to 350 miles if they so choose.
•Critical nations to this treaty will not sign it. China, for one, has no intention of abiding by the treaty.
•There are no provisions for intervention against ships that are operated by terrorists or carrying weapons of mass destruction.
•It puts an international authority over the treaty implementation and over any disagreements. An international tribunal, ITCLOS, in Hamburg, Germany will make decisions about our rights, even our right to seize a vessel, including those carrying weapons of mass destruction. If we do not comply, we face criminal penalties. The U.S. along with other nations would be forced to document the seizure in detail, compromising sensitive military operations. The treaty asserts that resources are the common “heritage of mankind” and “all rights in resources are vested in mankind as a whole, on whose behalf the Authority [the tribunal] shall act.” They will regulate us into oblivion. Why would we subject ourselves to international law? It does not conform to our constitution.
•Mining profits will be adjusted to manage competition to keep it from becoming too competitive, true to socialist values.
•The U.S. does NOT have a veto power over the international tribunal.

Sen. Kerry, an avid supporter of LOST, believes that unwritten laws are not safe and a treaty is needed to protect us and release illegal restrictions on maritime issues. He quoted Gen. Dempsey as saying the treaty will give the U.S. legitimacy, credibility and an additional tool to navigate the seas. Dempsey believes it will show the world that the U.S. stands for the rule of law.

Mr. Obama is intent on controlling our use of energy to an extreme.

He will come out with his new rules on coal Monday. What we know for certain is that they will be too expensive and will cost jobs.

Climate is changing, it’s been changing since time immemorial. We don’t know to what degree man is affecting the climate and we don’t know if we can change it. Of course we should take care of our environment but to destroy our economy for a science based on projections and computer models, that has proven false in the past, seems like the same kind of debacle we experienced with Obamacare.

Mr. Obama is fighting a theoretical war on climate change but is completely oblivious to the very real dangers we face in the world. He does not seem to understand the nature of the enemies we are dealing with.

President Obama  received the icy reception at West Point that I would give him:

http://www.independentsentinel.com/obama-tells-west-point-cadets-we-need-to-role-model-climate-change-behavior/
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: musiclady on May 29, 2014, 12:13:28 pm
So many good thoughts on this thread.....

I was raised with a great deal of respect.  My Dad served in WWII, so even though we weren't a military family per se, I understand the idea of respecting the position if not the man.

DC, I think, has summed it up well in saying this shows how far we've come, and how deep the personal disrespect for Obama really is among (most of) the finest citizens our country has produced.

Were I at this speech, I probably would have stood up and booed at the top of my voice and so, probably, would most of us.

In that respected, this Marxist anti-military, narcissistic punk was treated extremely well by the cadets.

I'm sure that in reality, they were respectfully restrained in their seated silence.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: mountaineer on May 29, 2014, 12:56:27 pm
The long gray whine
By New York Post (http://nypost.com/2014/05/29/the-long-gray-whine/) Editorial Board
May 29, 2014 | 12:48am


When John Kennedy addressed West Point’s Class of 1962, he told them the burden of defending freedom “will require more from you than ever before in our history.”

The nature of war had changed, said the young president, but this only increased America’s need for military officers of character, judgment and ability.

How different from Barack Obama’s adolescent address Wednesday. Here the long gray line was reduced to a backdrop for a president shouting to the world: I’m not the weakling you think!

His critics, he said, no policy beyond invading other countries. This accusation was a petulent allusion to his predecessor. And he repeated it several times:

•“A strategy that involves invading every country that harbors terrorist networks is ­naïve and unsustainable.”
•“[Not] every problem has a military ­solution.”
•“[My critics] think military intervention is the only way for America to avoid looking weak.”

The truth is: No one says any such thing.

No one argued for US troops in Syria; the argument was for arming democrats fighting Bashar al-Assad to keep al Qaeda from taking the lead.

No one argued for boots on the ground in Ukraine, either, though critics are pushing for missile defense for our East European allies. And no one is looking to invade Iran, much as people do worry Tehran is using talks to buy time to develop its nukes.

On Wednesday, our commander-in-chief stood before some of America’s most selfless men and women. It was an opportunity to inspire these young West Pointers with a speech about national security — and their vital role in a dangerous world.

Instead he opted for a campaign speech once again contrasting his own brilliance with a childish caricature of his critics.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: katzenjammer on May 29, 2014, 01:32:03 pm
The last time I visited West Point I heard many cadets and their families speaking Russian. From personal experience working with Russians who came here from the former Soviet Union, first and second generation Russian-Americans despise communists and love the freedom that America offers.

Maybe that's why many stayed seated, because they felt free to do so. Something unthinkable in the old Communist Party dominated Soviet Union. They didn't come to America to see it fall to Communists like Obama.

I've met a number of people that were able to come here from the old Soviet Union and they are all as you described.  When you give them a chance to talk about it, they will tell you how amazed (and obviously disappointed) at what they see unfolding around them.  And they are very frustrated that so many Americans refuse to wake up about the truth of it all.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: Bigun on May 29, 2014, 02:00:45 pm
So many good thoughts on this thread.....

I was raised with a great deal of respect.  My Dad served in WWII, so even though we weren't a military family per se, I understand the idea of respecting the position if not the man.

DC, I think, has summed it up well in saying this shows how far we've come, and how deep the personal disrespect for Obama really is among (most of) the finest citizens our country has produced.

Were I at this speech, I probably would have stood up and booed at the top of my voice and so, probably, would most of us.

In that respected, this Marxist anti-military, narcissistic punk was treated extremely well by the cadets.

I'm sure that in reality, they were respectfully restrained in their seated silence.

 :amen:

I particularly liked this one!
Quote
In many parts of the world, a leader who gave that speech in front of his military's best and brightest may not have made it out of the building.

If we are going to be a third world country we might as well go all the way and do it right!
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: GourmetDan on May 29, 2014, 02:07:30 pm

His critics, he said, no policy beyond invading other countries. This accusation was a petulent allusion to his predecessor. And he repeated it several times:

•“A strategy that involves invading every country that harbors terrorist networks is ­naïve and unsustainable.”
•“[Not] every problem has a military ­solution.”
•“[My critics] think military intervention is the only way for America to avoid looking weak.”

The truth is: No one says any such thing.


Raising strawman arguments and knocking them down is a favorite tactic of losers...

Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: GourmetDan on May 29, 2014, 02:09:29 pm
I've met a number of people that were able to come here from the old Soviet Union and they are all as you described.  When you give them a chance to talk about it, they will tell you how amazed (and obviously disappointed) at what they see unfolding around them.  And they are very frustrated that so many Americans refuse to wake up about the truth of it all.

I think that's mostly because Americans haven't experienced the end-game like the Russians have.

People sounding the alarm are typically given the tin-foil hat treatment until it's too late...

Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: Lando Lincoln on May 29, 2014, 02:15:28 pm
As we sometimes do, we are discussing (as opposed to arguing) two separate aspects of the matter.  Some, are arguing the visceral side of the question - "if it were me, I'd give him the middle digit and walk out".  Others, like me, are discussing the protocol of the event.  What should military cadets do when the Commander in Chief is introduced? 
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: Bigun on May 29, 2014, 02:21:33 pm
As we sometimes do, we are discussing (as opposed to arguing) two separate aspects of the matter.  Some, are arguing the visceral side of the question - "if it were me, I'd give him the middle digit and walk out".  Others, like me, are discussing the protocol of the event.  What should military cadets do when the Commander in Chief is introduced?

I think you're right mostly but in my case it's both!
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: GourmetDan on May 29, 2014, 02:27:38 pm
Others, like me, are discussing the protocol of the event.  What should military cadets do when the Commander in Chief is introduced?

Just liberals reaping what they have sowed.  It doesn't matter if it is the cadets at West Point or the liberal media making fun of GWB.  Once you put the idea out there that it is acceptable to publicly ridicule the president, it will come back to bite you when it is your man's turn.  Somehow liberals don't seem to think that little truth should apply to them.

Typical liberal lack of critical-thinking skills and behavioral-discipline.

They never think the shoe will be on the other foot and are shocked when it is...

Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: alicewonders on May 29, 2014, 02:28:33 pm
:amen:

I particularly liked this one!
If we are going to be a third world country we might as well go all the way and do it right!

We're getting there!

:castro:
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: Bigun on May 29, 2014, 02:30:15 pm
We're getting there!

:castro:

Sadly that's true!  :hard crying:
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: alicewonders on May 29, 2014, 02:32:56 pm
As we sometimes do, we are discussing (as opposed to arguing) two separate aspects of the matter.  Some, are arguing the visceral side of the question - "if it were me, I'd give him the middle digit and walk out".  Others, like me, are discussing the protocol of the event.  What should military cadets do when the Commander in Chief is introduced?

You give him applause - but it doesn't have to be enthusiastic - he got polite applause and that's what you give to the office, not the man.  It was an appropriate response and to me, it shows courage and conviction - I'm proud of them and hopeful for it might portend. 

Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: Bigun on May 29, 2014, 02:38:17 pm
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t1.0-9/1896964_10152260534648417_739541689_n.png)
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: MACVSOG68 on May 29, 2014, 05:18:05 pm
As we sometimes do, we are discussing (as opposed to arguing) two separate aspects of the matter.  Some, are arguing the visceral side of the question - "if it were me, I'd give him the middle digit and walk out".  Others, like me, are discussing the protocol of the event.  What should military cadets do when the Commander in Chief is introduced?

I saw a video of the speech together with the introduction.  A very short scan of the cadets was shown.  They were all sitting at attention and applauding in a respectful manner, no doubt what they were instructed to do.  Another scan of the area showed the guests, some of whom were on their feet, while most just sat.

Apparently there's a difference between being out doors and in an auditorium. 

Had any cadet showed disrespect, they would and should have very likely been refused the honor of taking the oath of office.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: rb224315 on May 29, 2014, 05:30:51 pm
I assumed that the cadets had receive instruction on the proper protocol when the president is present.  I figured there were certain things they would be required to do--stand at attention when he enters, for example--and that they were free to use their judgement for other things, like applauding and/or standing during or after his speech.  I have no clue, but these were the assumptions of one person who isn't familiar with military protocol.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: MACVSOG68 on May 29, 2014, 05:55:49 pm
I assumed that the cadets had receive instruction on the proper protocol when the president is present.  I figured there were certain things they would be required to do--stand at attention when he enters, for example--and that they were free to use their judgement for other things, like applauding and/or standing during or after his speech.  I have no clue, but these were the assumptions of one person who isn't familiar with military protocol.

That's about it.  I believe they all saluted him, though I'm not sure if it was when he arrived or was leaving.  Yeah, during a speech, I believe the only limitations would be nothing showing contempt or otherwise disrespectful.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: evadR on May 29, 2014, 06:00:01 pm
Did you see the creep when he was saluted by the officers as he handed out diplomas?
I KNOW it's protocol for the president to return the salute.

WHATA YA think he did?
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: evadR on May 29, 2014, 06:03:53 pm
"Yeah, during a speech, I believe the only limitations would be nothing showing contempt or otherwise disrespectful."

Yeah, even though he deserves nothing but contempt for being so disrespectful.

Fk him. I have nothing but contempt for this total waste of a carbon unit.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: MACVSOG68 on May 29, 2014, 06:13:29 pm
Did you see the creep when he was saluted by the officers as he handed out diplomas?
I KNOW it's protocol for the president to return the salute.

WHATA YA think he did?

I watched that, but in all honesty, whoever was receiving the salutes would not have had to return them during that type of event.  He did shake hands with each, though at times he looked completely bored and some of his smiles looked like they were slapped on him.  Very fake.

Presidents returning salutes is a relatively new tradition.  Veterans and retirees can now salute the colors in civilian attire, whereas before it wasn't protocol.  I've always believed in returning a salute even after I retired.

Once I saw Obama saluting when a flag draped coffin was being brought home.  Some folks were upset over that, but hey, if the CIC can't set protocol, who can?
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: mystery-ak on May 29, 2014, 06:18:55 pm
http://www.ijreview.com/2014/05/142440-watch-vastly-different-west-point-cadets-react-hearing-presidents-obama-bush/ (http://www.ijreview.com/2014/05/142440-watch-vastly-different-west-point-cadets-react-hearing-presidents-obama-bush/)

Watch How Vastly Different West Point Cadets React Between Hearing Presidents Obama and Bush
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: katzenjammer on May 29, 2014, 06:42:16 pm
I think that's mostly because Americans haven't experienced the end-game like the Russians have.

People sounding the alarm are typically given the tin-foil hat treatment until it's too late...

Yes, the "that could never happen here!" syndrome is still in full force...
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: musiclady on May 29, 2014, 08:29:13 pm
http://www.ijreview.com/2014/05/142440-watch-vastly-different-west-point-cadets-react-hearing-presidents-obama-bush/ (http://www.ijreview.com/2014/05/142440-watch-vastly-different-west-point-cadets-react-hearing-presidents-obama-bush/)

Watch How Vastly Different West Point Cadets React Between Hearing Presidents Obama and Bush

The difference between tolerance/duty and respect/admiration.

With regard to the military, there has never been such a stark contrast between two successive Presidents.

Bush loved his troops.  Obama hates them.

And they know it.
Title: Re: West Point Grads Give Obama Tepid Welcome – Most Refuse To Stand For President
Post by: musiclady on May 29, 2014, 08:30:29 pm
Did you see the creep when he was saluted by the officers as he handed out diplomas?
I KNOW it's protocol for the president to return the salute.

WHATA YA think he did?

You don't salute people you despise.........especially if you think you're the coolest person on earth.