North Texas Veterans React To Obama's "Latte Salute"
FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - The proper way to salute is drilled into every sailor, soldier, marine and airman from the very beginning of training. It is regarded as a sign of respect to properly salute a fellow member of the military.
So, when President Obama exited Marine One with a cup of coffee in his right hand while he casually saluted the U. S. Marines in full dress uniform waiting for him at the foot of the stairs, it stirred up a flurry of controversy.
People at an American Legion Hall in east Fort Worth said they know the president doesn't have to salute the military.
"No," said a retired Air Force sergeant who only identified himself as Jim. "But 99.9 percent of them do out of respect."
So, when retired Army Corporeal William Mulkey saw what has been dubbed the latte salute he said, "He should salute, but not with something in his hand like a coffee cup. It's immoral."
The move ignited a flurry of debate on twitter as #LatteSalute.
Maurice Nickless tweeted: "Latte is another word for silly distraction. There are more serious things for call the prez out on. #lattesalute isn't one"
Rick Wood typed: "If you're going to send poor kids to die for nothing, you could at least touch your eyebrow in a suitable manner."
Adham Kassem tweeted: "Our commander in chief takes pumpkin spice latte season pretty seriously, nothing wrong with that people."
And Paul Shin posted: "The infamous #lattesalute by @BarackObama could be fundraising gold for @GOP."
The one move sparked reactions from downtown workers:
"Maybe he doesn't give his attention to that, but he's supposed to give attention," said Yiba Adm, a Fort Worth resident
"You know what? There's a photo of President Bush doing it holding his dog," said Fort Worth night club owner Shane Shevlin. "It's a day at the office. We all freaking do it. It doesn't make you less patriotic. It doesn't make him less American."
Sources at the UTA History Department say presidential salutes are a modern tradition begun by President Ronald Reagan during his first term. There is no rule or legal obligation requiring the president, a civilian, to salute or return a salute from a member of the military.
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