Editorials

Editorial in a photograph

President Barack Obama salutes an airman after speaking at the American Legion national convention in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014. Three months after a veterans' health care scandal rocked his administration, President Barack Obama is taking executive action to improve the mental well-being of veterans. The president was to announce his initiatives during an appearance before the American Legion National Convention that is fraught with midterm politics. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
President Barack Obama salutes an airman after speaking at the American Legion national convention in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014. Three months after a veterans' health care scandal rocked his administration, President Barack Obama is taking executive action to improve the mental well-being of veterans. The president was to announce his initiatives during an appearance before the American Legion National Convention that is fraught with midterm politics. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

There are times when a picture might as well be an editorial. Here's one taken last Tuesday of Barack Obama returning a salute from military personnel at this year's national convention of the American Legion in Charlotte, N.C., or rather attempting to. Pitiful.

It's a little late for our president to take ROTC, but somebody in the White House needs to teach the commander-in-chief how to salute. Compare his off-kilter posture, his angular slouch, and general unmilitary bearing to the erect stature and direct gaze of the airman at his side. Note her upright stance and straight-from-the shoulder manner as she addresses a superior officer. She could be an illustration right out of the manual on military courtesy.

With that chestful of ribbons on her spic-and-span uniform, it's clear she's earned her stripes. In the sixth year of his presidential tenure, with his administration and the world foundering all around him, it's clear only that Barack Obama hasn't.

Editorial on 09/02/2014

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