Umbrellagate

[motherprayer]

I thought the issue was that it violated some USMC uniform code about Marines not holding umbrellas, not that Obama was too much of a sissy to stand in the rain.

The guy holding one for Reagan is in a suit, and the two holding them for the Bushes aren't Marines.

Marines aren't allowed to hold umbrellas? This gets more parody-like every minute. I'm starting to think I'm the Truman Show :-/

 

[revanneosl]

The idiotic canard that it violates some part of the USMC uniform code was promulgated by a civilian who had no idea what he was talking about. Wonkette has a lovely guest post from a Marine responding to the incident. But do not do not DO NOT read it if you are bothered by a Marine talking like a Marine.

Since we're not allowed to link to things where people use harsh language, you will have to Google the title of the article : "Guest Post from a U.S. Marine about Barack Obama's Shocking and Disgusting Use of an Umbrella"

 

[IzzyPop]

The idiotic canard that it violates some part of the USMC uniform code was promulgated by a civilian who had no idea what he was talking about. Wonkette has a lovely guest post from a Marine responding to the incident. But do not do not DO NOT read it if you are bothered by a Marine talking like a Marine.

Since we're not allowed to link to things where people use harsh language, you will have to Google the title of the article : "Guest Post from a U.S. Marine about Barack Obama's Shocking and Disgusting Use of an Umbrella"

Not only did I laugh out loud, I learned a few expressions. I have been told that I swear like a sailor but it looks like I need to practice some to get up to Marine levels. Gonna have to work a few of those into my conversations at work tomorrow.

 

[MachZer0]

Maybe Obama assumed that he was powerful enough to regulate the weather that morning.

Good point. He healed the whole planet after all

 

[EdwinWillers]

Good point. He healed the whole planet after all

Was it healed, or merely that he brought peace to the whole planet?

I can never keep his accomplishments straight....

 

[MachZer0]

Was it healed, or merely that he brought peace to the whole planet?

I can never keep his accomplishments straight....

Both. And everybody loves us now. Kum Ba Yah

 

[Panzerkamfwagen]

Was it healed, or merely that he brought peace to the whole planet?

I can never keep his accomplishments straight....

You did get the beam of light and go vote for Barack, right?

 

[EdwinWillers]

Both. And everybody loves us now. Kum Ba Yah

Of course... unless the horse is a horse of course.

Seems to me if someone has the power to heal the planet and bring peace to the globe - and no doubt there's a degree of credit for lowering sea levels too - but it seems to me the man capable of doing these things could talk and hold his umbrella at the same time? Couldn't he?

 

[EdwinWillers]

You did get the beam of light and go vote for Barack, right?

Nooo, I must've been off galavanting around when those particular beams were bounced off the dark crystals of the nether realms.

 

[USincognito]

The Marine in that picture is probably thinking to himself "I went through basic training, extensive weapons and tactics training, and got myself in peak physical condition to do this?!?"

1. He wouldn'bt be thinking he went through basic training.
2. You mean as opposed to other WH duties like holding doors open for visiting dignitaries?

 

[MachZer0]

Of course... unless the horse is a horse of course.

Seems to me if someone has the power to heal the planet and bring peace to the globe - and no doubt there's a degree of credit for lowering sea levels too - but it seems to me the man capable of doing these things could talk and hold his umbrella at the same time? Couldn't he?

Isn't there a legend about an evil creature that gets melted by water?

 

[SnowCal]

Half the reason I create a thread like this isn't that the scandal is ridiculous, it's that the Onion can't compete with what right-wing CFers will say about it.

 

[ThatRobGuy]

I had no idea it was a slight to be assigned to the Presidential detail.

If you're given the duty of protecting the president from assassins, then yeah, it would be considered an honor.

Holding his umbrella??? I'm pretty sure my 17 year old brother could do that just as well as the marine.

That's a gross waste of the talents of that marine. Isn't there an intern or someone else who could do that?

 

[MachZer0]

If you're given the duty of protecting the president from assassins, then yeah, it would be considered an honor.

Holding his umbrella??? I'm pretty sure my 17 year old brother could do that just as well as the marine.

That's a gross waste of the talents of that marine. Isn't there an intern or someone else who could do that?

I don't think we want an intern holding Obama's umbrella

 

[stamperben]

If you're given the duty of protecting the president from assassins, then yeah, it would be considered an honor.

Holding his umbrella??? I'm pretty sure my 17 year old brother could do that just as well as the marine.

That's a gross waste of the talents of that marine. Isn't there an intern or someone else who could do that?

Seeing as it's the Secret Service who protect the president from assassins, can you tell me why there are marines on display at the white house? Look at pomp and circumstance for a clue...

 

[Thunder Peel]

I don't think we want an intern holding Obama's umbrella

Umbrella holders were cut during the sequester.

 

[ThatRobGuy]

I don't think we want an intern holding Obama's umbrella

LOL, when that happened to Clinton it caused quite a ruckus.

 

[MachZer0]

Umbrella holders were cut during the sequester.

I don't think they were actaully cut, but rather moved in to other jobs to fill in for people who were indeed cut, like air traffic controllers.

 

[TLK Valentine]

I thought the issue was that it violated some USMC uniform code about Marines not holding umbrellas, not that Obama was too much of a sissy to stand in the rain.

I think I recall something about how a Marine can violate the USMC uniform code if ordered by his Commandant or higher ranking official... somehow, I suspect the Commander-in-Chief qualifies.

 

[Crusader05]

So here's my take on this whole Umbrellagate. The optics of these Marines (some of America's most highly trained warriors) being used as umbrella holders was terrible. Not only is it disrespectful to the Marines themselves it just looked completely absurd. It makes the President look really wimpy when he can't withstand a slight drizzle and needs a Marine to hold an umbrella for him.

Another question, if it was going to rain why didn't the White House move the event indoors or get a canopy set up? Are the highly educated members of the White House staff incapable of checking the weather aps on their phones or do they not consider such trifles?

The bottom line is this whole event just makes the White House looks amateurish.