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Courtesy Clemson University
'It is possible to hold opposing viewpoints and debate issues without rancor and disrespect,' Clemson University President James Barker wrote Tuesday.
The president of Clemson University reprimanded the school's football fans Tuesday for booing President Barack Obama during a military ceremony last weekend, saying there is only one president, "and he is president of us all."
The display came as students were taking their oath upon being inducted into the university's Reserve Officer Training Corps on Military Appreciation Day during Clemson's 38-17 victory over Virginia Tech at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. The booing began as the members recited their pledge to "obey the orders of the president of the United States."
The booing, first reported Sunday by the Daily Kos, drew a mixed reaction on the Clemson sports message board TigerNet. One fan called the display "disgusting," adding, "We have actually dropped into the sewer," noting that the ceremony was intended to honor "military heroes and future defenders of our freedom."
But others defended the booing. One wrote: "Even the General who was administering the oath smiled at the booing. He knows the truth."
In an e-mailed message to students Tuesday, Clemson President James Barker said many people had contacted him to "express their sadness and disappointment."
"Freedom of speech is a right which makes our country great," But he agreed that the booing was inappropriate because "this ceremony was a sacred moment to the recruits, their families, and many others in attendance."
Booing the president at sporing events is a tradition that goes back at least as far as the administration of Herbert Hoover, who newspaper reports of the time reported was booed at the opening game of the 1931 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Athletics.
Obama was booed when he emerged to throw out the first pitch at Nationals Stadium in Washington in 2010:
So was President George W. Bush when he opened Nationals Stadium in 2008, their inaugural season:
First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden's wife, Jill, were booed last year at a NASCAR race in Miami:
Following is Barker's full letter to Clemson students:
Dear Clemson:
Saturday's football game marked Clemson's annual observance of Military Appreciation Day, a time when we pay tribute to veterans, men and women currently serving and those who gave their lives to protect us. Clemson has a strong military heritage, and this day is always a special occasion.
Unfortunately, the day was marred by bad behavior from some fans. During the ceremony inducting ROTC cadets into the military, a number of fans booed during the section of the oath they take to obey the President of the United States.
I understand that we are in the home stretch of a heated presidential election and that freedom of speech is a right which makes our country great. Regardless of one's political leanings, however, this ceremony was a sacred moment to the recruits, their families, and many others in attendance. Many Clemson people have contacted me to express their sadness and disappointment at this public display of disrespect for the office of the President and the young people taking a solemn oath that day. I share those sentiments.
As the election draws closer, negative campaigning is intensifying on both sides. The heated rhetoric and lack of civility we hear every day on TV, radio and in social media can be contagious. But it is possible to hold opposing viewpoints and debate issues without rancor and disrespect — as demonstrated at a recent Strom Thurmond Institute roundtable discussion with political science Professors Bruce Ransom and Dave Woodard.
Political campaigns seek to divide us — to highlight differences in order to drive us into opposing camps. I believe there is far more that unites us, as Americans and members of the Clemson family. These include:
• Our core Clemson values of honesty, integrity and respect for others.
• Our respect for the military and support for our servicemen and women.
• Our respect for the Constitution they are sworn to uphold, which is clear in placing ultimate authority in our civilian Commander-in-Chief, the President.
Passion about issues, commitment to candidates and participation in the democratic process are all vitally important. But when the voting is done, we have one President and he is President of us all.
After November 6, our nation will need to work together to solve the many challenges that lie ahead. Engaging in positive dialogue and choosing the right time and place to voice our opinions will help us do that.
Sincerely,
— Jim Barker
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Leave a Comment:
If Romney had been there and had been booed this wouldn't even be a story.
Howdy Ho,
Whether you like the man or not, he is the President of the United States. He was fairly elected to the office. He may not have earned your vote, but he still deserves and has earned the respect of all..
By the way, the Civil War ended years ago..
You can't explain racism. Romney was not there
He isn't president, so there would be no disrespect of the oath.
Maybe they booed at an empty suit. Now, that is more like it.
Respect is earned by actions....not by a title.
He may have won an election four years ago...that does not give him automatic respect. He is granted certain authority...but respect at any and all levels is earned. You cannot with respect with an election, a lottery, or just by showing up.
He had 4 years to earn respect. Instead he earned boos...deal with it.
Obama, America's worst President!
I totally agree that respect is earned and Obama has in no way earned respect with much if anything of his tenure. booing might be going a bit too far but does reflect the national sentiment about him.
Sure, it's all fun and games until someone protests a military funeral.
Whether you like or don't like our President, he deserves respect for his office. He is handling all the problems of our country. If you cannot give a person respect for that you are a very small person. You don't have to cheer that person if you don't want to, but you definitely should never boo. Didn't your parents teach you any manners at all?
When we elect a President, no matter what party, that person becomes all of our President. Our country, as evidenced heavily on this post, is just rude! I am embarrassed by America!
Well T-Rex - You respect the office! If not the man. I can only imagine the level nonexistent level of respect you must get in life to not understand that. Truly Sad, that you can't wrap that "mind" of yours around that!
Was it THE present President that was booed or was it the concept of President? Remember the blog shows that booing the President has become a "time-honored" tradition. The president of Clemsons was pointing out that there is a time and place for everything. And yes, if it had been Romney instead (and one day it may, if he runs a third time) I believe the response from this college president would have been the same.
Only half the boos came from anti-Obama people, the other half came from liberals booing the military.
We all need to grow up; especially the ones that feel they know what they are talking about when they don't. Somewhere along the last 15 years respect, manners and common decency have disappeared. Why parents are not teaching good character and morals anymore is beyond me. The others who have no respect for themselves or others and have no manners are just plain ignorant and refuse to better themselves. Why? Because bettering oneself takes too much energy and this is the lazy generation. If I don't like you, I am going to treat you with respect unless you show your ignorance to me and then I'll just ignore you.
Regarding the President of the United States - it's not a man you uneducated people - it is an OFFICE. It is the People's Office. You should be ashamed of yourself. Grow up or keep your mouth shut if you have no idea of what you are talking about do not respect yourself or others.
@All: ...Ya, just like the Germans used to respect Adolph Hitler.
@mary: ...Don't forget; his manly-looking wife was booed at NASCAR too.
The oath honors the language of the United States Constitution, and the loyalty of the United States Military Services to that founding document. The Constitution stipulates that the President of the United States is Commander and Chief of the US Military Services. Booing the current/present Commander and Chief of the US Military Services during the administering of a US Military oath of loyalty to the Commander and Chief and to the US Constitution ....
1. Dishonors the President (whomever occupies that office),
2. Dishonors the Office of the Presidency,
3. Dishonors the United States Constitution and
4. Dishonors the United States of America.
Spin this any way you wish to support your own dislike of the person, but you cannot escape the inseparability of the Office of the Presidency from the US Constitution which establishes that office and the Constitutional mandates for the US Military Services loyalty to both.
This was an ineccusable display of incivility and disloyalty.
If Mitt is elected would you be happy if the economy never recovered and EVERYONE booed 3 years from now? I wouldn't. I don't care who is president. I wouldn't even boo Sarah Palin. We need to care about things. I believe that this country will not be around in 50 years if we become like other countries and don't care about our institutions and things worth giving a small amount of reverence too as far as politics, places, people, etc.
His speech in the Middle East disrespected every President and service members that have served our country.
He has dishonored the Constitution and the United States of America, so booing HIM is standing up for them.
youre an idiot-militarily speaking, Obama ha sbeen one of the best presidents. Ended two wars, killed our worst enemy in US history-not bad. Youre just a racist bigot
sorry to say...he was booed for one reason and one reason only...he is black....if you want to defend that then clearly explain the last president that was booed in a football game and i take it back with my apologies
Someone should have stepped up and given that crowd a real tongue lashing. Don't they know you can only boo a republican president? Bunch of hayseeds.
I don't care who it is that's being honored/talked about/speaking/etc., whether it's the President of the United States or the janitor. Can't you just be nice? Have you lost the ability to separate your feelings from your actions?
Those who would boo anyone (even the mention of that person) in the middle of a solemn ceremony are just plain rude a**holes. Congratulations.
It's got nothing to do with race. It's got nothing to do with politics. It has to do with the fact that this country has become full of hate-mongering, bile-spewing rude a**holes with no shame at all.
I am shocked. I can't believe it happened. That the college president would have said:
'It is possible to hold opposing viewpoints and debate issues without rancor and disrespect"
Well Mr. college president, were you talking to your students who have a First Amendment Right to Boo if they want? Or were you tlaking to the man holding the office of president of the United States, Mr. Obama, that was disrespectful and rude and constantly interrupting Mr. Romney in the two most recent presidential debates. Sauce for the Goose dear college president. Again, your own words:
'It is possible to hold opposing viewpoints and debate issues without rancor and disrespect"
Obviously, you are incorrect if you were referring to the empty suit. As to your students, they are simply doing what the current president and vice president (another rude person not able to debate without being disrepectful) has shown them to do. Your students are acting like the president and vice president. So why don't you lecture Obama and Biden about setting a better example for the youth of America.
As to the booing itself, it should not have happened. That was not fair to the young service men taking their oath. This was a bad thing to do.
It appears that the Clemson student body has a higher intellegence level than a certain Ivy league school - H.......d, go figure. Go Tiger's!
Bummer, you would have thought they would be happier, some people.
I'm a conservative and I am 100% supporting Mitt Romney for President. That said, Mr. Barker has a point. I think he is a good man and set a good example for his students.
Go Mitt!
All those in this discussion are expressing your opinion . . . . and the students expressed theirs . . . . .
booing is not proper of any president you have to respect the office but the respect of the man is not automatic it has to be earned. im a veteran and any of my superiors had to earn my respect as i did theirs i would follow their orders but respect is earned!
To Kamanda Fluery @ 1.19
You people that keep bringing up race when race is not an issue are the true racists. You make me puke with your high and mighty attitudes that when boiled down, are simply protection of racism to be used as a weapon.
You really think Obama is the only president to get bood? Really? And that he was bood because he was black and for nothing else because he was/is such a wonderful community organizer, senator, or president? Really?
Well here are some other people that got bood, so I guess it was racism then too right.
President Bush bood at baseball game
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/30/president-bush-booed-at-b_n_94153.html
Reagan, First Lady Booed By Audience
http://news.google.com/newspapers? nid=1915&dat=19820311&id=jwEhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SXUFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5113,1881784
Tricia Nioxon bood at yankee game
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=19730714&id=rYROAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Z_oDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5391,3592946
Tricia was such a cute little black girl. Yep. Must be racism because a racist says so.
I will be glad when obama is voted out of office.
well said Glenn-974637. The race card comes out whenever a liberal has nothing worth while to add.
I respect the OFFICE but the person in the chair must EARN respect. If you are trampling on the constitution, asking defense contractors to circumvent the law (WARN act) and offering taxpayer $$$ to pay for defense of lawsuits arising from BREAKING the law, etc. then you expect people to use their free speech to express their opinions. It's not the first time this has happened (where was the indignation on behalf of previous sitting presidents?) and it won't be the last. Grow thicker skin or don't run for office. Oh and stop the race baiting, we're over it but it seems you aren't or is it because that's all you got?
People always play the race card when Obama gets booed. People need to become educated and realize that booing a President is nothing new.
This would only be a story if it happened in a civilized part of the country. It's South Carolina, fer Pete's sake!! They're GOOBERS - they can't help it!!!
You command (earn) respect - you don't demand respect. He deserves only the respect he has earned - which varies from person to person. Because he has won (earned?) the title of president doesn't mean he has earned anything more.
I am embarrassed by America!
AllPeopleRights - then LEAVE! Find a better place to live.
I will boo him even as he leaves Washington DC next January as a private citizen!
This was Clemson, what else would you expect? If these people weren't a lower life form than pond scum, they might have some respect, but when your mom and dad are related, you get illiterate, knuckle- draggers like this in your schools. I'm sure a large portion of them were probably drunk on MD20-20, since that is the national pastime there in South Carolina!
@Flanative55 - Perhaps you should come to this state prior to speaking your mind. Perhaps even educate yourself on what Clemson excels in, in particular.
Way to make yourself look like a moron.
did any of you @!$%#ing knuckle heads bother to read the article?The president was not there.The ceremony included the pledge for the recruits,and that is when the booing occurred.How would you like if little Suzy and Bobby started booing during the pledge in their public school?Or at their scouting event?Or anywhere else for that matter?
If the president had attended and the booing had occurred and any other point-tough @!$%#,Obama is a grown man and needs to deal with it...but to do that during an event that is to honor those who make an investment,sacrifice and commitment to protect the sorry asses of those who where booing them,that is just low and poor class....then again we're talking about the south,no class to speak of.
Presidents, Senators, Congressmen and all other ELECTED Officials are nothing but people put in an office by other people to do a job. They do not deserve automatic God like status and we need to quit being in such awe of them. Treat them as you would everyone else and get on their hind ends when they do something you don't like or agree with! I despise Politicians overall and certainly will not bow and scrape if I were to be in a conversation with one. Wake up America! Romney/Ryan 2012
People who say it is OK to BOO during the Oath that these cadets were taking obviously have never served in the military. That is a solemn oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Is it OK to BOO the President, Yes by all means.
Is it OK to BOO the Candidate you don't like for President, YES by all means.
It is NOT OK to BOO during the oath. These cadets are pledging their loyalty to the Constitution and to OUR United States. Presidents come and Presidents go. The oath you take DOES NOT! These cadets will one day serve this President or another, they don't have the choice to follow one Presidents orders and not another's.
What happened here shows total disrespect to the cadets who took the oath and to the Constitution that they are duly sworn to defend. It also shows your disrespect for the Constitution that gives you the right to disparage the President during the oath.
I am SO glad that you PRESIDENT Obama haters can find all of the "free speech" excuses that you want to dishonor the Office of the President. Just remember the next time there's a President that you do like and he/she is BOO'd. Remember when you say it dishonors that person that YOU started the precedent for it happening. Remember it was your BAD MANNERS that have now disrespected a sitting Commander in Chief. Remember it was YOU who said it was OK to not follow the Commander in Chief's orders just because you didn't like him. Remember that it was YOU who started the decline of our military and our country by even thinking that this is OK.
Anyone who says this is OK disgusts me!
--An ARMY VETERAN--
Its free speech FrankG912 to boo. Don't like it? Move out the country.
FrankG912.......I am a 12 year Vet myself and I disagree with you 100%. If you would read the story again, carefully, you will see that they only Boo'ed at the mention of the President that is in the Pledge. Quit acting like your obvious hero Obammy, is the first Prez to have been disliked and Boo'ed. If my memeory serves me, I believe Bush 43 was so disrespected and villified by the left that I was shocked, but I got over it. You will too after November the 6th. hehehehehehe.................................
Comment # 1 restored for clarity.
How about when the president dishonours the office himself by insisting for three weeks that a youtube video caused the killing of an American ambassador when he knew full well (within two hours of the start of the attack) what was going on and how it started? How much respect did he show when he sent Deputy Dawg to the funeral because he was too busy trying to save his own ass, er job by campaigning.
I lived in South Carolina for 7 years and can tell you that many of the Clemson football fans never even went to college and some have the IQ of an alligator so I am not surprised. I truly do not believe the intelligent, graduates of Clemson would stoop so law as to be disrespectful of the President, even if they did not vote for him. Most of the football attendees are are pretty s---faced before they even get to the game. And if their team does not win they really get pissed off. Of course the ref must have made a mistake. I would just write this off as a bunch who are either really stupid or really drunk. Either way - don't go to a football fame in Death Valley.
So Clemson football fans are ignorant? Nice....
Hey PAT how come you get to have your opinion but Clemson students do not? Oh, yeah YOU ARE A YANKEE and they are Southerners. Obama is not MY president, he will never be MY president. He and his wife (not the first lady) DO NOT SALUTE OUR FLAG, Michelle has stated she is "ashamed" of America and Barrack has repeatedly KISSED the ASS of the very people who CAME INTO MY COUNTRY and KILLED nearly 3000 of its citizens. OBAMA IS NOT MY PRESIDENT AND DOES NOT DESERVE MY RESPECT.
Patricia, if you are not going to respect the laws or you are going to refuse to follow what the people decided in the voting stations then you don't even deserve to be a US Citizen. Many people laid their lives in sacrifice so you can come and rant your voice. Mr. Obama, whether you like it or not, is your president, not because you chose, but because the voters of this country said so. If it's not your president, please let me know where we can deport your sorry excuse of a soul you don't even deserve to live in this country.
A little southern ignorance for y'all... compliments of Patricia.
I, too, am a resident of SC, have been for almost 20 years. This makes me even happier that Clemson means nothing to me, and I support USC..... Classless bunch at Clemson....
Come on Pat....you must have the Confederate flag hanging on a pole, a rabbit and a squirrel in the pot for dinner. He does not need your approval. You would not know respect for the Office of the President, his residence the White House(or should I say, only WHITE people can live there-LOL), because it appears by your comments, you were taught to hate at a very early age. As they say, Hate is taught and it has never been a family value.
Patriotism is a state of mind....not a gesture!
You are entitled to your freedom of speech, Pres Obama would defend your right to it.
Now you said what your wanted....go add some salt and pepper to the squirrel stew and take a class in well, on Class.
Somethings never change!
Clemson fans were simply expressing the disdain most Americans have for this sad sack of a wanna be American President. That this man intruded during a military ceremony is what is truly insulting, this man has displayed his disdain for those who have worn and wear the uniform of the Armed Force of this nation. I suspect since the military is not unionized this ass-hole of a President does not believe he has any motivation to show them the respect they deserve.
Perhaps you should read the article before commenting. That man did not "intrude during a military ceremony". The fans booed when the ROTC Cadets were reciting the oath that says that they will obey the orders of the President. BTW, as the President he would have every right to be in attendance at a military ceremony as he is the Commander In Chief. I have no problem with your expressing your opinion, but you could at least get your facts straight. Here's a tip, nobody knows how ignorant you are until you open your mouth.
What do ya'll expect from the South?? It is after all, the home and champion of inbreeding in America!! They should be booing that horrible fotball team instead!! South Carolina is just the sewer of North Carolina anyway...POOP-POOP
For those who think that Obama deserves and has earned respect; give me a break.
Normally, I have an appreciation for our United States President, however Obama has not earned nor deserves my respect. I am entitled to have those feeling and will shout it from the roof top just to piss more people off for telling me what I should do and how I should feel. This also has nothing to do with race.
Majority of military men and women that I know (and I know many) do not like Obama, respect him, or believe he deserves it. His lies and not taking personal responsibility for his administration is the tip of the iceberg. His audacity for the disrespect he shows to all U.S.military domestic and international is a prefect example of a president who has no embody of essential characteristics
Justiceforall; what law are you pertaining too? Law of respect? If so, no such law my dear. Again it is earned. If not, sorry. I re-read your post and could not figure out what law you were giving reference to.
Ternan; well put!!!
I will not vote for President Obama this time around but that behavior is disgusting and low.
I did not vote for Obama in 08 and I ain't voting for him in '12, but he is sure better than Bush.
Stay classy Clemson.
Act 1, scene 1
Goober: Hey Billy, I just heard him say 'president of the United States'.
Billy: You want to boo?
I would never hire anyone from Clemson if this is the way they act.
Lovetherain-
It's respect for the office of the president - regardless of who is filling that office at any given time, respect for the will of the people who elected the President, and respect for those involved with the ceremony.
You can, of course, not respect the man, however I would challenge you on your given reasons for believing that President Obama does not deserve respect. Specifically,
I remember making a derogatory remark about President Reagan when I was younger, and my dad stopped me and said I shouldn't talk that way about our President. He said, "even though I didn't vote for him, he is still my President."
That kind of thinking is gone with the wind now.
One of the things that is missing in our society is honor. Showing honor to one's President, honoring one's word, honoring our elders, honoring our country, etc.
Sad.
South Carolina is too small for a republic and too large for an insane asylum."
Great Quote Devil's Son. Thanks
I'm with Justiceforall - Pat Paulson-mom, we need to move your sorry a$$ somewhere out of this country like Iran. I didn't like George W, I didn't trust him, but I wouldn't have booed him, he was the President. There is some honor that comes with the job.
I never did like Clemsen.
What an ignorant statement! As if all Clemson students and graduates boo the POTUS... Do you have any idea how many non-Clemson grads attend those games in Death valley?
I admit I voted for Obama in 08 because I believed he was really going to do something "different" (Change). Well, he's no different that any other smoke and mirrors politician. He'll never balance a butget as he promised and he'll never solve the unemployment problem with his policies. He'll get re-elected and go down as one of the worst presidents in history 50 years from now. Keysnian economics has NEVER worked for any country in history. Government can't provide job growth to the private sector and government can only grow so big especially when $16 trillion in the hole.
I think the Clemson fans had a right to boo Obama. He wouldn't even be there if he wasn't stumping for re election. He wasn't fulfilling his duty of POTUS he was marching down the Patriotic trail attempting to get re elected. By the way those "ships that can go underwater " are called submarines!
If I was there I would have booed the socialist-in-chief too. Am now a new Clemson fan!
Thanks name, now we all know how ignorant you are. Are you one of those asshats who goes around mewling about "Get the government out of healthcare"? Please accept my invitation to never get in to Medicaid, Medicare, or the VA just to head the list. Stay classy.
Is anyone surprised that something that is tradition now becomes abhorrent to self-righteous liberals when it happens to their fragile messiah?
"Booing the president at sporing events is a tradition that goes back at least as far as the administration of Herbert Hoover,"
You ignorant surfs can't voice your opinions about about Obama unless they agree with liberal propaganda... free speech is only for those who kneel to the emperor.
I worked as a photographer for a few years and got to meet then President Bush (The second one). I really do not care for him or for his politics. He, and especially Cheney, make me very angry. BUT I still shook the mans hand and treated him with all the respect due to the President of the United States. Even if you do not respect the man, if you love your country, respect the office of President.
HOW? Flapping his gums is not a very effective defense.
Patricia dear, you really need to get some help with your delusions and anger issues. Your rant goes beyond political opinion to the point that your perception of the world is seriously askew.
Inbred rednecks. Probably have white hoods at home.
If you think this deserves respect, you must truly be a despicable person.
White House told of militant claim two hours after Libya attack, emails show
Over one month and through 3 televised debates...and Obama and Biden are still lying, and liberal sheep are still willing to pretend the emperor is wearing clothes and Rome isn't burning.
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/49528284/#.UIdfOWfueSo
Bye Bye B.O. and good riddance.
pjam09,
Every one of your posts shows you not only do not respect others, but you lack self-respect as well.
They have the right to boo him... but the left has just as much right to boo Romney... ESPECIALLY in Massachusetts!
pAT tHACKER - judging from the number of errors in your post, you are not very educated yourself. Ever hear of proofreading?
The amount of white trash on this board is out of control. The difference in education levels between red and blue states is serious, yet a laugher at the same time. As if religion isn't enough of a blinder already. People in the south ought to get a clue and catch up with the rest of this country
Hey, Patricia Paulson - He's the president of this country... so get out, you are in the wrong one.
I cannot understand why people are soo childish. We all have a chance to vote and the one with the majority votes is the president, so to speak. (I know electoral college and all). Then in four years we do it all over again. How can we hold our heads up high as nation, when we treat our leaders like trash. Hate him, disagree with him, but respect the office and what this country stands for.
Doesn't the worse president in history deserve to be booed?! Just look at his record?
Wake up folks, Clemson fans see this!
The "worse" President in history. LOL! No thinking person could possibly agree with your assessment. No one who understands history in any way shape and form holds that belief. Not even close.
You support a Far Right America where this sort of thing is acceptable.
Clemson is going to pay like hell for this act. Nothing means more to these people than college football. Not even their Bibles and guns, nothing.
Recruits are going to hear about this (I promise you) and considering that probably 3-4% of blacks will once again vote GOP, good luck recruiting any black athlete to Clemson. That is exactly why the school president is speaking out. He knows what's at stake.
But they brought this on themselves. And I am going to spend the next few months, regardless of who wins this election contacting potential recruits in this area and making sure they understand the racism behind this act. And I have an easy means to do this and it is very easy to see who they are trying to recruit. And of course you will say it isn't racism rather criticism. As I told you at the top you know nothing about this area. Or would understand this is all about race.
Socialist, muslim, communist, african = all code words for n1gger.
They called MLK all of the above except the Muslim one, because obviously it would be hard for even the racists to call a Christian minister a "Muslim". And Islam was a minor issue in America at the time.
Race is a huge component here in the South. In areas down here Obama got one in 10 white votes. And that will be repeated in a two weeks.
And what if the GOP wins. What is their real agenda? Nobody knows. All we see and hear is the hate. What does all of that hate translate into in reality? Anti-American hearings? Vicious racial discrimination, control of women's reproduction, persecution of non-Christian believers? This nation could turn very, very ugly. The is the Far Right we are dealing with here. Anything could happen.
Criticize Obama and you're called a racist, lol!
If Obama were white, he'd would never have been elected, and we'd be talking about Hillary being booed by Clemson fans instead!
Paul-991174
That's alright. I wouldn't hire you based on your ability to read and interpret. As I understood, it was the fan base, not simply the students. Secondly, considering they are one of, if not, the top, engineering and mathematical schools in the nation, you would simply be a fool if you required such talent in those areas.
Can't believe some of you would truly judge a whole population and/or school because of an outburst at a single football game.
Btw, GO TIGERS!
Ahhh, yes, THE RACE CARD! When we have nothing else to offer to the argument we pull out this childish "flip the table and I'm taking my little red wagon and am going home" card.
WHEN ARE YOU FINALLY GOING TO LEAVE THAT PLANTATION?!
Never, you say?
Then you're NEVER going to be a productive voting member of our society. I read in 2008 that some 96% of African Americans voted for Obama. Well that is understandable since he is the first president of African descent. It is predicted, however, that 94% of the African American vote will once again go for Obama. Ask yourself this... How in the hell in this day and age can 94% of any one group of people agree with a ultra super majority. From a statistical standpoint that majority represents 5 to 6 standard deviations beyond the mean. Any mathematician will tell you that when it comes to pure chance or likely hood that result is unachievable UNLESS they are voting on only one issue in which they can all agree. That one issue is that the candidate is black. Therefore using logic 101, it is concludable that the vast majority of African Americans are racists.
As I said above, I voted Obama in 08. He doesn't have a positive track record this go around from which to vote for him again in 12. Clearly, if Obama were white Romney would have a double digit lead on him at this point in the campaign. Be honest with yourselves, Obama hasn't cut it as a president. If he does win, however, are we going to listen to him for the next 4 years complain about the Bush Administration? Then, after 2016 are we going to buy his book which will be ladened with complaining and belly aching about the Bush Administration? Then, are we for the next 25 years going to attend his speeches and dinners on the lecture circuit in which he will no doubt be still complaining about the Bush Administration?
Where does it all end? When will he finally realize that, yes, we all voted for you in 2008 because you were going to give us something different than the Bush Administration. Has he? History will decide...
Naw, he could only use that defense in his first 4 years. The prior administration will be his own this time around ;)
Go ahead and start this "race card" nonsense. RACISM IS A MAJOR PROBLEM IN THIS AREA! We are only one generation removed from separate facilities. People haven't really changed around here, it just wasn't so obvious prior to Obama's election but it is crystal clear now. I am white and hear it all of the time especially when others think my skin color means I will agree with them and remain silent. You are not fooling anyone. Of course all Republicans and Clemson fans are not racist but those elements certainly exist within those groups and in no small numbers. You are simply living in denial.
If you go to a Clemson game you see a near all-white crowd (maybe a few players familes) cheering for an all-black team. Maybe it's time for the players to wake up! And I think they will!
You can whine all you want but the likes of Taj Boyd and Sammy Watkins heard the message loud and clear. They know why the crowd was booing. They do not have your warped perspectives. And they cannot be pleased. This will affect future recruiting. And some of us are going to help make sure of that!
Clearly you have fallen prey to the one of the three classic blunders, the third being - Never go in against a white southerner when ignorance is on the line!
So, getting "scolded" for practicing freedom of speech. Hmmm, interesting!
What next?
No, fool! They have the absolute right to boo. It may be a classless and stupid act, especially during a veterans ceremony, but they certainly have the right to do it. But they have no right to be free from the consequences! Ask the Dixie Chicks about that. Clemson will suffer in recruiting for this, it will happen. You may forget, we will not!
Racism, that seems to be the talk of the town. As Morgan Freeman said in an interview "we will not get over racism until we all stop talking about it!" Profound words, correct in every way.
voxrationis Hope you were not calling me the fool. I was defending their right to free speech. Just being facetious in my comment!
Obviously your reply clears that up. But your first comment was a bit tricky in the wording. My apologies.
President Barker,
As a Clemson alum I am thoroughly disgusted in the lack of clear thinking in your letter and the disrespect it shows for the rights of Americans.
As the article clearly states, not only is booing the sitting President a longstanding tradition IT IS THE EXPRESSION OF FREE SPEECH IN ACTION! By your reasoning, you are denying citizens the very right to free political expression these cadets are swearing to uphold with their lives and sacred honor. Those who booed have that right. Period. End of discussion. For you to attempt to shame these people is tatamount to censorship, something this University has attempted before, in case you forgot the blackface incident. Political speech is protected, and that is what these critics were engaged in. How DARE you criticize them in an official capacity as a government official!
As for your knowledge of how a democratic republic works, the President of the United States IS IN NO WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM THE ULTIMATE AUTHORITY IN THIS COUNTRY. That ultimate authority consists of WE THE PEOPLE. I would suggest you go over to Hardin Hall and take a few of Dr. Bein's classes as a refresher. You might also want to sit in on a few of Dr. Maker's Philosophy classes and Dr. Grosby's Religion classes to make sure you cover all the bases on what is allowed and not allowed in America.
Go Tigers!
Tom Bryant
BA Philosophy - Clemson Univ.
MA Religous Studies - Univ. of South Florida
voxrationis:
That's cool. I was being facetious with the "What's Next" comment because in April a law was passed banning protesting, including peaceful, in any area the secret service may be working for any politician is now a felony with jail terms of up to 1 year and fines to $10K. Makes me angry as hell that the 1st Amendment rights are slowly being eaten away in front of our eyes. You're also right in the fact that speaking ones mind, such as this booing incident, can always have a negative effect but, that's our right and so be it!
Oh, it was HR 347 that makes it illegal to protest anywhere the Secret Service is present.
It just shows the simple minds people have. Because one group of people show displeasure for a person at an event does not mean that the group is showing displeasure for the purpose of the event. As a veteran I would have gotten up and left. I wouldn't have turned my back on him because that means I would have had to stand for him, even if momentarily.
I'm a veteran of 26 years. It would have pissed me off too, the booing, but it is one of the many rights I fought for in two wars and many actions in between. The booing, too me, doesn't represent their feelings toward the Office of Commander in Chief, just the person who holds that office. Bad timing during a veterans ceremony, yes, but still their right.
Howdy: Romney isn't the president, so it wouldn't be a story. The problem is the blatant disrespect for the office of the presidency during a ceremony honoring our military and veterans. What is sad is that we have been become so polarized since the 90's that all sense of honor and integrity have left the arena.
KayT-1718089....."What is sad is that we have been become so polarized since the 90's that all sense of honor and integrity have left the arena."
Say special thanks to the Progressives.
Yes, darn progressives!!!! Of course, since they acted like that the conservatives can act like that also, right? I thought the conservatives were about tradition and integrity.
The president is an employee of the American people and is paid by the American people. The people in attendance at this ceremony have one opportunity to see the president and let him know how they feel about "HIM". This is freedom of speech and the president of the university injected himself into something he completely misread. Students are adults and they have the right to voice their criticism of anybody and that includes Obama.
Of Course, there is the proper time and place. Thier boos dishonored the very ROTC cadets they were their to honor. This is what is called "Spriting the nose on your own face".
ofcourse1: Stop following fix news... the president was not even in attendance. They booed when they recited the part that they swore to defend the orders of the CIC, the president. A little reading comprehension would do wonders for you, if you only decided to follow it...
I wonder "JUSTICE FOR ALL" if any of these Red Necks at Clemson can 'understand' your reference to FOX news. "THE Dead Man's News", as in you would have to be dead to let the lies go by uncontested!!!
I'm shocked at all my Southern, FOX viewers every time they blame something W Bush did before he left office, on The President. Or, that they just blame ALL their misery on him..... and they drop jaws when I point out that all that crap happening in this country is largely the responsibility of a Republican majority Congress.
I have to ask them if they even HAD a civics class in school, let alone ever bothered to understand how our Government is run. More jaw dropping,,,, I suppose that is the same as a dumb, blank stare? I grew up in Virginia and we ended up visiting the different "PARTS" of government in D C. And now, I'm Jaw agape at the thought that all these people throwing mud at our President must be flat out clueless , or from another planet.
It's no wonder this country is such a mess..... I wonder if any of them even know who the Speaker of The House is? How many of them know the names of all their Representatives in Washington and how they vote? My guess is , "Not 10 %" of them can answer....
I have a feeling FOX news tells them it's not important to know anything about government. Not enough time to explain it..... Just listen to us"
Thank ldo for proving KayT's point.
Obama is not worthy of anyones respect however the office of President of the United States is.
You Teran Have ignorance and bigotry ...etc running through your body..you must be miserable!!
And respect Kay
Shazam, so someone is a bigot because they do not respect another person? Do you know what the word bigot means?
et220 I'm guessing you believe that only far leftists know anything and everone else is stupid? Let me educate you just a bit, the president (whom I believe is a good guy but not doing a great job) had a majority in the house and senate when he took office. You, in your rant, talk as though everything that has happened before, and since President Obama took office, is to be blamed on the Republicans. The problem our country has is first no one in government wants to work together, it's not JUST the republicans, it's also the democrats. The next problem, our media does everything they can to polorize this country with snippits, half truths, and sometimes lies to make the other side look bad. If you believe it's only the Right that does this you're living in a dream world. NEXT and just as big a problem, the people of this counrty need to stop attacking each other just because someone thinks different than another! You my friend are no better than I am just because you believe all Fox news viewers are stupid. What channel do you watch and I can probably find fault. What we as citizens of this great country need to do is stop arguing amongst ourselves and demand our leaders do the same. We need to demand our leaders compromise and get along with one another because that is where this polorizing starts. We also need to stop supporting the news shows that are polorizing, that exaggerate stories to such an extent that we the people start believing our president is the devil, or his challenger murders people etc... it's stupid! President Obama and Mitt Romney are both fine men. They are both well educated and qualified to lead this country. Neither one of them want anything bad to happen to any citizen of this country! I guarantee you that they both want nothing but success for each one of us, and they don't even know us. They are good people! Vote for the one that you agree with and you believe will do the better job. Don't vote against he President because someone claims he's not a citizen, or because some nutjob claims he wants to turn the country muslim, that's total bs. Don't vote against Romney because someone claims he wants to take away jobs and send them over seas, or because it's claimed he doesn't stand for 47% because that is also bs. Use your brain, not someone elses. I wish somehow we could all get along.
Shazam111 said: You Teran Have ignorance and bigotry ...etc running through your body..you must be miserable!!
Just curious. Why do you say that? Ignorance is a lack of knowledge. How do you know Teran is ignorant. Also by calling him a bigot, you are as well since you do not believe what he believes, as well as being intolerant of his opinion.
Take a look in the mirror before calling names when you seem to do the same.
Scott - have you ever heard of the concept of separating thoughts with paragraphs? I didn't bother to read your post because it was so painful to my eyes. Just saying
How pathetic, people wanting to be officers, but they can't refrain themselves long enough to make the pledge. What will happen when these individuals get an order down the road they don't like. Insert their own opinion and do what they want? After all, the military runs by chain of command. If you can't show respect to the office of The Presidency, who is your senior, how will you ever show respect to those immediately above you and under you? And the President isn't sticking his nose into your face yelling at you either.
How pathetic, this is our current "leader".
White House told of militant claim two hours after Libya attack, emails show
Over one month and through 3 televised debates...and Obama and Biden are still lying, and liberal sheep are still willing to pretend the emperor is wearing clothes and Rome isn't burning.
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/49528284/#.UIdfOWfueSo
Bye Bye B.O. and good riddance.
College fans these days are more tuned to reality in many cases than their liberal professors! The Clemson fans know that Obama has hurt the country more than he's helped it and know that when the graduate finding jobs will be even more difficult than it should be thanks to Barry's onerous policies!
That's just idiotic. And as the son of two professors I am frankly sick of you people disparaging those whose job it is to teach higher education. You have learned this from the likes of Beck and Limbaugh who were absolute failures at academics and use their bully pulpits to attack those who were not impressed with their intelligence. Would you want someone like that teaching your kids? Someone completely unqualified and horribly biased in their opinions and who would drag those opinions into the classroom? That's who you want teaching your kids? Or someone like David Barton who would non-factual history? Your commet is just evidence of the sheep you have become!
My parent had 25 years of higher education between them. They earned the right to teach others. My father was the valedictorian of a large high school and in the top 3% in law school at a renowned university. My mother has her Masters and Doctorate. Should I be ashamed of them, hell no! You don't just decide to be a professor. These people are carefully chosen. They were typically the best of the best academically.
The idea that any of these fans who were booing are smarter than my parents is simply laughable. It's the sort of reverse logic Republicans use over and over again. And it's nonsense.
Now get back to work so that you can afford for your kids to go to college. A college degree is mandatory for many employees. That hasn't changed and won't be changing anytime soon.
So, please tell me exactly when it IS appropriate to show a sign of displeasure? Obviously, the vast majority of people only have fleeting moments to show approval or disapproval of a President and/or his/her(eventually) actions.
To "scold" students because they displayed their feelings is even more egregious than the initial outburst. It's a bit of censorship after the fact.
Ummm....how about election day?!!! Seriously, you're gonna defend this type of behavior on Military Appreciation Day? How about some hatred for the guys who give parking tickets? Can we just pick THIS as the time and place to have our little pissy objections?!! Good Grief!!
Say anything you want, to anyone at any time - that's freedom of speech? No manners is the problem. So what does the South want anyway? Send the blacks to Africa, make them slaves again or just badmouth them until eternity? You lost the Civil War - please try and adjust. <mumbles under breath - Gawd, I wish they had a successful secession>
jbfans, Bob in LG,
YES, I will defend "this type of behavior" REGARDLESS of who is sitting in the chair. Don't forget that Presidents SELDOM get anything but adulations from adoring fans.... primarily because their audiences at events are strictly controlled.
Presidents need to know that not everyone fawns over them or their actions. Many disagree, but never have an opportunity to display that displeasure.
And Bob, where did you see any mention of "the South" wanting anything?
And please don't try to insinuate you're referring to me. I'm originally from Brooklyn, New York. Not quite the "south" last time I looked.
So do we Bob. Then we would not have to support your foolish and irresponsible spending.
So XD, is it okay to protest military funerals?
Whether you like or don't like our President, he deserves respect for his office. He is handling all the problems of our country. If you cannot give a person respect for that you are a very small person. You don't have to cheer that person if you don't want to, but you definitely should never boo. Didn't your parents teach you any manners at all?
When we elect a President, no matter what party, that person becomes all of our President. Our country, as evidenced heavily on this post, is just rude! I am embarrassed by America!
bolton
We wouldn't be at war if this president would bring our troops home. He escalated that war, you might recall . . . .
AllPeopleRights
Of course you are embarrassed by America, most liberals are . . . .
If you are unable to comprehend the inappropriateness of that kind of public behavior, explaining where expressions of disapproval are appropriate would be lost on you.
I realize that freedom of speech is central to being American, but incivility is not. This was a ceremony administering a rather serious oath. Maybe you assert that tarnishing it with boorish behavior is just the proper exercise of free speech. Maybe you'd be just as defensive of the free speech of someone loudly and publicly asserting that your soft parts are particularly unattractive?
Bolton
Isn't it the blue states that represent the land of sodomy???
Is anyone surprised that something that is tradition now becomes abhorrent to self-righteous liberals when it happens to their fragile messiah?
"Booing the president at sporing events is a tradition that goes back at least as far as the administration of Herbert Hoover,"
You ignorant surfs can't voice your opinions about about Obama unless they agree with liberal propaganda... free speech is only for those who kneel to the emperor.
P.S.
"So was President George W. Bush when he opened Nationals Stadium in 2008"
Can anyone find coverage of the "outrage" and "injustice" by NBC when Bush was booed?... didn't think so. I wonder what the difference is? party affiliation perhaps?
It is the only time people can tell him what they think. He can talk all the time and we can say nothing back. The world is a one way thing.
Again, what do you think election day is for??!!! If you have a problem with an elected official, doesn't it make sense to voice your opinion THEN??!!
Good lord, do people really not understand what our democracy stands for or how it works? If you don't like the president don't vote for him. If he wins, he is your president and deserves respect...and at a minimum, when people are swearing in or taking an oath - THEY deserve the respect.
No, people deserve respect when they earn it by their actions. Simply being in a position of authority does not grant them immunity from the consequences of their actions. My god, this guy could murder someone and you people would still insist that we respect him.
jbfans,
So you are saying that citizens of this country can't express their displeasure with the current White House occupant at anytime but on election day?!!
How about this: I have all the respect in the world for the OFFICE of the President of the United States but NO repsect for the man (or for the woman occupant either). Is that better or do I have to wait until election day to "say" so but vote?
In the middle: You didn't say the same when everybody was ranting about Junior and his tours of sacking in Iraq and Afghanistan... And now you say that is freedom of speech? How funny is when the coin flip sides...
I agree with Richard. I was always taught that you respect the person for what they stand for and not for an office. I feel the same way about the Speaker and any other person or persons in public office or even the heads of big corporations. An office is a place where they put your name on the door but a persons actions and beliefs determine a persons character and abilities.
President Clinton should be booed everytime he stands up in public. I mean, he turned the White House into his own sex brothel taking advantage of Monica and then lied to us peons when he denied it.
Michelle Obama should be booed as well. I mean she was never proud of this country until we voted her husband President.
Too much about nothing here.
Booing at a public event as a show of displeasure towards a person is proof positive of ignorant monkeys. So yeah, if you want to show your "displeasure" and prove your stupidity at the same time go ahead. If you want to express your displeasure constructively get involved in your community, vote, write letters, etc.
But I guess that's too hard to understand for ignorant monkeys.
What a disgrace.....despite attending a halfway decent school, there are those who will leave there and still be ignorant!
Harvard taught him to be a lawyer not a president. What do you expect?
Yup, Romney was a failure to Harvard... so much money wasted on nothing...
So much for free thinking college students expressing their opinions in public. University president Barker is worried that federal funds will be cut off by our president who only likes free speech when it benefits him. I is good to remember that Clemson has a military contingent expressing displeasure with their commander in chief.
Theres a time and a place for everything, this was neither...
Obama and the democrats embraced similar college students shutting down buildings and destroying property in the name of occupy wall street. That's ok, just don't say mean things about mr obama......nooooo, that's terrible.
President Barker's point was that the day was not about the President, but honoring the ROTC cadets being inducted into the military. The behavior of the boo birds (who contrary to your version of events, were likely not the"military contingent") marred what should have been a solemn and special occassion- that's his point. What has happen to decorum and respect in this country? And quite frankly--freedom of speech does not mean you can say whatever you want, whenever you want.
jbfans, suzieQ was it disrespectful of congress to impeach Clinton? He wasn't up for reelection at that time! Remember the president serves at the pleasure of the populace. Through their representatives in congress he can be relieved of office. Remember that if Peirot had not entered the elections when Clinton was running, Bush would have won. Clinton got less than 40% of the vote and the archaic electoral college system allowed him twice to win election.
Clinton is a c*nt hound and Hillary was his bag woman. I was in Australia and talked to people where Clinton was staying in Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia. The advance team for Clinton lined up the prostitutes well before Clinton arrived.
So, what's your point ofcourse? Bush couldn't boink a telephone pole and we ended up with two wars, more than 4500 dead soldiers and the economy shot to sh((t... If it would be for me I would personally buy the cubans for him... so you mean to tell me that if you get laid the economy works?
And , Of course, we all know now that the Secret Service was lining the hookers up for themselves, Or! does "of course1" not follow the news?
By the way "justice for all" I got the impression that W Bush was boinked by a telephone pole at least one time. It's the only possible explanation for his stupidity.
SuziQ - "was not about the President, but honoring the ROTC cadets being inducted into the military."
And what better way to honor the cadets than tell them they don't have a right to voice their opinions?.... thanks for your service... now shut up unless you agree with Dictator Obama.
pjam09
And what better way to honor the cadets than tell them they don't have a right to voice their opinions?.... thanks for your service... now shut up unless you agree with Dictator Obama.
I guess you need to go back and read the Oath. All military oaths have the line about supporting the President and the Constitution, it has been this way forever and frankly the military booing or voicing their opinions is a dischargable offense. Perhaps the school will learn that having a ceremony for the military deserves a more refined setting than in front of a crowd this is geared up cheering and booing.
I personally wouldn't have booed the president, but I also can't blame those who did. I do respect the OFFICE of the president, but it has been a VERY long time since I've respected the actual man. In fact, the only men who have held the office of president that I've ever really respected held office long before I was born. Things started going downhill after WW2. We saw brief relief with Reagan, but we've been declining in morals, integrity, national security, economics, and just plain common sense and decency ever since. If our elected officials would actually read the Constitution and uphold it like they swear they will, we would be a lot better off.
Everyone with common sense knows the respect is earned, and the lack of respect that Obama has shown for his boss (American citizens) means he should not expect any in return.
P.S.
Don't you love the Liberals saying that the "office deserves" the respect... how freaking brainwashed and disconnected from reality can they get?
Does "Arab Spring" ring a bell? How present day Iran or Syria?
Shouldn't all those middle-easterners "respect the office" of their leaders?
You respected Reagan? He sold weapons to Iran, a country responsible for killing Americans, then used the proceeds to fun death squads in numerous countries. He lied about his knowledge of this affair and had his underlings take the fall. He almost got us into a nuclear war with the Soviet Union in 1983 (look up Operation Able Archer).
Reagan also ignored warnings about the vulnerability of the Marine Barracks in Lebanon, then cut and run after we were attacked there.
Ronald Reagan was a disgrace to America.
What on earth are you talking about?
I agree and I'm even voting for Obama as I see him as the better of two unqualified candidates. But boo away fans and then take action. We need to make big changes in this country. We need to change the corrupt system from the outside. Even Obama thinks so. No you don't have to respect the office not after the two parties have wasted billions of dollars on scathing manipulative attack ads to get elected into it. Nothing about that deserves respect. But you can't just boo and do nothing to change things. Then you're just acting like spoiled kids waiting for someone else to come fix your problem for you. It's up to all of us to change things. This deeply divided 2 system political party system isn't working so let's find something else that does.
Well, Reagan seemed like a nice enough man, and was quick with the witty comments, but he did thrust our nation into the worst deficit in history at the time, and after he left office he said that the huge debt he incurred while President was "the greatest disappointment of his presidency."
At least the guy was honest.
Bush and Cheney still won't admit the economic mess they left us in and instead sit around writing their memoirs on their luxury ranches in Texas and Wyoming.
We never even got a "sorry" from them.
I agree and I'm even voting for Obama as I see him as the better of two unqualified candidates. But boo away fans and then take action. We need to make big changes in this country. We need to change the corrupt system from the outside. Even Obama thinks so. No you don't have to respect the office not after the two parties have wasted billions of dollars on scathing manipulative attack ads to get elected into it. Nothing about that deserves respect. But you can't just boo and do nothing to change things. Then you're just acting like spoiled kids waiting for someone else to come fix your problem for you. It's up to all of us to change things. This deeply divided 2 system political party system isn't working so let's find something else that does.
The point being made is currently Mr Obama IS THE PRESIDENT and regardless of partisan politics the office he holds is deserving of respect. The cadets were taking an oath to obey The President of the United States (who so ever holds that office).
@wezer600
As a former military man that served during the first gulf war (operation desert shield/desert storm in case you need to "google it") I find them flexing their rights to express their belief system refreshing. I, not most of you, fought for their rights to do that. Until you spend time in service your opinion means nothing.
Mr Informed, while I agree with most of your statement, we don't have to have lived your exact life to have valuable opinions. Your last statement was ignorant. We all are entitled to our opinions.
Hey informed. Your service doesn't entitle you to any more rights than any other American. Your opinion means the just as little as anyone else who posts here.
@ in the middle
Your comment is exactly the comments made by all of those who sit in their comfy chairs and judge others who actually have served. Your comment is noted and disregarded as irrelivant.
@ djrashn
Yes my service earned me the right to speak as a person who served. Your lack of service has earned you the right to be ignored and disregarded.
And just like that 'InformedVoter2012"
1. Just showed us how uninformed he is.
2. Gave a black eye to all our military by expressing his holier than thou attitude to the rest of the U.S. populace.
Sadly, there is so much ignorance in the world, and foolish people.
InformedVoter2012 Thank you for what you have done to allow me the right to Boo the current president.
@informed, I served as well during what was known as the cold war. I believe just because you have the right to express yourself does not mean that you have to. Sadly there are some in the military and civilian life that are just plain bigots and their opposition to the president is solely based on the color of his skin and nothing more. I defended them and their rights, would do it again, but you should pause and consider the many people of all ethnicities and gender that put it on the line so that these
individualscretins can express their rights. They like our President deserve better.in the middle,
You are entitled to your opinion because there are people in this country that serve to make sure you have that EXACT entitlement.
The office deserves respect not the person who is currently sitting as president of the U.S.
Informed-
Get a clue dude. Are you actually so prejudiced that you think the ONLY one that is entitled to an opinion is one that has served in the military??? Wow! That truly defines you as more of what is wrong with this country than what is right! Everyone is entitled to an opinion! And as far as you being ex-military and agreeing with disrespecting the President, well I can only say that in that case, I'm glad you're EX-military.
@Awol,
Please define for me where the "color of his skin" was brought into the conversation? Oh that's right, you cant until you brought it in.
@ Machine
your comment is noted and simply ignored as being unvaluable.
Informed voter2012 has more of a right to express his opinion as most of you pro Obamas and Clemson president believe without asking the military people to express their views of the booing. Clemson president voiced his views and you have voiced your views. Now a military man states that his opinion it was fair for the Clemson student body to boo the president. How many times has Obama been questioned at town hall meetings and hearing a question he didn't like pretend he didn't hear it, or refused to answer or just told the questioner that he would get back to them? A president should hear the positive and negative. After all, he has done a lousy job as president!
Well clearly Informed is anything but!!
Notice that Awol a.k.a. F4Nav will never respond to me calling him out on the racist comment. How true of those that sit and talk compared to those that serve.
DJRashn, AWOL-746438,
Thanks for letting me know there are a few people left that have common sense and decency.
As so many of the people that write on these things show us each and every day, there are fewer and fewer of us left. And so many more like "akman" and "informed".
@ Saddened
If you mean "fewer of you left " as to those who make racisit comments then yes I agree thank god there are fewer of you left.
Informed,
Both my oldest son (9 years and 3 deployments in Gulf storm and Iraqi freedom) and daughter (3 years in the navy during Desert Storm, say they respect the office of president, and wish a rational Obama, rather than Bush/Cheney had been commander and chief during their time in the service. My son said he, and most of his commrads could never understand why they were fighting Iraqis and not al-Quada in Afghanistan. My daughter also feels Iraq was a waste of American lives.
Since President Bush would never explain to Mrs. Sheehan, for what good purpose her son died in Iraq, maybe you can.
Dear Mr. Informed: Let me explain to you something. We don't owe you anything when you demand it like that. Let me remind you that you voluntarily sign to enter the armed forces. It was not us who sent you to Desert Shield and Desert Storm, it was GHWBush, President of the United States and Commander in Chief. You didn't go there to protect 'our' liberties, the last time we needed to protect our liberties from foreign invaders was in 1812, when the British actually invaded. After that, we were never attacked in the continental US (and please read continental, that does not include Hawaii, where Pearl Harbor is located). What is important to remark is that you swore as a NCO if that was the case, to obey the orders of the President of the United States, as long as they were lawful. I have been defending this nation for 17 years, not in uniform, but in other capacity and I do not consider myself more or less than any other citizen of this nation. For you to claim that you have more rights because you wore the uniform, nobody put a gun to your head and told you to go. So, next time, please do not disrespect the people that perished protecting the same constitution that you seem to forget applies to "The People", not a very few.
Ellis - interesting that for all of 'informed's" efforts to immediately call out anyone and everyone who deigned to disagree with his position. 2+ hours have now passed with nothing but silence from him in response to your post. You made your point, apparently.
Bless your family and your children for their service and sacrifices. My brother is active duty 82nd ABN, 23-year veteran, with 4 tours. And for all that, he never pretends or postures that his is the only voice which matters.
Regarding the subject of the article, all one needs to know is that Clemson is the alma mater of SC Senator Jim Demint - the very one who interrupted President Obama's State of the Union address with the cry of, "you lie!!"
'Nuff said, eh? No hotbed of tolerance here in the south.
Do any of you people remember when a male turned 18 that you signed up for the draft? Your life was over if not for a college deferment or your Daddy had connections. I served 68 to 72. You say the potus deserves respect? Only when due that honor. LBJ and his buddy McNamara and Westmoreland deserved no respect. Now we have a potus that kisses Arab a## and his wife hated America until he made the BIG time. Go figure. Some people do like the potus. No Hope No Change. People die and he don't care.
USMC: Do you remember that when you served the POTUS was Richard Milhouse Nixon?
You mean kinda like W dancing on the White House portico in 2007, after thousands of American soldiers died in Iraq? Or Bush prematurely declaring "Mission Accomplished" in 2003, at taxpayer expense on a United States aircraft carrier, knowing full well that the bloodshed had only just begun in a war he himself created?
You mean uncaring like that in the face of others' deaths, usmc? Or is that just your hypocrisy showing?
So-called Mr. Informed is a disgrace to the U.S. military and everything it stands for. Your comments and opinions are noted and disregarded as being the ravings of an unAmerican egotist. Reminds me of: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1KvgtEnABY
I just think the tea party has gotten so nasty and have no respect for the office of the President
Tea party again?!?!? Where are they?!?!?! What are they doing this time?!?!?!?!? Oh yeah, nothing. Get over it. They don't like Obama because he sucks, not them.
Larry Sinclair has claimed that for years.
Cassie - Should Syrians respect their "office of the president"? How about Libya? Egypt? Iraq?
You Liberals would never achieve independence if you wanted it... "shhh, everybody, be quiet, he sits in the office of president, just swallow the propaganda and kneel".
pajama... what they do in Lybia, Egypt or Iraq is none of our business. What happens in the US it is. Our president is an elected official contrary to the case of the countries you cite. That is precisely what made us different from Lybia, Egypt, Iraq or Syria, that we elect our officials, and when we don't like them, we vote them out. We don't hang them for crimes against the people or condemn them for remaining in power for 38 years... Or is it too difficult to understand. Even the incompetent that sat before deserved our respect, even when we completely disagreed with his policies, policies that costed the life to 4500 Americans.
Turning their backs would have been a better response - but - there is also something in the Constitution about "Freedom of Speech"!!! What about "Academic Freedom" that all the flaming Liberals are always squawking about??
Park... there is no freedom of speech in the military. When you enter the military you become government property. It has been like that since the day of George Washington. If not, look what happened to McArthur for exercising his freedom of speech?
Justice...
Hear hear!
If active duty military had these kind "you can't tell me what to do" attitudes we wouldn't have a viable military (and yes, I served).
Having served in the military - - I personally know when a superior gives an order - - you do it. If you chose not to do so they have "ways" of getting you back into civilian life (DD, Undesirable, etc.) - - I was referring to the civilians in the stands - not the ROTC students! Citizens do STILL have the right to protest in this country!!! Liberals deal with it!!!
What do you expect from the south. A place where age is often higher than IQ's
What do you expect from liberals other than stereotypes and insults for anyone who disagrees with them? That's right, nothing.
Yes Howdy you're right. But Mitt Romney is not the President of the United Staes. People still should have respect for the office.
And the person in the office should still respect their boss, the American people.
Obamacare, refusal to enforce U.S. border law, Obama's personal DREAM ACT, Benghazi, etc... have all proven that he doesn't, at all.
pajama: You will have your chance to vote him out on November 6. But a person entering the military MUST, and I repeat MUST, obey the orders from the CIC, otherwise this nation would not be different than those we fight. But I guess that is asking too much from you, isn't it?
Presidents ARE NOT exempt from public discourse, regardless of political party. Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression are still in the US CONSTITUTION!!
Thats great, but what about choosing THIS time and place do you find appropriate?
jbfans
If not then..... WHEN????
Do you have an altar built to him in your home you bow down to every morning when you get up and then again before you go to sleep?
Remember... He is a MAN... he holds the TITLE of President. When the TITLE is removed, he will still be nothing more than a man.
Whether you like or don't like our President, he deserves respect for his office. He is handling all the problems of our country. If you cannot give a person respect for that you are a very small person. You don't have to cheer that person if you don't want to, but you definitely should never boo. Didn't your parents teach you any manners at all?
When we elect a President, no matter what party, that person becomes all of our President. Our country, as evidenced heavily on this post, is just rude! I am embarrassed by America!
Maybe at Romney's inauguration would be a better time, you know, like how Bush was booed at Obama's.
So Bill-765--- Do you even understand what happened here? There was NO President in attendance at this event. The General , in the process of the swearing in, mentioned ..... NOT BARAK OBAMA.... but the PRESIDENT. That means EVERY PRESIDENT from George Washington onward.... and for those to come until we no longer have Presidents.... The boo's were directed at this nation and at that office.
I'm sure , if this were an event in Cuba, the boos would have been silenced by gun fire. Same in any number of other countries you don't live in nor would care to visit. Think about it.
Because we have the right to boo the Office of the President, does not make it an intelligent or thoughtful thing to do. I wonder if you are either.
at220 - "Because we have the right to boo the Office of the President, does not make it an intelligent or thoughtful thing to do"
So cheering someone is "intelligent and thoughtful"? NASCAR races must be the most intelligent and thoughtful places on the planet then right?
Cheering or booing are nothing more than expressions of opinion and everybody has a right to theirs no matter how much you liberals want to complain about it and suppress it when it doesn't match your own small-minded, naive, hypocritical thoughts.
Bill- When you enter the military you leave the 1st amendment behind, there is no freedom of speech. Imagine if a grunt would disapprove the commands from his DI? Imagine a soldier complaining because the food is awful or because he or she has to run too much? You keep your opinions to yourself. And if you don't believe me, read what happened to Douglas McArthur for questioning the direction of the Korean War against Truman?
Good for the folk's, shame on the leader of Clemson. And shame on the man Obama for giving reason.
Just a question, but didn't the oath used to say that they would defend the Constitution from enemies abroad as well as domestic? I have a friend that is a Marine and he said that when he was sworn in about 10 years ago that they never swore to obey the commands of the President, just that they swore to defend the country and the Constitution. I may be wrong, but perhaps they weren't booing Obama. Maybe they booed some changes made to the oath?
The oath for enlisted has been the same since 1962. The oath for officers the same since 1959. Enlisted and officers both swear allegiance to the Constitution. Only enlisted swear (or affirm) that they will obey orders of the President and the officers appointed over them according to the UCMJ.
Officers can talk back and question orders, enlisted cannot, except in very few circumstances. However, officers can be tried for mutiny or sedition and other crimes if they refuse legitimate orders.
Mommy, the President is Commander in Chief. You cannot be this ignorant of the military chain of command.
We all questioned the Pres. But we all went when orders came down and we went. Next question?
I hear crickets.......
Grunt... you didn't do it in public, did you?
Speaking of respect.... when do Americans get some from Obama?
White House told of militant claim two hours after Libya attack, emails show
Over one month and through 3 televised debates...and Obama and Biden are still lying, and liberal sheep are still willing to pretend the emperor is wearing clothes and Rome isn't burning.
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/49528284/#.UIdfOWfueSo
Bye Bye B.O. and good riddance.
Thanks for the link. It substantiates everything Obama has been saying. Congress was briefed with the inforamtion that a group had taken credit for the attack, and that the claims were being looked into. I know in evey report I wattched the President made clear it was a terrorist attack.
I 'll take caution by a President about placing blame before all information is in before making up a phoney war against WMD any day.
"I 'll take caution by a President about placing blame before all information is in before making up a phoney war against WMD any day" You mean Clinton? He stated before President Bush even took office that they had WMD's google it. Have you been to Iraq? Sadam needed to go, but you will never get that.
Only neocons think that America must to fight a costly war whenever any dictator needs to go. No, I was much too old to go to Iraq, but had 30 years in Army where I did go to VietNam. Thought we'd learned our lesson about stupid wars then.
Were the students then put into "time out" and sent to bed without desert? Get over it, people. You are allowed to voice your displeasure. One would think you'd have received that memo, since you are on here complaining.
And Howdy is 100%. If the story was that the Presidential Hopeful, Mitt Romney, was booed at a sporting event, you would all most likely be on here making "Mittens" jokes and applauding the students behavior.
Without desert? How about dessert?
I wonder "Carolyn" how a few months in the desert with bullets flying would clear the heads of some of these rednecks?
A little "reality" never killed any one... maybe?
GedePrime..it is pure libtard hypocricy...
I know I prefer to go to bed without desert every night. My bad...
Dr. Barker should be commended for his intelligent and appropriate response to an embarassing action.
Too bad for him people at Clemson aren't allowed to voice their opinions to do so.... oh the irony of being a hypocritical liberal barking disapproval of others opinions.
I have read a lot on here about respecting the office. Well, I will respect the office and the rest of Government when it goes back to respecting us and doing what is best for the Country. Remember, they ALL work for us!
There is no excuse for being rude! Booing an elected official is rude behavior! It is sad that this country has lowered its standards and has used this as an issue for freedom of speach. It is not, it is rude behavior and should not be tolerated or excepted behavior no matter your opinion of the elected official! When an elected official is invited by that institution, it should be an honored event, not a place for low class, childish behavior! Very disappointed!
Remember that takeover of the Wisconsin capital and the Walker recall debacle? We're sure your disgust was 10 million time greater as that behavior was 10 million times more disgusting.
If the ROTC General was smiling during the booing and I was the school president I would fire him and recommend discharge! Even Court Martial proceedings.
I agree.
Mike - "I would fire him and recommend discharge! Even Court Martial proceedings"
Of course you would, you are a liberal who expects complete obedience to your whims.
James Barker, apparently you are one of the few left that have respect for this country, one of the few that were brought up with good morals, one of the few left that have self respect and one of the few that were taught to show respect.
The Commander in Chief is the Commander in Chief period regardless of a persons political leanings.
James Barker - Congratulations for being a dignified man, you sir are a true American to be looked up to!
Good thing you are not in charge!
Boo the President all you want at the appropriate time - not during the oath of allegiance for military service. Boo him if he is at the game, boo him if his photo is flashed on the scoreboard boo to your hearts content- just not at certain LIMITED TIMES - when swearing in new officers, when he is honoring the military dead, during a prayer. Most of us know when it is apprpriate except maybe Clemson football fans.
If Mitt was president and there had been booing most of you would be saying the same thing. I reserve the right to BOO Romney at any time that is appropriate.
The biggest offender is not really the fans but the officer delivering the oath who reportedly 'smiled' at the booing, apparently he thinks dishonoring those who serve our country is something to smile at.
Whether you like or don't like our President, he deserves respect for his office. He is handling all the problems of our country. If you cannot give a person respect for that you are a very small person. You don't have to cheer that person if you don't want to, but you definitely should never boo. Didn't your parents teach you any manners at all?
When we elect a President, no matter what party, that person becomes all of our President. Our country, as evidenced heavily on this post, is just rude! I am embarrassed by America!
Then move out of America if you don't like it. The only thing that Obama has handled is a golf club. He will go down in history as the most inept President (other than Ulysses Grant and Jimmy Carter) that we have ever had. I will only have respect for Obama when he stops going around the world and apologizing for America. He was elected to lead and has failled miserably in that regard. He did not kill Bin Laden the Navy Seals did. He has not fulfillled 20% of the promises he made when he ran for office and is now using the same retoric to get re-elected. Hopefully the American people are not stupid enough to vote for this joker.
Oh, he did not kill BL... the seals did. Wow... wonderful use of logic. So Bush didn't invade Iraq, it was the armed forces... Bush didn't find WMD (the armed forces we incompetent and didn't find any either) Bush didn't kill 4500 soldiers... the enemy did. Bush didn't cripple the economy... the greedy bastards who bought the houses did... always pointing the responsibility to someone else? Most inept president? HA!! Junior holds that privileges and the only way that they can surpass him is if Romney gets the election...
Come on everyone, its South Carolina. Obama would have been insulted if they did applaud him. The state has not crossed the 20th century. Goober, hick, redneck, kkk, just plain old racists. In 1861 South Carolina was the first state to succeed. If it had ended there and no other states succeeded this country would be better off.
Blowbama handling all the problems in our country? He IS the problem in our country and he has CREATED all the problems in our country for the last 4 years. The Pretender-in-Chief and his manwife, Moochelle have made it CLEAR from day one that they detest America and what it stands for. The POS has done EVERYTHING possible to ruin this once-great nation and if he respected this country even ONCE in his so-called "presidency", then MAYBE he would get a modicum of respect in return.
You Libtards amuse me.
Totally disrespectful and classless. A majority of Americans (white, black, latinos, asians, etc) elected President Barack Obama. You don't like it. GET THE HELL OUT!! You don't own this country just because you disagree.
The real duped are the poor and middle class (most of you in this post) who believe DamMitt Romney and LyingRyan really care about you. Continue voting against your own interest just because you don't really want to see a black man in the White House (again). Continue to hide behind the abortion, gay marriage, birther BS, communism, socialism and all the other BS code words for a n**gg*r in the White House. We know the real deal. Whether you like it or not, you must be crazy to think that black people will not vote for a smart black presidential candidate who they also believe happens to share their experiences and their social, political, and economic values. You are the same people who elected dimwit Bush with the IQ of a houseplant. See where that got us. Put Clarence Thomas in the same position we will vote against his ass in a minute. Stop with all this racist BS. Black people have been voting and electing white candidates to offices ever since we were allowed to vote. Continue to fool yourself to think that people like Romney and Ryan really care about you and this country. Who is really destroying this country? People like those in these posts spewing racist rhetoric, BS, Romney, Ryan and a Republican congress making a pact to block every piece of legislation designed to help Americans just to make the President look bad in hopes of winning the White House? Vote against your own self interest, keep saying it to yourself over and over and click your heals 3 times like Dorothy, maybe it will come true. There's no place like the White House! There's no place like the White House!
We were so busy making a better world for our children, we forgot to give the world better children. There is only one President, one Commander in Chief. If they were sworn in, they should be kicked out. This is the same disrespect recently shown at the AF Academy during a long standing tradition of throwing senior cadets into a snow bank. Respect hasn't been taught since corporal punishment was abolished.
Hey barker ever hear of the freedom to express ones' opinion?
Ever hear of having a little "class?"
Yeah ! 'a little class', hmmmm of course Obama (if that is his name) has so little class it cannot be seen.