D-DAY DOUBLE STANDARD…. Par for the course.
In yet another example of the conservative media creating a double standard for President Obama, right wing media outlets attacked him for giving “absolutely no commemoration” of the D-Day anniversary [yesterday].
In fact, Obama’s D-Day commemorations mirror the Bush administration’s; both commemorated D-Day on significant anniversaries but not annually.
Right. Last year, on June 7, President Obama traveled to Normandy for a ceremony honoring the 65th anniversary of D-Day. The 66th anniversary, yesterday, didn’t generate a response, but administration’s are more inclined to honor specific milestone years, rather than the day itself. Five years ago, for example, on the 61st anniversary, Bush hosted a concert at the White House to celebrate Black Music Month, and did not recognize the D-Day significance of the date. No one cared.
And yet, yesterday, Fox News was outraged, and accused Obama of “snubbing” D-Day and “ignoring” veterans of the fight at Normandy.
One standard for Obama; one standard for everyone else.
Maybe it’s time to start keeping a running tally.
* When other presidents honor Memorial Day, but do not visit Arlington National Cemetery, it’s fine. When Obama does the same thing, it’s “controversial.”
* When other presidents use teleprompters, it’s hardly noticed. When Obama does the same thing, it’s “controversial.”
* When other presidents bow to foreign heads of state when meeting leaders where bowing is customary, it’s routine. When Obama does the same thing, it’s “controversial.”
* When other presidents speak to school children in national addresses, it’s of no consequence. When Obama does the same thing, it’s “controversial.”
* When other presidents rely on “czars” to tackle various policy areas, it’s routine. When Obama does the same thing, it’s “controversial.”
* When other presidents are seen in the Oval Office without a jacket or tie, it’s unimportant. When Obama does the same thing, it’s “controversial.”
* When other presidents criticize specific media outlets for unwelcome coverage, it’s commonplace. When Obama does the same thing, it’s “controversial.”
* When other presidents encourage Congress to use the budget reconciliation process to pass legislation, it’s ordinary. When Obama does the same thing, it’s “controversial.”
* When other presidents rescue struggling American industries and major companies, it’s seen as necessary. When Obama does the same thing, it’s “controversial.”
* When other presidents intervene in specific elections, and even offer jobs to help coax candidates out of various races, it’s customary. When Obama does the same thing, it’s “controversial.”
* When other presidents lead administrations that made terrorist suspects aware of their Miranda rights, it’s just the rule of law. When Obama does the same thing, it’s “controversial.”
These examples seem to come up often enough that I intend to keep a running tally going. Let me know if I miss any big ones.
