Obama "dresses down" the Presidency

Photo: UPI

The Presidency of the United States of America is our nation's highest and most revered institution. It is a symbol of American greatness and might. Its occupant is not only our head of government, he is the head of state. In electing Barack Obama to the Presidency, the American People have "loaned" him their sovereign power, and vested him with the solemn duty to govern our land and protect our beloved country.

In recognition of the solemnity of the high office, presidential appearances are traditionally accompanied by the magnificent songs "Hail to the Chief," and "Stars and Stripes Forever." "Stars and Stripes," in particular, traditionally symbolizes and celebrates the military aspect of the Presidency; the president is America's Commander in Chief - this is not an insignificant role.

Alas, now comes President Barack Obama, bearing "change!" According to CBS News, Obama wears business casual dress in the sacred Oval Office - something presidents Bush and Reagan never did - such was their reverence for the office they were privileged to occupy. Obama has also scrapped formal announcements of his arrival, and simply "shows up" at the podium and says, "hello everybody. Good to see ya!" How very dignified...

Adding to this classlessness, Obama has dropped "Hail to the Chief" and the various traditional Sousa marches, and is now preceded at public events by piano renditions of such gems as "Desert Rose," by Sting, of all people!

This may seem "hip" and "cool" to younger Americans, but the Presidency is anything but hip and cool. It is the highest aspiration of any American. President Obama is our head of state - a symbol of the greatness of our beloved nation. He is not the CEO of some L.A. record label.

The American People have invested a great deal in this man, and he is revered by millions. He should show some class and start recognizing the dignity of the office that he is privileged to occupy.