In her defense, her arms were probably just tired after a long day of inauguratin'

[Miles Archer]

[Bengus81]

1. Why does Melania hate America and our freedoms?!?!?!

Something along those lines....

[WhiteTara]

11. She's still acclimating to her legal status.

[DK504]

35. Maybe she needs to show some respect

for her so-called new country. The nudie modle needs to be explained likeshe is a 5th grader to understand. Dumb ass.

The hypocrisy knows no bounds.

[WhiteTara]

37. She's a Trump. No respect needed.

Why should she when Drumpf has none either. They are a step above 4 legged animals.

[workinclasszero]

62. Why does she?

I expect this outrage to be all over the National Enquirer front page at the grocery checkout tomorrow!

[coco22]

2. Maybe because she salutes another flag..

[dalton99a]

3. +1

[uponit7771]

13. +1

[blueseas]

26. +100

Just maybe.

[CincyDem]

4. In her defense...

...maybe, as an immigrant becoming American in a non-patriotic household (Trump's) she's unaware of the custom. Certainly, someone in the campaign staff could have helped her understand and transition into the role but they probably treat her just like he does...and I suspect he treats her like a sack of shit.

I'm coming to the conclusion that she's not our first lady, she's our First Victim (of his emotional abuse).

I'm sure there are lots of reasons we can think of as to why we should lump her in with the deplorables but I think it's right to gently put our hand on her back and offer her real American values - ones that she's not getting anywhere close to her.

IMHO.

[Javaman]

12. when you are sworn in as an American citizen, you say the pledge and

put your hand over your heart when the anthem is played.

she knows.

but then again, was she ever actually sworn in as an American?

[Hestia]

21. We were taught as children to only put your hand over your heart for the Pledge only

Even that was new when we were kids because earlier generations held their hands out towards the flag, not over their hearts.

Maybe she is going old school?

[grantcart]

33. same here

not true about the original Pledge action though, it was only started in the 50s.

[Hestia]

59. You can see school children holding their hands out in movies from the 1920's. The

optics reaffirmed in talkies. I asked my mom and she said yes, that is how they did way back when.

[grantcart]

61. Interesting, we are both right

informal regional uses had been common since the 1900s. It wasn't until June 1954 that Congress passed a resolution for a national daily exercise for school children to recite the pledge.

[KittyWampus]

14. On the other hand (pun intended), a competent White House team would have staff

Last edited Mon Jan 23, 2017, 12:10 PM - Edit history (1)

going over every single little detail with both her and Trump.

She DEFINITELY had someone style her for that day. But no one went over etiquette.

[m-lekktor]

15. yeah, this sort of thing is what wingnuts get all pissy about anyway, like flag lapel pins.

I have better things to worry about.

[truebluegreen]

24. I tend to agree.

Apparently we are not alone: there were numerous "Free Melania" signs at the march.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

31. I read an excellent article about this.

It really changed my attitude towards her. And made me look at myself, and how I too was including her in my disgust for dumpf, basically assuming she's the same kind of person that he is.

Now that I'm being aware of my reactions to the 2 dimensional front we see, I'm seeing there is more to her situation.

If we can pretty much agree on one thing, it's that abuse behind closed doors destroys you. I don't think we need to argue that he's abusive.

She looks shell shocked to me, and I know personally what a front like that looks like.

I believe too, she's a victim.
Sometimes, victims turn on their abusers. I hope she does.

[PatSeg]

34. This is the impression I get

She looks exhausted and "shell shocked". I really don't want to treat Melania the same way that republicans treated Michelle. My beef is with that vulgar, deceitful husband of hers. I'm not going to take my anger out on her. She didn't run for office and probably never wanted any of this.

If we pick on Melania, she could suffer consequences behind closed doors. As far as we know, her only crime is really bad taste in men, but as a woman, I can relate to that.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

39. Yes. Dang I have to find that article and post it.

She got herself out of childhood poverty in Yugoslavia the best way she could. When you're desperate --and starting in childhood!-- your understanding of the world is compromised. You're in survival mode and no idea of realities of the consequences of walking into victimizing relationships.

[PatSeg]

41. Also it appears

that like many women, she married "her father" who apparently is a lot like Trump. I hope some day, she escapes her gilded cage and gets that adorable boy away from the monster.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

42. I didn't know that about her father.

I hope she turns on him and saves herself and the poor kid.

[PatSeg]

46. I think she has it in her

to stand up to him and I am sure she has about a lot of things, but now that Trump is president, she could really be stuck for some time.

This is Melania's father. He even has the same taste in ties!

[BlancheSplanchnik]

75. Woa!

[Tanuki]

52. I didn't get the impression that her background was impoverished.

I've read that she was the daughter of parents who were both solid wage earners and that she was a university student with her own apartment in her nation's capital when she was "discovered" for modeling.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

74. I know dumpf put out fake info about her background and education.

I got the detail that she was poor from the article I was talking about. It's a gooood read. http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/feminism/2016/12/we-should-be-kind-americas-first-victim-melania-trump

[Tanuki]

79. I did not base my remark on fake info from the Trump camp,

but on reports from journalists who visited Melania's home town and spoke with people who knew her family and went to school with her. For example:

https://www.google.com/amp/www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/11/tiny-town-in-slovenia-where-melania-trump-grew-up-basks-in-glow/amp/?client.com.com=ms-android-att-us

https://www.google.com/amp/s/ijr.com/wildfire/2016/12/761718-melania-trumps-childhood-as-communists-daughter-to-her-future-as-americas-first-lady/amp/?client=ms-android-att-us

[BlancheSplanchnik]

84. Ah ha. Thanks for the links!

Hmmm.... weird.

[lunamagica]

57. AFAIK she was never poor. She even made it to college. And by the time she met trumputing she was

making a good living as a model

[BlancheSplanchnik]

73. That detail was from the article.

It's brilliant. http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/feminism/2016/12/we-should-be-kind-americas-first-victim-melania-trump

[KittyWampus]

38. There are several photos I've seen of Trump walking way ahead of her. Her getting out of limo alone

while Trump is already near the door. Trump through the door and Obama and Michelle escorting Melania.

In one video, Trump is at a podium and flashes his hand up at Melania in apparent annoyance as she gets ready to speak.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

40. Yes. The signs are SO clear.

She's in constant self-protection mode and has no one....no human kindness from her monsterous husband either. Narcissists are particularly cruel to those closest to them.

[KittyWampus]

65. She has her son who seems like a nice little fellow. So cute seeing him play peek-boo

the other day.

[Butterflylady]

44. I beleive

she suffers from Stockholm Syndrome, where they protect their abuser.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

76. I agree. n/t

[DK504]

36. Their own staff doesn't understand

the protocals that must be followed in these moments.

[lunamagica]

56. I don't know... puting the hand over your heart to honor the flag is done in most countries.

Anyway, it is done in citizenship ceremonies. The new American citizens honor the flag by putting their hand over their hearts

Ignorance is not and excuse in this case

[Skittles]

68. she has been here a LONG time

[Dem2]

6. Funny

Because it will annoy his sheep if thrown in their face, but I personally could care less.

[SticksnStones]

7. She's not his wife, she's his handler

Why would she salute the enemy's flag?

Just speculatin'

[m-lekktor]

16. The USA is an enemy of Slovenia? who knew...nt

[SticksnStones]

30. Didn't realize you were a Melania fan....

Good on you then.

[Dorian Gray]

82. oh geez.

[global1]

8. Spicer & Conway Say She Clearly Has Her Hand ....

over her heart.

Alternative
Factly!!!!!

[exboyfil]

9. Add image to this Snopes

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/photos/veteransday2011.asp

Later photo clearly shows Mrs. Obama with her hand over her heart. List both on Facebook.

Where is the image of Mrs. Trump from? I would like to link to it for Facebook.

[Miles Archer]

28. Daily Kos, among other sources.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2017/1/22/1623469/-Melania-and-the-Flag-Actions-and-Words

Melania has asserted that she became a legal US citizen in 2006, ten years after first arriving here. Fine. We’ll take that at face value for now, in the absence of documentation absolutely proving otherwise (leaving aside a certain tasteless photo shoot).

But it’s interesting that she says this, because her behavior at the inauguration as the flag passed by was absolutely on point — for a non-citizen.
United States Code, Title 4, Section 9: Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of the flag:

During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.

[ismnotwasm]

10. That would put both hands closer to him

I am under the distinct impression that she avoids this--plus his elbow is right over her breast--he such a pig

[Scarsdale]

17. Boobs

He bought them for her, so he likely reminds her that he OWNS them. Before he bought them, she had the body of an adolescent BOY. No curves, straight up and down. Oh, and her eyes opened up fully also.

[TomVilmer]

18. But why is Trump making a military salute?

If the context is the national anthem "individuals in uniform should give the military salute ... veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute ... all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart".

There is no formal exception for POTUS, but mainly since Ronald Reagan the military salute has been done by presidents - a militarization of the position of a civil leader.

[heaven05]

22. as much as he dissed

veterans during his campaign, this commander-in-chief is the poster boy for hypocrisy.....he is NOT a potus to lead a country such as this...he's turned this nation into trumpistan...a third world nation with nukes led by racists and bigots of every stripe. Anyone who voted for a bigot/racist is the same. PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[braddy]

48. Eisenhower also saluted military personnel as president.

http://www.politifact.com/punditfact/statements/2014/sep/24/rachel-maddow/rachel-maddow-not-even-old-gen-eisenhower-saluted-/

"We wouldn’t normally dig up a claim a few years old, but the current fascination with the presidential salute and Jones' post had us wondering about Maddow’s claim that "not even old Gen. Eisenhower, had saluted military personnel."
"YouTube and archival video proves this claim wrong."

[TomVilmer]

55. Yes. That's why I wrote 'mainly since Ronald Reagan'

Since others has done it sometimes. Ronald Reagan made it a new standard, and since then all presidents has done it, even those like Clinton, Obama and Trump who has done no military service. Also Roosevelt and a handful of older presidents was real civilians - has no idea how they saluted...

[louis-t]

58. He's an idiot. He should give the Vulcan salute

and do a secret handshake. Moron.

[IronLionZion]

19. There's a known grabber standing next to her

she needs her hands down there for protection.

[heaven05]

20. IF!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michelle Obama had done this.....the media, republiKKKans and even many here would have lambasted her and President Obama. What a fucking parody/huge joke ameriKKKa has openly become...........the hypocrisy STINKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was looking at the headlines of my local newspaper from 2008 and 20012 and one from yesterday....the comparison...millions watch Obama getting sworn in....millions protest the new fuhrer getting sworn in.....says it all.

[truebluegreen]

23. In fairness

she probably has no idea what the correct protocol is. Like her husband.

[TrekLuver]

25. She has no idea what to do or when....

[meadowlark5]

27. I saw on FB a pic of Trump saluting the marine and it said

Last edited Mon Jan 23, 2017, 10:54 PM - Edit history (1)

"Isn't it nice to have a president who respects our military again" Yes, I never, ever saw Obama salute the marine stepping off of Air Force One. Just that one single time when he was holding a cup of coffee in his hand. So disrespectful!!!

Give Melania a chance. She's got to learn how to be a 'merkin. She's a foreigner, but the good kind.

[KJAvina]

69. True?

Yeah, i feel for her. Spouses and kids should be left out.

That story must be "alternate facts" about Obama. Especially since it can be proven wrong.

[meadowlark5]

70. Sorry - I was being sarcastic

I added the sarcasm smilie. I, unfortunately, just went through this on another thread.

I view everything Trump and his voters through a very sarcastic lens. Sometimes I forget that I'm talking to a really larger world here on DU and not everyone is going to get my sarcasm.

The picture was true, but I added the rest because the salute with the coffee cup in hand seems to be the only time republicans remember Obama saluting the marine.

[KJAvina]

72. I took it wrong

So sorry. I just despise trump and his cronies. He drives me nutso. It is going to be a rough 4years.

I am kinda new to this forum and will have to learn how to take comments.

[tecelote]

29. She married Donald...

She may not have a heart.

[Blue Idaho]

32. Bet she salutes the Russian flag. nt.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

43. At the risk of defending a Deplorable perhaps she isn't aware of the protocol.

I am not sure I would be.

[TrekLuver]

66. But when you have qualified people in place shouldn't everything of been went over???

[Sunlei]

45. until trump learns how to salute she's the official presidents elbow rest.

[luvMIdog]

47. I feel sorry for the 'Stepford' wife

Sure , she had to have married the Cheeto for money, but she probably did not have any idea what a pit she had just put herself in. She has IMO the nastiest most unpleasant job in America.- Not talking about being the first lady, I'm talking about having Donald Trump as her ball and chain. Gawd what a nightmare that must be! Who knows what all he threatens her with. She is definitely in a prison though she appears to be free.

I think she probably did not know what to do & no one informed her. All her hubby cares about is what she looks like as his trophy wife & so he isn't going to clue her in on anything.

[MrModerate]

49. I suspect she just didn't know. n/t

[ffr]

50. Showing her family's true allegiance to some other government no doubt.

Freudian Slip.



Get on the Rush is Wrong!

[colorado_ufo]

51. Be kind.

She is completely out of her element and has a lot to learn. Her dumph is the real disaster.

If she hasn't improved after six months, that's another story.

[Tanuki]

53. .....

?lg=5

[Hekate]

54. The Don has his elbow shoved over a third of her body. Anyway, let's not be this petty. I bet....

...that protocol officers are among those her husband had summarily dismissed at noon.

[JudyM]

64. Can you imagine Obama with his arm protruding across Michelle like that? DT holds no respect for

her personal space. He operates in his own egosphere.

[herding cats]

60. Was she repeatedly doing a sequence of two blinks?

Seriously tough, I saw her at one point with Trump at a luncheon where he was addressing the crowd during the events. It was obvious no one had briefed her on protocol. When she left the podium, rather than go for her seat as Trump told her (which he shouldn't have been the doing in the first place), she apparently decided to take a bathroom break, much to the dismay of the attendees and the secret service that had to dash to catch-up to her.

[kjones]

63. I'm assuming in that White House, she's just treated as an afterthought...

Besides, how can anyone find time to see to her when it takes so much
to *try* to babysit Donald?

[erpowers]

67. The Hypocritical Treatment of Michelle Obama vs Melania Trump is Massive

Michelle Obama was probably more like Jackie Onasis than Melania Trump, but the media started comparing Trump to Onasis on inauguration day. I heard today that some are claiming that Melania Trump is being called one of the most glamorous first ladies of all time. I think Michelle Obama was just as glamorous as Melania Trump, if not more glamorous. In addition, Michelle Obama was criticized for just wearing an off-the-shoulder dress. Melania Trump wore an off-the-shoulder dress that had a slit that went, I believe, up to her hip and people gave the outfit a thumbs up. If Michelle Obama had worn that dress, she would have been called a slut and criticized mercilessly.

[KJAvina]

71. Very hypocritical!

[Cosmocat]

81. America 2017

Not new, the media has done it my whole life, but always the rush to breathlessly make the Rs so special.

[NanceGreggs]

77. Maybe she's new to all of this ...

... and isn't aware of what she was "expected to do".

This is reminiscent of the old "people who don't wear flag pins are unAmerican" meme.

[exboyfil]

78. I know it is old news but here is a clip

of George W. Bush totally sailing past without saluting a saluting Marine at Marine One (same thing Obama was criticized for when he went back to shake the Marine's hand).

Also it is not clear but it does not appear that either Mrs. Reagan or Mrs. Bush put their hands over their hearts when the colors went by at the 1981 inauguration. Also Reagan and Bush appear to put their hands over their hearts and not salute.

Clip of Bush where you can barely see the Marines hand is at 0:36 seconds. I wish I brought it up years ago when Obama was being criticized.

[Ilsa]

80. Why is Pence putting his hand over his spleen?

Is he venting his spleen over the flag or the crappy attendance?

[Tanuki]

83. He doesn't have a heart to place his hand over, so he's

trying to make do with what he's got.