The White House Press Corps- They Stand for Obama but Didn't for Bush

Sean Hannity has pointed out on his Fox show tonight the failure of the White House Press Corps to stand when President George Bush showed up in the briefing room. He showed videos of several such occasions when the press corps failed to show the traditional courtesy when a president walks into a room and contrasted that with the standing reception President Obama got when he showed up unexpectedly today in the briefing room. For those not familiar with the custom, I would like to explain it.

It is custom and tradition that when a head of state walks into a room, those present should stand. That is true whether or not it is your nation's president or the head of state of another nation. That courtesy also extends to an ambassador-whether yours or from another country. It also extends to national anthems-yours or that of another nation. It is not governed by what one thinks of the leader, ambassador or country.

In my own life, I have had occasion to stand for two presidents. The first was when I was working at the FBI Academy as an instructor, and President George H.W. Bush came to address the graduating FBI basic agent class. The second was at UC-Irvine a few years back when former President Jimmy Carter came to speak. In addition, in the 1970s, I had occasion to attend a speech by the Ambassador of Thailand to the US when he spoke in Washington. Finally, I have been present at the appearances of US ambassadors in Thailand Italy, Georgia, Guatamala, and probably a few other places as well. It was the custom to stand when they entered. I have also stood for numerous national anthems of countries other than my own. It is not a sign of allegiance, rather a sign of respect.

Yes, I stood when Jimmy Carter entered the room and when he left. I didn't applaud, but then again, that was not required. I simply showed him the respect he was due as a former president.

For that reason, I am appalled that even in the White House, the Press Corps didn't see fit to stand when George Bush entered the room. Not to do so was a sign of a complete lack of respect. The fact that they detested Bush was no excuse. It was a breach of protocol, pure and simple. I would definitely stand if President Obama entered the room because he is the President of the United States. My opinion of him doesn't matter.

I thank Sean Hannity for bringing this to the public's attention. It shows what a classless group the White House Press Corps is.