On the end of DADT, but a troubling image

Note to readers: While running for Texas State Senate, I kept my political posts in this space to a minimum, but now that the election is over, I find it difficult to continue to separate the political stuff. So, if you don’t like the political stuff, please just ignore it. Most of my post will still be business related.

Yesterday, it was announced that the Congress has authorized an end to the “Do Ask, Don’t Tell” policy which will enable openly homosexual men and women to serve in the United States military. I applaud this decision and believe it will ultimately lead to a stronger more vital force.

I have long believed that anyone who wants to serve in this capacity should have the right to do so. My thanks to anyone who has served in the past! Here, here!

That said, accompanying the story was this photo of President Barack Obama:

The image of the President seems to be a common occurrence, and goes all the way back to some of his campaign shots in which the circle representing the halo was the logo from his campaign.

What is even more troubling to me is that Obama is not alone in being portrayed in this fashion. It seems this was trend for George Bush as well although the number of different images is considerably less. What is more, you cannot find this type of image for Clinton, Bush 39, or Reagan. (I did not go back any further.)

I do not think it is helpful for us to see images as sanctifying our leaders. Our Presidents, on both sides of the aisle, are humans with humans flaws and failings. They are not capable of miracles, nor, quite frankly, should we want or expect them to be.