On Day One of his presidency, everywhere Obama went they played "Hail to the Chief" for him – but not since. In fact the U.S. Marine Band's duties at the White House over the last 10 days appear to have been dramatically downsized.
"Hail To The Chief", is no longer worthy of the Office of the President of the United States. It is now out of style. Obsolete. Cast away as a remnant of antiquated times. Someone else’s culture.
The current president has decided he fancies some different tunes, and as such, are far more worthy of being played at any public event where his grand entrance will be made.
Seems like the U.S. Marine Corps band at the White House has been cast aside in favour of a new pianist playing Obama’s favourite songs.
The Obama Way will be to play Sting’s "Desert Rose" in Arabic.
This Arabic language song will be played at public events, before and after the president's appearance, instead of the traditional “Hail to the Chief.”
Sting with Cheb Mami, aka Ahmed Khelifati Mohamed, certainly tickled Obama’s fancy. Could this be Barack Obama’s warm and fuzzy reminder of his days in Jakarta? Of studying the Quran? Of reciting the Muslim Call To Prayer?
To many Americans, this excessive informality suggests a real distaste for "official" or "patriotic" music, not to mention the Marine band that plays it.
Traditions can only be so cavalierly discarded when there is no understanding or respect for the price that has been paid to attain or keep them.
At this rate, why doesn't he just put his i-Pod in a speaker and hit "Shuffle"?
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