Hmm, I guess there is one thing I agree with Obama on
And who is going to tell the President of the United States that he cannot do something (provided no laws are broken)? Often times, Protocol says "No can do". In this case, I would do as Obama is starting to do:
When President Obama boarded Marine One for his first flight as commander-in-chief, he decided to break from tradition. Departing from the South Lawn of the White House for a trip to Williamsburg, Va., the new president extended his hand to a U.S. Marine standing in salute at the base of the helicopter's steps.
The unscripted gesture forced the Marine to break his stance and shake the president's hand before he returned to his posed position of hand at brow.
Go read the article - it was interesting. More interesting is the look of shock on the young Marine's face. After listening to the Eldest's stories about his time in the Marines, I'm quite sure that his NCOs and officers have drilled him and drilled him and drilled him within an inch of his life as to how to respond to the POTUS's presence. And then President Obama throw him a curve!
If it were me, I'd be shaking every one of those young soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen, and Coast Guards.
Return the salute as Commander-in-Chief.
Follow up with a handshake to say "Thank you for your service!".
And tell the Chief of Protocol, ahem, "I won" (albeit, politely)
