As for this image, where Obama is standing under a flag of the United States of America, as the commander-in-chief, with military officers during a Veteran's Day observance.

One commentator suggested, “The photo was taken during the playing of "Hail to the Chief". So, it would be very improper for the President to have his hand over his heart or salute himself.”

(But not being there, it provides opportunity for us to doubt that such was the actual tune played, since a civilian does not cover his heart when the band plays the Presidential “ruffles and flourishes”, but a civilian would, equally as the President, if it were the National Anthem).

Others said:

“As a civilian, he is not required to render a hand salute as a Military person in uniform is. He should honor the flag by putting his hand over his heart like the other civilian did. Being President, he should know that.”

“You can't make it to [be] President and then pull something so unpatriotic as to not salute the flag.” [Really?]

“Having an American president who is commander of all military that does not put his hand over his heart or salutes is extremely offensive to America and all of its military.”

“Interesting to note the military's morale is dropping.”

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The Law: "During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart." -- United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171. (Wait a minute here, what about equal rights and women, eh?).

Turns out that refusing an American Flag lapel pin (Obonzo refused to wear that, too) isn't the only way Barack Obama chooses to show he's a different kind of Democrat, and disdaining the military he commands.

At another place, someone said of Obama: "He's not a 'Pomp and Circumstance' kind of guy," says press secretary Robert Gibbs of the new president."

Response: "More a "Pimp My Ride" kinda guy?" then, quoted:

"To avoid bankruptcy, Rome's budget must be balanced; debt reduced; arrogance of authorities moderated; payments to foreign governments reduced; people must learn to work, instead of living on public dole". Cicero, 63 B.C. Far too many historians and others claim modern America is the duplicate of ancient Rome, and will suffer the same fate.

See also, the image "Obama refuses to salute the U.S. flag during the National Anthem in Iowa," where Obonzo does not 'cover the heart' when the Stars & Stripes is played, when all the rest of us really do it and mean it. Obonzo does not mean it; foreigners have no such "duty".