[cloche]

The leader of the US was actually supposed to function as a king. Washington was offered the role of king for the new country however he rejected it which ended up leading to the presidential role.

It's strange how much reverence Americans place in the presidential role as if it were actually a king.

[pyuser583]

The President is roughly like a federal version of a state governor. State governors are modeled after Tudor monarchs.

Over time the symbolism has evolved - the American people tend to want more pomp and ceremony than the presidents themselves.

We are looking for something like the Venetian Doge - a very showy anti-monarch.

[cmrdporcupine]

It's also strangely martial. Commander in chief, first president a general, all that stuff.

The blurring of the executive and the military, the adoration of troops and war, etc. All very strange(?) for a country whose military has only ever been really involved in outside interference and war and not defense of homeland.

"Thank you for your service" is an odd phrase to hear to non-Americans -- service for what? The US is at no risk of invasion.

Hegseth is a low-IQ fascist fool, but renaming to Department of War is at least acknowledging reality.

The Trump government just mostly says the formerly quiet part out loud.

[palata]

> "Thank you for your service" is an odd phrase to hear to non-Americans -- service for what?

Well they are serving the US military, which is generally used for the benefit of the US people. Does not mean it's defending their territory.

Now to be fair, when the US people thanks their soldiers for their service, I don't think they are necessarily thankful for the US threatening to invade what used to be considered as allies (like Canada or Europe).

But I do agree that it is an odd phrase to hear to non-Americans.