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twitterLetter to the editor:
President recognizes his solemn duty
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009 | 2:04 a.m.
As verified by CBS News, Rush Limbaugh was wrong in asserting that President George W. Bush visited Dover Air Force Base to witness the dignified transfer of remains. Elizabeth Cheney, the former vice president’s daughter, was engaging in hate-speech when she suggested last week that President Barack Obama did it for a photo op.
Bush forbade the press from covering these events for reasons relative to his plan to sell the war. The casualties were to be invisible to the public, the sacrifice of war limited to the families and friends of the dead. It was a cold, political calculation.
In my opinion, the president has a right and a duty to publicly acknowledge the sacrifice of soldiers he sends to war. At least once, he should stand and experience what the families go through. A patriotic person should respond with pride and sadness at seeing the president of the United States saluting a fallen soldier arriving on a bleak tarmac at 4 o’clock in the morning. Limbaugh and Cheney chose to criticize. Their statements should be repudiated by all Americans.
Allowing the press to cover casualties arriving at Dover or being buried at Arlington National Cemetery is the return of a freedom denied under Bush. Some families want privacy, while others choose to share their grief with the nation for whom their loved ones gave their lives. I am grateful that I am free to see these casualties return to Dover, so that I can pray for them and their families, and pray that this bloodletting will end.
Discussion: 48 comments so far…
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"Elizabeth Cheney, the former vice president's daughter, was engaging in hate-speech"
This is not "hate" speech
Bush stood up for those families that did not want publicity of their fallen family member covered, but the press would not respect their wishes. So Bush did what was right - bar all coverage to respect the families. Until the press can understand someones' grief and keep their cameras and microphones out of someones' face, I agree with keeping all of them out. The press needs to show respect to a person's privacy and not get the story at all costs. I know I would not want them present during a time like this.
w the scum bag liar loser clown did not want to show the american public brave american soldiers coming home in coffins because he knew iraq was a war based on lies...
got that...
iraq was a war based on lies...
and when people saw that his little lie was causing brave american soldiers to die he knew he would lose any and all support...
oh by the way...
i always thought ann coulter was the ugliest person on the planet...
but i have to tell you...
elizabeth cheney is closing in fast...
what a little maggot she is...
but then again...
like they say...
the apple never falls far from the tree...
even maggot filled apples!!!
So Birdie - based on your observations and conclusions, we should pull out of Afganistan so we do not see the brave American soldiers coming home in coffins ?? Barack needs to make a decision on Afganistan - on or off the pot - so we either get all the way out or go all in. Enough riding the fence. Its been over 70 days since General McCrystal asked for more troops - Obama's hand picked general - and he still can't make a decision and in the mean time, more Americans are dying waiting for a decison. If Iraq was a lie, Afganistan creates the same result - dead Americans -because we can't get a decison.
hey brownie...
that's the best you got...
pathetic...
obama described it best...
it really is funny when the children who created the mess insist that the adults now in charge need to mop faster...
pathetic...
absolutely pathetic...
Obama pushing off his decision to send more troops to Afghanistan until after the NJ election is shockingly evil.
Well all you have to do is examine Obaminiations record as in : 1. Was Muslim until he was 10 2. Accomplished nothing during his time in the Senate 3. Shows arrogance and ego when on TV as in talking down to the people of this country 4. Blames everybody but himself 5. Attacks all that disagree 6 Has foot in mouth disease. When all is done this is the most inexperienced and incompetent man that ever held the presidency of this country. This examination should have been done by all the voters before November of 2008.
nance... that's a load of doo-doo.
An example of "shockingly evil" in the context of foreign policy is what happened the day Reagan was elected in 1980.
Vietnam War commie-siders (draftdodging felons too): Boy George, Cheney, Rush, Rudy, Bishops Mitt-Hatch, Sesssions, Shelby, Boehner, McConnell, Lott, "You Lie", in-justice Alito, Quayle, Hastert, Coburn, Cronyn, Dobbs (birther), O'Reilly, Hammmer, Delay, Cal Thomas, Frist, Bennet Boys, etc.
Birdie - I did not vote for this "pass the blame on everybody else" president. When is he going to get the mop out of the bucket on any subject? Hes still campaigning - for what, I don't know. Maybe if he spent some time in the oval office instead of running around the country doing nothing we would get a decision on something, anything, would be good. He wanted the office, now do your job.
Reagen ended the cold war which was the greatest threat to the USA and could have resulted in the death of millions.
Only idiot libs who heads are so far up their crazy f-up view of the world can't see that if their life depended on it.
I think that is like exhibit 1 that libs live in lala land. Exhibit 2 is their belief that Bush/Cheney was behind 9/11.
i love you liberals and your cultish following of obama.
he's a politican, let it go.
Well, anything and anyone that doesn't along with the Democrat party line is considered "hate" by them. Just another over- played political buzzword.
Obama greeting war dead in Dover. If you had a dead son returning home I think you would appreciate the gesture. It was and is a good thing for a head of state to acknowledge in person a mothers sacrifice. It is not Obama's war but it is his responsibility to conduct it's operations. I disagree with much of the Presidents politics.However, his compassionate demeanor regarding these fallen patriots is commendable. Whether you agree with the Afghan war from a political view is of no consequence to the parents, sisters, brothers, wives, children and ME.
hey brownie...
sorry skippy...
everybody knows the disasters in iraq and afghanistan fall squarely on the shoulders of w the scum bag liar loser clown and cheney the evil doer...
bet you don't see those maggots travel abroad much...
if at all...
they know they could be arrested for war crimes...
hell why do you think cheney the evil doer is still in dc...
not to advance the cause...
he is trying to protect his behind from landing in jail...
those disasters are theirs...
all theirs...
period...
end of story...
sorry brownie...
all done with you today...
don't have time to go over the same old stuff which is recognized as fact by those with half a brain...
toodles...
Now that the elections over, maybe President Obama can make a decision on Afghanistan.
I am beginning to come to the conclusion that Obama should pull all our troops out of Afghanistan because I don't think he has what it takes to win a war more or less run a war.
You liberals need to get over Bush and stop using others to justify the stupidly of Obama and clan. Obama does not recognize his solemn duty; he recognizes only one thing, the camera and his arrogance.
Obama needs to Man Up and do his job he was elected to do, be America's leader; Obama is pushing the Democrats and their sick agenda to further desecrate America into poverty so the nation becomes codependent amongst them.
Obama has been in office 11 months and he has caused more harm to America since 1776 and at the present rate, America will become a 3rd world country before 2012. America is becoming weaker everyday and we're just about ripe enough for picking and Obama will do everything possible to ensure we're doomed.
Obama is directly responsible for the loss of more American lives in a single month in Afghanistan since this war began, and you sick liberals have the gall to praise this evil sadistic person, you should be ashamed of yourselves.,
Now that the elections are over with wait and see, he will now make a decision in Afghanistan. He lied again; Obama is all about Obama and what he can suck from us taxpayers to further his sick agenda.
Thanks Birdie - your dismissing me for the day was a nice touch. When you have no good info or data or facts, just walk away. You must have learned from the no decision president. Just wait and it will go away - not this time. See note by is2hot - he is in agreement with what most say in these posts - Obama is a do nothing president and if he waits long enough, maybe we will forget or it will go away. What a leader!!!
IT WAS A PHOTO-OP
The pathetic straight party cult followers posting here seem to want things to get worse for a long time just so they can keep blaming Bush. The hope remains but the change is nowhere to be found.
In my career I took a number of positions in which I was specifically responsible to clean up a mess left by my predecessor - that was my specialty. This was the reason Obama was elected - the anti-Bush vote. In my career, I would have been fired on the spot if I told my superiors I wasn't succeeding because my predecessor had made a big mess. DUH - that's why you're here.
You apologists need to decide what's important to you - your pride or what's best for the country. Bush-bashing doesn't cut it anymore. Admit you made a mistake and get on with helping.
After not seeing birdbrain for a bit I thought that he might have dried up?Were we wrong.I am getting so sick and tired of the mindless drabble that comes from this fool.The past administration is gone,yet this fool has to keep bringing up the past.As does all libs!The libs have had control for almost 11 months and have done nothing but given my tax money away!Raised the debt to unthinkable levels.Trying to ram socialists ideas down my throat!Our so called pres put his man in place of the military.The man told Obooma what he needed,yet the man continues to drag his feet!I for one dont see anything that this man has done to change America,other than make us a laughing stock!I have an answer for you Booma,IF OUR TROOPS NEED HELP,GIVE IT TO THEM!IF THEY NEED MORE FUNDING,GIVE IT TOO THEM!YOU PUT THAT GENREAL IN PLACE,AND HE'S TELLING YOU WHAT HE NEEDS.STOP DRAGGING YOUR FEET AND GIVE IT TO THEM!IF YOU WANT TO GIVE AWAY MY TAX DOLLARS,I WOULD RATHER IT GO TO MY TROOPS,THAN YOU GIVEING IT TO THESE CORPERATIONS THAT ONLY HAVE THE DESIRE TO USE IT FOR MASSIVE BONUS'ES!DO THE JOB YOU WERE PUT THERE FOR.THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!NOT THE BIG CORPERATIONS,AND FILL YOUR POCKETS!!!
AND, the usual trolls are here spewing their usual hate. Do you loser trolls enjoy your 25 cents per post from the RNC and/or Sherm of the RJ? You're nothing but a bunch of losers! Go Birdie, I agree with your posts and it drives the trolls even crazier. Go Birdie, you have more fortitude than most of us to take on these useless trolls! Keep it up please, these loser trolls need to be put in their place. Maybe if these loser trolls would get a real paying job, they wouldn't have the time to post their drivel here.
Its2hot described the Obama agenda perfect. Turn the US into a 3rd world country by 2012. Than he can become the dictator like his good friends Chavez and Castro. Why do you people think his agenda is to create more government? The more you need him, the harder it will be to get rid of him. Mm mm mm, Obama. Well at least we only lost 200,000 jobs last month!I guess our economy has turned around ;-)
moogie thinks that anyone who questions the administration or anything else are a bunch of loser trolls.
I would rather be a loser troll than an extremist from the Left...
moogie - you and birdie are cut from the same cloth. When things do not go your way you resort to name calling, a trait Birdie uses very well. Its good to question the other side, however, when does name calling ever accomplish anything?? If you want to follow the likes of Nancy and Harry and Barack and use name calling when you do not have anything intelligent to say, go for it because we all now know your lack of intellignence.
THANX RUMRUNNER.
Larry Loser - Get a clue wailer (as you call everyone who doesn't agree with you). You and your fellow trolls have nothing to add to the conversation but you keep yapping anyway. Even your response to me says NOTHING. You are nothing but a loser!
When I saw the President had traveled to Dover several thoughts popped into my head.
First thought; perhaps a well meant gesture on the Presidents part, but appeared to me to be a choreographed photo op.
Second thought, If the president was not there the press would not have covered that arrival other than the one photographer who has consistently met the majority of arrivals.
Third thought, The position of Commander in Chief is unenviable and the people should expect consciences forethought when making potentially life or death decisions, but leadership requires a measure of decisiveness. While the sight of the President attending the arrival conveys to some that he sees the price of war, it concerns me that he will allow himself to be emotionally paralyzed when the hard decisions need to be made. I have served for over twenty years and I follow the Commander in Chief, regardless of their political party, but when I stand in front of my personnel I need to be able to look them in the eye believing the President can make the hard decisions, whatever they may be.
Hey moogie... Glad to be of service to you...
I only use wailer to describe someone who is writing a letter to the editor. Nothing derogatory. "to express dissatisfaction plaintively" Look it up...
Like I stated earlier:
"I would rather be a loser troll than an extremist from the Left..."
If my son came back from a military area dead I would not let Obama near the casket. Obama is the exact opposite of what the soldiers are fighting. I would not him disgrace my son.
Bush hid the war dead so he could continue a war based on lies and his rich friends at the defense contractors could make billions. It was about money not 9/11.
For those who fought against the Vietnam war, the thousands of bodies helped end that illegal war.
What Obama did was right. Over 4000 americans have died in Iraq. For what?
Had Bushie, the moron, sent the troop to afganistan, where the real problem was, this whole war thing would be over.
Bush only wanted to make his rich friend richer, war was just a means to an end.
Hey Bob, I hate to inform you of the fact that Bush is not President now. But you have another three years to blame everything on him...
So, HOW did Bush hid the bodies?
And, Viet Nam was an illegal war?
This was nothing but a photo op for Obama...
These American war dead did not die in Iraq. These American soldiers were Afghanistan causalities. UNDER OBAMA'S LEADERSHIP OR LACK OF IT.
Sad, these soldiers died while their Commander in Chief was fiddling... Trying to figure out a way to pull our troops out because he does not have the will or courage to fight a war...
Do you were a pink anti war blouse???
Correction there Bob...
The word I was looking for was "wear."
Do you wear a pink anti war blouse???
Bob635.....
You hit the nail on the head! Texas George took us to both wars in the Middle East & our current economic debacle is due to his brain-less policies. The war in Afghanistan would already be over if "clueless George" had not invaded Iraq & had instead used those troops in Afghanistan...
The comment made by several brain-dead right-wingers about us becoming a 3rd world country due to the policies of Obama is funny at best....
Can you imagine where we would currently be if McSame had won last November? Scary thought! Scary thought!
Wow Larry - you got the liberals all riled up. You must have used either common sense or the truth; Either one of them will get 'em going.
Wolfy...
Glad to see you made it back from your trip to Iraq. Things have really calmed down there I hear. The U.S. has given Iraq the most priceless gift in the world. Freedom. I hope they won't squander the opportunity because this chance won't come around again.
On you trip home, did you stop and give President Obama some advice on how to make a decision on Afghanistan? I hope you told him to either get in the fight with all of his might, or pull out our troops and resign.
LarryVegas.....
Sorry to disappoint you but I didn't go to Iraq. You are correct, however, things have calmed down in Iraq. I guess all it took was for Obama to win election last year & give some much needed leadership to the Iraq situation....
When it comes to Afghanistan, relax, Obama will do the right thing with that situation......something that GWB was unable to do....
I see that your "hero" has been in Japan throwing out the first ball for the Japanese world series......I wonder if his wife went along. Surely she did.... Other wise I'm not sure George would be able to find his way home.....
Obama has done nothing about Afghanistan since he took office. The pathetic little fool hasn't a clue what to do. He should go back to Chicago and collect bribes, the only thing he is competent to do.
Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
I'm glad he did.
jlb101, your anti-American tirades are wild.
Until you Repubs can admit that Bush caused this mess, there's no hope for you.
It will take 8 long years to clean up the
Bush MESS.
So some of you know,i am neither republican,nor am i a democrat.I have a mind of my own,and vote on whom i think will do the best job.I get crap from both parties,and they both spill the same foul lies,so dont sit back with your holyier then thou crap!Bush was a mess,and Obooma isnt any better.Infact Obooma is worse,in the fact he hasnt got a clue on what he's doing!As for my comments above,i stand by them.AS WELL AS MY TROOPS 100%!GIVE OUR TROOPS WHAT THEY NEED,AND GET THE DAMN JOB DONE,AND GET OUT!GIVE THE MAN THAT YOU CHOOSE WHAT HE NEEDS NOW!AS FOR THE NAM,LETS NOT GO THERE.
Hey teamster:
"It will take 8 long years to clean up the
Bush MESS." But it will take only three more years to clean up the Obama MESS...
LarryVegas said:
"It will take 8 long years to clean up the
Bush MESS." But it will take only three more years to clean up the Obama MESS..."
Larry, my little friend....take two aspirin and go straight to bed. Maybe what ever your malady is will pass with a good night's sleep!
Daddy... Can I have two beers instead?
I'm proud that Presdient Obama went To Dover Air Base to recognize the fallen heros and their families. To those who say that it was merely a photo op I say that you are letting politics cloud your judgement.
President Obama is OUR President whether you like it or not. God bless him.
I'm proud that President Obama went to Dover Air Force Base to get his picture taken next the fallen heros who were killed while the President played politics with their lives...
No, Larry, your premise is totally wrong. The soldiers that died did so for their country. President Obama is taking his time to make sure we are on the right path in our involvement in Afghanistan. Politics has nothing to do with it.
God bless President Obama has he reaches the correct decision on the war in Afghanistan.
Or perhaps you would like another Viet-Nam?
Tell that to the troops in the field waiting for Obama to made the decision that he should have made months ago.
The choices are easy. Support your troops or immediately pull them out.
Sorry salty, I think Obama is playing political games with our soldiers...