Obama should have attended march

By George Pucine, Las Vegas

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 | 2 a.m.

Once again, President Barack Obama has embarrassed this country with his actions, or should I say inaction? This man who relishes photo ops and placing his persona in front of the public opted to stay home watching football instead of joining a million marchers in solidarity with France in support of free speech last month. Among those participating were the heads of state of France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Now, the White House admits its blunder, with its spokesman noting the administration should have sent someone with a high profile. Yet, our secretary of state calls the criticism “quibbling.” Quibbling?

Can you imagine what it would have meant to the United States to have a worldwide press photo that showed Obama linked arm in arm with French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel leading the march? Instead, our president idled in front of a TV to watch sports.

Aaron David Miller, a former peace negotiator who is now with the Wilson Center for International Scholars in Washington, put it succinctly when he tweeted: “Not an excuse in the universe” could explain the lapse.”

Indeed, Mr. Miller.