That said... I'm of the same mind as Lex, when he says:
Showing respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in this country’s defense is a right and proper thing to do. But, personally, I’d prefer a little less symbolism and a little more substance.Yup. And The One could begin by answering the phone:
After all, the loony left have fallen strangely silent. And unlike his predecessor, this president’s political opponents stand more ready to endorse a surge of forces than try to make political hay out of it. The military are lined up behind him.
It’s time to do some broken field running.
Dontcha think?
Update, 1430 hrs 10/30/2009: Lotsa discussion in comments about whether The One's Dover visit was a cynical manipulative photo-op... or not. I was giving the man the benefit of the doubt, but no more. Mudville Gazette has a fascinating roundup of events surrounding the reporting of this photo op and one simply has to believe Obama wasn't just rendering honors to the fallen. My feelings towards The One are REALLY starting to verge from medium dislike and disagreement to outright loathing.
I do agree, Buck.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fine thing to see our president finally acting presidential.
Buck, I was a bit "torn" when the decision was made to allow photos of our heroes returning home for the last time.
ReplyDeleteBut, over time, I've concluded that I still do not know if it is a good idea. I'm decisive like that...
However, in some way...if just to remind the public of the human sacrifices made "for them," (even though many will call it a 'fool's errand') it's probably a good thing.
And, I'll give BozObama credit for showing love (whether contrived, or real). Now he needs to get his ass in gear and decide to either win, or quit.
Right and proper, yes. Photo op? Not so much.
ReplyDeleteAnswer the frickin' phone.
Daph: Yep... it's most definitely time The One is seen doing something like this.
ReplyDeleteAndy: I have mixed emotions about the photos at Dover, too. But I think DoD did the right thing by putting the decision with the families. If they're OK with it, then I am, too.
Moogie: MOST definitely: Answer the frickin' phone! NOW!
I would like it more if there were no photos. It smacks of politics and personal gain for Obama. Not quite the honor to our fallen warriors that it should be or could be.
ReplyDeleteUnseemly. The civilian at attention and saluting. Okay, he'd get criticism for not saluting. Whatev.
ReplyDeleteI got no prob with the gangplank salutes on Marine-1 or Air Force-1 that a president does. This is unseemly like it was a photo-op for photo-op's sake. Bleh.
Sorry. This moment is sullied for the hero. But a Teflon sully. The hero is unsullied.
I dunno, Buck. I sincerely want to believe that it is genuine, and that he wouldn't use something so sacred as a photo op.
ReplyDeleteBut my thinking is more along the lines of Kris. Had this occured during the first month or two of term, I may have believed.
I've always wondered why you didn't do this. Our news covers their coming home all the time and a BIG DEAL is made in ceremony from the moment they are brought out of the plane and carried on shoulders to the hirst. I'm not sure the President needs to be there for a photo. It's a tad cynical. Doesn't he lead the respects nationally on Remembrance Sunday? I'm guessing yours is covered extensively. This is when our leaders should do this kind of thing and pay respects. To be honest this feels like he is using the publicity for what is a deeply poignant moment for each and every soldier returning. Photos are wrong.
ReplyDeleteThe Queen wasn't sure if she should make a public statement with the giving of the Elizabeth Cross to families. There were families both for and against the publicity around it. Some wanted to receive it without fanfare as it is a deeply personal moment.
The images of their return will have a massive effect on national psyche. It always does here.
Buck, an interesting side note, the reason they have released only these few pictures of this one transfer is because of the family members present, this was the only one would give their consent to have photo's taken, with or without the President present. That is 1 in 15, the other 3 on board were DEA Agents and the rules for them are different.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with Kris and Your Son, had he been going to these since back in January when he took on the Job, this would be less like a Photo-Op.
BT: Jimmy T sends.
Kris, BR, Jimmy: I'm fairly cynical as to motive, as well, so I get what you're saying. Sorta OT: Didja see the Moonbats couldn't resist slamming Dubya over this? Uncle Jimbo @ Blackfive wrote a GREAT "Fuck You!" response...
ReplyDeleteBob: I don't have a problem with Obama saluting... he IS the CinC (like it or don't)!
Alison: We're not quite as ceremonial as y'all when it comes to Remembrance Day... as a matter of fact we sorta let the day slide right by, calling it "Veterans Day." We honor our war dead on Memorial Day, and yes, the sitting president leads our ceremonies... such as they are... by placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery and giving a speech. I watch that every year, and it is quite moving.
All that said... I think the general population of the UK is more "in touch" with the war right now, and that's probably a function of your relatively smaller size, population-wise. The same is true for Canadians, I'm afraid. One of our wags recently said "America isn't at war... the US armed forces are at war. America is at the mall."