George Bush and Donald Rumsfeld both skipping Ford ceremonies!!!!
While George and Laura Bush simply refuse to cut their "vacation" at their Texas ranch short to attend ceremonies for former President Gerald Ford tonight, Donald Rumsfeld actually attempted to excuse his absence. According to various reports, Donald Rumsfeld (who is supposed to be an honorary pall bearer) issued a statement saying he was unable to make it tonight due to snow in New Mexico. However, the only part of New Mexico experiencing ANY type of wintry precipitation tonight is the EXTREME northeastern part of the state, which has had some on and off light snow showers. Hmmmmm......
I wonder if this has anything to do with Ford trashing the Bush administration over the war in Iraq, including the following quote:
"Rumsfeld and Cheney and the president made a big mistake in justifying going into the war in Iraq. They put the emphasis on weapons of mass destruction, and now, I've never publicly said I thought they made a mistake, but I felt very strongly it was an error in how they should justify what they were going to do."
Regardless, both Rumsfeld and Bush are aware of their responsibilities, and NO DOUBT they were informed of the death shortly after it happened on TUESDAY. There is NO EXCUSE FOR EITHER ONE OF THEM TO BE "SKIPPING OUT." I can't believe this hasn't been covered more in the media tonight, but I'm holding out hope they may eventually catch on.
UPDATE: Based on some of the comments I've gotten, looks like the right wing would rather sling mud than denounce yet another Bush mistake. Stop "informing" me that Harry Reid will not be in attendance. HARRY REID IS NOT A SITTING PRESIDENT NOR IS HE ONE OF FOUR REMAINING LIVING PRESIDENTS. George Bush is in the wrong (again), so please stop being pompous asshats and ADMIT IT FOR ONCE.
Furthermore, Rumsfeld has known since TUESDAY that he was supposed to serve as an honorary pall bearer at the state funeral, so the weather situation in New Mexico is NOT an excuse.
UPDATE #2: This is a hot topic over at AmericaBlog too.
138 comments:
Terry,
I agree that the President and Mrs. Bush should be attending the services on Saturday evening. However, you did leave out the part that they (President and Mrs. Bush) plan to attend the services at The National Cathedral on Tuesday.
I have defended Bush up until today. What he did today was totally classless. What, he could not get a plane ticket. Sorry he lost some time at his ranch. Time for Bush to go. Guess the truth hurts
Is it possible that they were not invited?
I live in Albuquerque and I can tell you it's been rated the worst snow storm ever, so I think Rumsfeld has a valid reason for not attending. Planes can't take off when there is 10-12 inches of snow and slush on the airport runways. Try not to be so biased (as the whole blog was inaccurate) in your blog and at least do better research before throwing about accusatory comments.
In Rumsfeld defense, even though I feel so dirty saying this, there has been alot of snow in Albuquerque. Lots of delayed flights and what-not. Although if he honestly wanted to make it he could have just made it a point to leave early. Just the same knowing he was / is in New Mexico makes me feel even dirtier.
I just stumbled across this article. How many different services are planned in how many locations? What is normal protocol for a sitting president to do in this situation? Is someone try to spin this into a Bush sucks story or is he really being a tool and skipping out on his duties?
You liberals aren't much on reading, are you? That's okay, I expect something like that from your mindset.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16393733/page/2/
If this article, is to big for you, you can just skip to the last paragraph.
You liberals aren't much on reading, are you? That's okay, I expect something like that from your mindset.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16393733/page/2/
If this article, is to big for you, you can just skip to the last paragraph.
Hmmm...
Harry Ried is not attending, either. Must be snow blindness on your part.
Today's was family and friends. The next one is in DC. Bush is scheduled to attend the National funeral on Tuesday. I guess he could have just camped next to the casket for 4 days, but then you'd have to come up with some other imaginary problem to moan about.
New Mexico is getting so much freaking snow right now that I've changed a trip itiniary by about 300 miles just to avoid it this weekend.
DBS
Apparently Saddam and Fidel Castro will not be attending either...
you dumbasses.....the President and Vice-President cannot be in the same place at the same time. Huge security risk. Brush up on your civics, retards.
Did you not notice that Cheney is attending? If you know anything you would realize that having both the president and vice president in the same location would be a very big mistake. Please don't be so stupid next time.
"you dumbasses.....the President and Vice-President cannot be in the same place at the same time. Huge security risk. Brush up on your civics, retards."
Awww, I leave for a few hours and looks like the know nothing right wing has come out in FULL FORCE tonight.....
You're right! The President and the VP are *never* allowed in the same place at the same time...silly me!
To address all of those correcting the "no snow" in NM statement - duely noted, but THAT'S WHY I SAID RUMSFELD WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS ON TUESDAY, HE HAS HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO MAKE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION PLANS, ESPECIALLY SINCE HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A PALL BEARER.
Next please.
"Try not to be so biased (as the whole blog was inaccurate) in your blog and at least do better research before throwing about accusatory comments. "
I was reporting facts, the whole blog was NOT inaccurate. I never said there was no snow on the ground in NM, I said it wasn't currently snowing. George Bush will not be attending, please tell me where my "facts" are mistaken?
"Is it possible that they were not invited? "
No, don't be retarded.
"Harry Ried is not attending, either. Must be snow blindness on your part."
You're an intelligent one aren't you. Harry Reid is not a sitting President. Harry Reid is not one of only four remaining LIVING Presidents.
Were Carter and Clinton there?
"Were Carter and Clinton there?"
Once again, the right would rather place blame elsewhere than own up to mistakes. To be honest, I don't believe they were, but, are Carter and Clinton sitting Presidents? Nope!
Well, no one answered any of my previous questions with facts or even a reasonable explanation. I guess the only tool around here is the person that posted the original article. I just wanted to know if anybody had the balls to back up the crap they spew out. Btw I voted Democratic, I just don't like spineless pseudo-intellectuals.
This is the best you can whine about? The fact that Bush isn't at one part of the funeral, and that Rumsfeld is stuck in snow? My God man, find something important to waste your life worrying about. OF course I suppose you did get a lot of attention by posting this. But you are making the rest of the concerned Democrats who have something important to worry about look like alarmist idiots. Great work!
"Well, no one answered any of my previous questions with facts or even a reasonable explanation. I guess the only tool around here is the person that posted the original article. I just wanted to know if anybody had the balls to back up the crap they spew out. Btw I voted Democratic, I just don't like spineless pseudo-intellectuals. "
I'm sorry that you post as an anon. so I have no clue as to what questions you're referring to. However, I reviewed all the comments in my email box and responded to any with a question that hadn't already been answered.
"This is the best you can whine about? The fact that Bush isn't at one part of the funeral, and that Rumsfeld is stuck in snow? My God man, find something important to waste your life worrying about. OF course I suppose you did get a lot of attention by posting this. But you are making the rest of the concerned Democrats who have something important to worry about look like alarmist idiots. Great work!"
NICE TRY, but if you have been reading the past few days, which I'm assuming you haven't, I've been ALL OVER the situation with Saddam, AND the alarming statistics coming out of Iraq regarding our troops, and Iraqi civilian deaths.
NEXXXXXT PLEASE....
Thank you for responding. I was the seventh commenter. I asked the questions about established protocol and the number of different services planned and their various locations. If you have definitive proof that Bush is shirking his duties I would be more than happy to call him a tool. I do not have a Google account and did not feel like setting one up for a few questions.
The president shouldn't have to attend the funeral any more then the rest of us.
Would you attend the funeral of the man who had your job nearly thirty years ago???
"The president shouldn't have to attend the funeral any more then the rest of us.
Would you attend the funeral of the man who had your job nearly thirty years ago??? "
The President shouldn't have to pay attention to facts either. Har har, anyway, no I wouldn't but then again, I'M NOT THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. It is extremely unusual for sitting Presidents to skip out on the funeral of a former President.
Sorry guys, this is not the wonderful juicy controversy you are hoping it to be.
Monday, Bush and his wife Laura plan to pay their respects to Ford, who will be lying in state at the Capitol. On Tuesday, the president will speak at Ford’s funeral service at Washington National Cathedral before Ford’s remains are taken to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
As any level headed, non-partisan woul dsee it, Bush not attending today is a non issue.
The only people pissed about this are members of the nutty left.
"Thank you for responding. I was the seventh commenter. I asked the questions about established protocol and the number of different services planned and their various locations. If you have definitive proof that Bush is shirking his duties I would be more than happy to call him a tool. I do not have a Google account and did not feel like setting one up for a few questions. "
It's by no means a "written rule," but it is highly unusual for a sitting President to skip out on the funeral of a former President.
Bush will be attending a seperate service at the National Cathedral...but not until Tuesday. Wouldn't want to cut that "vacation short" now would we.
As for posting as anonymous, I ENCOURAGE readers to comment, and you don't HAVE to have a google account to post comments under your name, nor do you have to enter "word verification." Simply click "other" and you can publish using a name of your choosing. :)
I think that Saddam Hussein will be treated better in the history books that George Bush. The number of deaths he caused was far smaller.
"Sorry guys, this is not the wonderful juicy controversy you are hoping it to be.
Monday, Bush and his wife Laura plan to pay their respects to Ford, who will be lying in state at the Capitol. On Tuesday, the president will speak at Ford’s funeral service at Washington National Cathedral before Ford’s remains are taken to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
As any level headed, non-partisan woul dsee it, Bush not attending today is a non issue.
The only people pissed about this are members of the nutty left. "
You must not read often, while the name of the blog reflects my obvious political leanings, I call out BOTH sides of the aisle when they're in the wrong (also see: Charlie Rangel). Furthermore, George Bush won't be attending until TUESDAY (not Monday, as you stated). :)
"I think that Saddam Hussein will be treated better in the history books that George Bush. The number of deaths he caused was far smaller. "
While George Bush is responsible for thousands of deaths in Iraq, and we may never know what the death toll actually is, I believe even after all is said and done in Iraq, Saddam Hussein will still be responsible for more deaths.
Also in Rumsfield's defense--- he lives in Taos and it's covered in snow at the moment. I have family there and heard from them that they got dumped on.
Thanks again for responding to the protocol question. It was close enough for government work, and I should know since I was fed under Clinton. If Bush does not show up when he should then he is an even bigger tool than his detractors say he is. You have officially been de-listed as a tool.
Yeah, ESPN just showed Albuquerque under 12 inches of snow...the Lobos can't get out of town to play Texas Tech and Bobby Knight...so I don't think Rummy will make it out of town for the next day or so. But, I'm sure that he'll be glad that someone like Terry cares for his welfare. Actually, it is typical liberal reporting by Terry...tell half the story but forget a couple of key points, like snowstorms and how the President and VP should not be in the same place in times of war.
Terry, if you are so interested in making sure Rummy gets there, why not offer to drive to NM and give him a ride?
"Yeah, ESPN just showed Albuquerque under 12 inches of snow...the Lobos can't get out of town to play Texas Tech and Bobby Knight...so I don't think Rummy will make it out of town for the next day or so. But, I'm sure that he'll be glad that someone like Terry cares for his welfare. Actually, it is typical liberal reporting by Terry...tell half the story but forget a couple of key points, like snowstorms and how the President and VP should not be in the same place in times of war.
Terry, if you are so interested in making sure Rummy gets there, why not offer to drive to NM and give him a ride? "
Have you not been paying attention? I've DUELY NOTED the situation in New Mexico. I've also gone on to say that Rumsfeld has had 5 days notice, yet he still couldn't make alternative travel plans.
" But, I'm sure that he'll be glad that someone like Terry cares for his welfare. Actually, it is typical liberal reporting by Terry...tell half the story but forget a couple of key points,"
Typical GOP comment too: anonymous, attack the messenger, and use the same tired exclamations like "you only tell half the story," when we all know damn good and well, that's simply not accurate.
Terry,
I posted a follow up on my blog (the link shows up below).
You're simply wrong that the President and Mrs. Bush are skipping out on the funeral. Tonight was not the official funeral. It was the arrival at the Capitol for the President's body to be received by Congress. The Vice President spoke tonight, just as he did when President Reagan's body arrived there.
Others are wrong about it having anything to do with the President and the VP not being in the same place. Has no one ever watched the State of the Union?
But, this is merely an attempt to slam the President when there's no facts to back that up. This is pretty standard.
The President and Mrs. Bush will pay their respects at the Capitol and then will attend (where he will speak) at the actual funeral service at the National Cathedral.
There's no story here.
Like I said, you'd make a great journalist...your blog would actually be more successful if you stop attacking anyone who disagrees with you.
You've obviously never been in a snowstorm. Then again, it seems like you believe he controls the weather & everything to do with airplane physics. He's so superhuman!
Look, try being reasonable. I'm not a Rummy freak, but having been in a snowstorm before, I wouldn't risk my life to get to a funeral either. Granted, he probably had notice to get out of NM, but do you honestly know what personal business he was attending to? I sure don't. And I'm not about to make assumptions about why/what reason he stayed. He might have sick family for all we know.
//got 15 inches of snow a month ago.
///nobody goes ANYWHERE, NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE!!!!!
////the damn snowplows couldn't even get out!
"Like I said, you'd make a great journalist...your blog would actually be more successful if you stop attacking anyone who disagrees with you. "
You said that? Where? Regardless, thanks, it means a lot.
"You're simply wrong that the President and Mrs. Bush are skipping out on the funeral."
Ward, I've already read your post. They are skipping out on the STATE FUNERAL, and will not be returning to Washington until Tuesday (as both you and I have said numerous times). Thanks for backing me up on the "VP/President not being allowed in the same place" theory though.
Terry,
I'm afraid you're still wrong. The whole weekend is the "State Funeral" concluding in DC with the service at The National Cathedral.
Go look it up. President Bush did not attend the same service at President Reagan's funeral. And I'm pretty sure they were in town. He's not skipping out on anything.
Rummy is slipping, he didn't know that a record snow storm was coming:
http://www.abqjournal.com/news/state/525263nm12-31-06.htm
I would like to see any evidence that Rummy thought he would be stuck like he is??? The fact is a record snow fall came and he can't get out there like he would.
funny thing about the internet - any idiot can become publicized...I would voice a real opinion on this article and its author but...I don't really care that much about this.
Dear Terry,
You're a fucking partisan tool. That is all.
Thank you,
Jimmah
"Ward, I've already read your post. They are skipping out on the STATE FUNERAL, and will not be returning to Washington until Tuesday (as both you and I have said numerous times)."
Terry,
Get a grip. You must have an old schedule. The state funeral is Tuesday.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,239860,00.html
"Dear Terry,
You're a fucking partisan tool. That is all.
Thank you,
Jimmah"
Yawn. I'm so glad you're just proving my point that Republicans always attack the messenger.
I'm sorry you clearly missed the title of the blog too.
Good gosh! No wonder Bush won the last election! The Left offers nothing but nit picking nonsense! Geez, you need a life...
"Terry,
Get a grip. You must have an old schedule. The state funeral is Tuesday."
...you actually cite Faux News, wow. Wrong. The STATE funeral was tonight. As BOTH WARD AND I HAVE SAID NUMEROUS times, there will be a seperate ceremony at the National Cathedral Tuesday.
[yawn] You're an idiot.
Wouldn't it be nice if you had any real substance to debate?
"Anonymous said...
Good gosh! No wonder Bush won the last election! The Left offers nothing but nit picking nonsense! Geez, you need a life... "
Leaving a comment at 1am telling me to 'get a life' well...nevermind....bwahahaha.
"[yawn] You're an idiot.
Wouldn't it be nice if you had any real substance to debate? "
Again, launch personal attacks against the messenger...please continue to fruther prove my point...
further*
my name is kirk by the way
ok, here's my opinion.
Terry, you're an idiot. Well, I'd put money on you being fairly intelligent being that your writing flows fairly smoothly and you've taken consideration of who will be reading this.
However, you choose to be ignorant on this issue in the name of placing all the blame on the Bush administration that you can. Much like anything else Liberal America stands for, you choose what appears right. Abortion? It is easiest to take the side of those who have a voice, the war in Iraq? It's easiest to side against the loss of innocent lives and place the blame on something tangible.
These examples are only applicable to this situation in that liberals will gladly throw logic out the window for the sake of their agenda. Much like young men are martyrs for muslim extremists...logic is the martyr for liberal america.
Terry is a great example as to why a Republican will opnce again win the White House.
Thank you Terry!
And YOU'RE not attacking the messages of several people who have told you repeatedly that Bush is not missing the State funeral? Hypocrite...
I really like the poster who said Bush should have camped out by the casket for 4 days!! LOL! Even then, the Libs wouldn't be satisfied...and won't be satisfied until they regain power and run the U.S. into the ground (and then blame Bush, of course).
LOL, Terry thinks that today is the "state funeral". Wow, what a fool. How did he get a Fark link???
And Terry, you're responding at 1 am...you prove MY point (no life). Actually, I'm in a different time zone so it's earlier, you dingy dude.
"However, you choose to be ignorant on this issue in the name of placing all the blame on the Bush administration that you can. Much like anything else Liberal America stands for, you choose what appears right. Abortion? It is easiest to take the side of those who have a voice, the war in Iraq? It's easiest to side against the loss of innocent lives and place the blame on something tangible.
These examples are only applicable to this situation in that liberals will gladly throw logic out the window for the sake of their agenda. Much like young men are martyrs for muslim extremists...logic is the martyr for liberal america. "
Once again, if you actually READ my blog on a regular basis you will find that I have NO problem calling out those on the Left when they're WRONG. Personally, I don't give two rips about whether or not George Bush attends the funeral or not, I just think it's pretty ridiculous that as a sitting President he won't even return to Washington until TUESDAY (a full week after the death of Ford). Say what you want about Rumsfeld's situation but like I've said, he had ample time to make alternative travel plans. It also looks pretty bad considering Gerald Ford clearly thought the decision to invade Iraq was well..retarded.
"And Terry, you're responding at 1 am...you prove MY point (no life). Actually, I'm in a different time zone so it's earlier, you dingy dude. "
Yawn, alright. I could care less if you have no life, or think that I have no life. I think it's quite comical that that's your response though, typical GOP 3rd grade "cut down" eh?
NO TERRY, I did NOT say the State Funeral "WAS" today. I said it BEGAN today.
I'm tired of arguing this because you're just not seeing the facts. I explained this in my response to you over on my blog.
There is absolutely nothing unusual about President Bush not being there tonight for the arrival at the Capitol.
He was not there for Reagan.
Nixon was not there for LBJ.
Nixon WAS there for Eisenhower.
LBJ was not there for Kennedy.
yeah, i can tell you don't give two rips....
I wrote:
"...you actually cite Faux News, wow. Wrong. The STATE funeral was tonight. As BOTH WARD AND I HAVE SAID NUMEROUS times, there will be a seperate ceremony at the National Cathedral Tuesday."
Ward writes:
"NO TERRY, I did NOT say the State Funeral "WAS" today. I said it BEGAN today."
...I think you read the comment wrong. Try again.
....
Terry,
Do you have any real points to make or do you just like to stretch your typing fingers?
Terry,
Just delete this blog entry and pretend it never happened, because you are QUICKLY losing all credibility.
The "state funeral" is a multi-day event.
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7005989443
The event that Bush is expected to attend is on Tuesday. End of story.
Regardless, Bush will have waited a full week to return to Washington following Ford's death.
I'm sorry you're STILL taking a crack at a spin job.
Wow! This is fun! I'm going to send your blog to all my conservative friends so they can mess with you! I hope you weren't the one that linked yourself to fark.com, because you're farked!
Hey Terry,
Don't let history get in the way of your smartguy commentaries.
... douche.
Terry,
You ever think he was honoring the Ford's family wishes and not being a distraction during this trying time.
Having the president of the United States stop by is not a little event, in case you weren't aware. It is a major disruption.
"You ever think he was honoring the Ford's family wishes and not being a distraction during this trying time.
Having the president of the United States stop by is not a little event, in case you weren't aware. It is a major disruption. "
Right, I'm sure that was the reason he was absent. Silly me.
Terry,
you've already dug yourself into a hole, and though it's quite entertaining to watch your try to dig yourself out, you should just stop making such an ass of yourself.
Lovingly,
Hendrik
oh, and this definately did NOT deserve a fark link.
"Right, I'm sure that was the reason he was absent. Silly me."
Any evidence to the contrary, or are you just pulling it out of your ass?
The only "evidence" you have is your hatred of Bush and his admin. Which is sad but not surprising...
"Terry,
you've already dug yourself into a hole, and though it's quite entertaining to watch your try to dig yourself out, you should just stop making such an ass of yourself."
What's even more hilarious is those trying to paint me as "in a hole" when all I've done is report the facts. Even more hilarious than THAT is reading all the personal attacks against me from the very same one's who perceive I'm in said "hole." I submit to you that if the GOP believes this is such a "non story," then why the hell are you going to such great lengths to paint me in said hole.
Sorry, but truth hurts.
i think that might be the most insane thing i've heard lately. it's all about you, right terry? didn't they teach logic in school?
Terry,
You are not reporting facts. You are twisting facts that support your view and ignoring all the facts that prove you wrong.
There was a major snow storm in NM that surprised the people there are prompted the governor to declare a state of emergency.
A "state funeral" is a multi-day event for a president. The portion that a president is expected to attend is on Tuesday, which Bush happened to be attending.
The president is not expected to attend today's event and seldom does.
because i already wasted enough time reading your damn blabber, that i might as well comment on it.
I didn't come here to flame you, i came to read an article that said that bush and rumsfeld were supposedly purposefully skipping out on the services. But like someone else said previously, Bush did not attend the same ceremony for Reagan, so why is this such a big deal?
Hendrick,
Terry doesn't listen to logic, only hate.
You show no signs of listening to reasoned explanations, so inevitably people call you an idiot. It's not your politics, it's your thick skull. If anything, your identification as a liberal progressive maligns both liberals and progressives.
Worse of all, you don't have an ounce of wit in a single one of your replies.
But fight on. Tonight is your blogger wet dream. We won't be here tomorrow.
You know it's a bad post when people who don't like Rummy are sticking up for him.
C'mon, Terry! Don't tell me you put up the white flag already! How is the Left going to win the Presidency if you give up arguing nonsense so quickly?!
I've said all I have to say. Those of you defending Bush and Rumsfeld can continue to do so (I would expect no less from supporters of a failed administration with approval numbers in the low 30's/upper 20's). Once again, Rumsfeld had five days notice of his responsibilities, plenty of time to find a way back to Washington. Bush won't be returning until a full week after Ford's death. THOSE are the facts. I'm not TWISTING facts, and regular readers can vouch for me when I say I have no problem calling out members of BOTH ends of the political spectrum when I take issue with their behavior, so stop attempting that argument, because my archives prove otherwise.
Goodnight.
Do a little research before you bang on the keys and make the rest of us in liberal nation look like asshats.
University of New Mexico is supposed to play Texas Tech on Monday. However the game might be postponed because the Lobos can't get out of Albuquerque due to the weather. Flying hasn't been an option because of the conditions at the airport and they can't drive it with I-40 being closed.
So how do you expect Rumsfeld to magically get himself out of the state and all the way to Washington?
Terry,
You seem to have two (weak) points:
a: Rumsfeld had five days notice of his responsibilities, plenty of time to find a way back to Washington.
And your evidence that he knew the "storm of the century" was coming to NM is??? He had no reason to leave five days before the funeral, but you seem to want him to be able to tell the future, or at least predict the weather (both of which are impossible).
b: Bush won't be returning until a full week after Ford's death.
And your evidence that Bush is not following normal protocol would be??? He is attending the service on Tuesday, just like he did with Reagan.
From CBS news:
"Events begin at St. Margaret's Church in Palm Desert. A family prayer service will be followed by visitation by friends and a period of public repose.
On Saturday, Ford's body will be flown to Washington in late afternoon, where another special stop is planned. The hearse will pause at the World War II memorial in joint tribute to the wartime Navy reserve veteran and America's armed forces.
The state funeral will be conducted in the Capitol Rotunda that evening. The public will be admitted to pay respects — sometime after a 6:30 p.m. EST arrival ceremony — and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST Sunday and Monday.
Ford will lie in state until Tuesday morning, in a closed casket. After that, his casket will be moved to the National Cathedral for a funeral service. Interment will follow the next day in Michigan. "
(There appears to be some conflict between news reports as to which is the more important funeral. I've seen the Saturday funeral referred to as the "state" funeral and the Tuesday funeral referred to as the "national" funeral. I have no idea if there is an official difference.)
Regardless, I personally find it offensive that so few Democrats and Republicans attended the state funeral today. I'm upset that Bush and so many cabinet members did not show. But I'm also upset by the fact that Pelosi and other Democrat congresspeople didn't attend. I don't see it as a partisan issue. We are talking about showing respect for a president and being willing to set aside a little time for that.
I have to confess that I wouldn't have a problem with Bush missing the funeral if it was for presidential reasons. I have problems with him being given a choice between attending the funeral of another president and vacationing on his ranch and choosing the ranch. It is that contrast that looks so bad. Even if he does have plans to attend the other funeral, I don't think spending an extra three hours would have killed him.
My guess is that either George or Laura is hurt. A rather large tornado caused some rather extensive damage at their ranch yesterday evening. There were reports that they were placed in an armored vehicle at the last minute before the tornado actually struck, and it is very possible that the tornado picked up said armored vehicle and took it for a spin with them inside. And it is possible for them to be sitting in a Waco hospital without the word getting out, as it is a very conservative area and the media may actually be respecting their privacy, especially if its laura, as they were already able to hide her having cancer. And if she is hurt, I don't blame him for not leaving her side.
You're an intelligent one aren't you. Harry Reid is not a sitting President. Harry Reid is not one of only four remaining LIVING Presidents.
Terry: My question about Carter and Clinton was based on your own comment about Reid not being a former President. You should be able to keep track of your own comments, especially when the question was made immediately after your own comment. Sorry if your own words were confusing to you.
dbs
Where's all this "reality" I keep hearing about?
Eh, Ford's funeral isn't until Tuesday and President Bush will be a speaker. Please know the facts before biasedly bashing a sitting president.
"Eh, Ford's funeral isn't until Tuesday and President Bush will be a speaker. Please know the facts before biasedly bashing a sitting president. "
Awww, I'm sorry I'm being unpatriotic and calling out the President on his decisions.
Please read the entire thread before attempting another witty remark.
Terry's ignorance of facts is startling. First of all, every president carefully plans every aspect of his funeral, including which service former and present Presidents will attend. Since Pres. Carter, Clinton, and Bush will be attending ONLY Tuesday's funeral I guess that makes that funeral the official one for public officials to pay their respects, unless you are arrogant enough to believe that 3 presidents are wrong and you are correct. Of course being a liberal, you probably are that arrogant.
You come across as a whiney pissant. Are you even aware that Ford was a republican?
New Mexico is snowed in, all of it except for the southern parts.
Bush will be at the state funeral.
You are a twat.
"You come across as a whiney pissant. Are you even aware that Ford was a republican?
New Mexico is snowed in, all of it except for the southern parts.
Bush will be at the state funeral.
You are a twat."
1. Yes I am aware that Ford was a Republican, what the hell does that have to do with anything?
2. Wow, what grade are you in, sixth? Seventh? Personal attacks...please, continue making all Republicans look more and more ridiculous.
"Wow, what grade are you in, sixth? Seventh? Personal attacks...please, continue making all Republicans look more and more ridiculous."
I think your twattery rises above all party affiliations.
Congratulations. You're a uniter.
What is this crap about Chenney and Bush in the same location, it's the Capitol. Are'nt they going to be in exact same building for the State of the Union speech coming up. Will they not both be at the cathedral for the service? Bush could have at least flown over and watched it all from Air Force One and said "Heckuva job, Fordy!"
the easiest thing to do as a blogger to make themselves look smart and correct is ignore the well-reasoned and valid responses from users, and respond to the people who are idiots and just reply with personal attacks.
i've seen this happen across many, many blogs with controversial posts.
so, for example...Terry responds to some random idiotic comment where someone said "you're a twat." we realize this guy is dumb...no response necessary, all terry is doing here is trying to make himself look like he's winning.
then...he ignores a comment made by "mr. fujiyoko" that directly shoots his argument to hell.
basically...rumsfeld knew 5 days ahead of time he had to be there...that doesn't mean he's going to fly out immediately and then just wait in washington as terry apparently expects him to do. no, he'll stay in new mexico and fly out the day before. no way he could anticipate a huge storm.
and as many people have said, bush will be there a week after ford died (so what?) at the ceremony he's expected to be at.
there's really no story here....
sorry terry.
hope you enjoyed your 15 minutes.
Bush & Rummy can't be around a dead body for more than a few minutes without giggling and tittering like school girls. That's what death cult leaders are like.
As for the ignorance of comments, i'm going to repost this posted by "Anonymous" just to make sure you actually read it:
"Terry's ignorance of facts is startling. First of all, every president carefully plans every aspect of his funeral, including which service former and present Presidents will attend. Since Pres. Carter, Clinton, and Bush will be attending ONLY Tuesday's funeral I guess that makes that funeral the official one for public officials to pay their respects, unless you are arrogant enough to believe that 3 presidents are wrong and you are correct. Of course being a liberal, you probably are that arrogant."
you really are a hypocritical bastard. now, promptly erase your blog, and never try to spread your worthless crap on the internet again.
thanks, have a nice day!
Even a doddering old coot like Ford knew the war in Iraq was a mistake.
Somehow the French don't look so stupid and cowardly anymore, do they?
fwiw, i hate this administration.
but you still sound like the typical, pretentious leftwing idiot.
dumbfucks like you with nothing but invective put bush back in the white house for a second term. thanks a fucking ton, moron. why don't you push for hillary to get the dem's nomiation so they can lose again?
and, as if it matters, i'm not a republican - which you'd likely assume, you stupid bastard.
you're probably a 6th year art school student, aren't you? god i hope so; else we're REALLY fucked if people in the real word are this stupid.
atleast if your going to post something bashing the President make it halfway truthful. your just making yourself look like an idiot.
The guy, who says, that liberals, are not up on reading, should maybe, stop using, so many commas, and take, an English course.
Cheney was scheduled to speak as Ford's Chief of Staff. With few exceptions, Cheney and Bush do not attend the same functions. They haven't since 9/11. Bush will be at the capitol on Monday and at the funeral on Tuesday. Cheney will return to hind the curtain where we are to pay to attention to him.
OK, first of all, you got a LOT of comments on this. Nice job, Terry.
Second of all, the Republican anons calling people "retards" and other such names are certainly not making their point.
Get your facts straight before trying to phish out a lefty lib wacko event out of every news story that comes along.
Next, you'll be whinin' in your organic tea that Bush or Cheney didn't goto the funeral of the late James Brown because "George Bush doesn't like black people", or that he wasn't seen when Saddam was swinging from the rope.
Quit linking this story to every rss feed and news source-they are now picking it up as fact.
Call up Dan Rather and seek his advice on how to get out of this one.
f00l
"2. Wow, what grade are you in, sixth? Seventh? Personal attacks...please, continue making all Republicans look more and more ridiculous."
Sorry about the above comment...I was resorting to personal attacks as retort.
I pity Rumsfeld, snowed-in with his dachshund (Reggie) in his Taos manse and unable to attend the Ford funeral.
Has the poor simp found himself a job yet?
Not to defend Rumsfeld or anything... but...
http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/54507.html
"The latest storm to hit New Mexico shut down roads throughout the state, canceled numerous airline flights, prompted police to discourage travel and forced state officials to activate New Mexico's Emergency Operations Center."
"By 10 p.m. Friday, Albuquerque's airport reported 10.5 inches _ a record. The National Weather Service said it was the most snow to fall during a single calendar day ever, beating the previous record of 10 inches on Dec. 15, 1959."
"The storm _ which the National Weather Service labeled as 'dangerous winter weather' _ dumped up to 2 feet of snow on the Albuquerque metro area and more than a foot in Santa Fe County from Friday into Saturday."
"Interstate 25 was closed from Santa Fe into Colorado on Saturday, with blizzard conditions and zero visibility reported at Raton Pass in the afternoon. I-25 was open between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, but was snowpacked and icy.
Interstate 40 east of Albuquerque to the Texas border was closed most of Saturday, but reopened late in the afternoon. However, police said the road remained icy."
Go check a NM map... both of the major interstates through NM were closed, the largest cities with major airports were snowed in. Nobody is going ANYWHERE.
I wouldn't want to try to get out of NM under these conditions either.
""2. Wow, what grade are you in, sixth? Seventh? Personal attacks...please, continue making all Republicans look more and more ridiculous."
Sorry about the above comment...I was resorting to personal attacks as retort."
....I didn't leave that comment, way to put my blogger profile in the URL spot to try and make it look like I did, though.
"OK, first of all, you got a LOT of comments on this. Nice job, Terry.
Second of all, the Republican anons calling people "retards" and other such names are certainly not making their point. "
It's quite sad on their part, isn't it.
OK, liberals are the kingpins of name calling, sorry. And the reason that most people who posted anonymously on this blog, liberal and not, is because it's easier than signing up for a google account. Why do you need to know our names anyways? You're the one who is in control of your own blog! But of course, you are a liberal thinker so everything is someone else's fault.
Once again, you don't have to sign up for a Google account to leave your name, genius.
Idiot - The president and the Vice-President cannot be at the same location at the same time. Go spew some more liberal crap just makes you look dumber.
"Idiot - The president and the Vice-President cannot be at the same location at the same time. Go spew some more liberal crap just makes you look dumber."
Yawn, we've already addressed this.
A) yes they can and B) see State of the Union address C) No more attempts at wit from you.
"Once again, you don't have to sign up for a Google account to leave your name, genius."
You don't consider sarcasm insulting in this instance? You are such a hypocrite!
I wouldn't give you my name for anything!
Congratulations on being the first person to ever have their comment removed. Next time, instead of trying to "fool" people by posting under my name, try actually debating, or graduating from the juvenile tactics.
For future reference, anyone posting using my blogger profile as their URL (making it appear as though I were the one leaving the comment) will have their IP address permanantly BANNED from the site.
once again...terry responding to the asshats and ignoring the valid concerns about his position.
lol.
Hey Kyle, sorry it's a holiday and I can't respond to the same question dozens of times, nor have I had the time to reply to EACH COMMENT (as there have been over 100 of them). To address your concern (again)...
"basically...rumsfeld knew 5 days ahead of time he had to be there...that doesn't mean he's going to fly out immediately and then just wait in washington as terry apparently expects him to do. no, he'll stay in new mexico and fly out the day before. no way he could anticipate a huge storm"
No, because the weather forecasters hadn't been predicting it, had they. I'm sorry I forgot we still lived in the year 1700.
no they hadn't...they certainly weren't perdicting major shutdowns and record snowfall.
in fact, the storm wasn't even supposed to hit new mexico at all. it was supposed to dump on denver and then it veered south.
and as to your other comment...i'm not asking you to respond to every single thing...having read the entire thread and all the comments, there was a definite trend of you responding to attacks that make yourself look good.
in general, i just think it's humorous that are not willing to give up your position on this particular non-issue. go ahead and rightfully blame bush and rumsfeld for all the problems they have caused, but on this one, you're just wrong. sorry.
I've answered every single VALID question Ive read, and then some. To be honest though, I haven't read every single comment in this thread, especially after I went to sleep last night. If you asked a question that wasn't answered, chances are I had already answered it and wasn't going to type it out again.
"in general, i just think it's humorous that are not willing to give up your position on this particular non-issue. go ahead and rightfully blame bush and rumsfeld for all the problems they have caused, but on this one, you're just wrong. sorry."
Rummy's weather report:
Expect a little bit of snow (1 to 2 inches) in the Albuquerque metro area.
http://www.abqjournal.com/abqnews/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1981&Itemid=33
And then:
The latest National Weather Service forecast discussion suggests the next storm through may be slowing a bit and tracking a little farther south...
http://www.abqjournal.com/abqnews/content/view/1989/33/
What actually happened:
The storm which the National Weather Service labeled as "dangerous winter weather", dumped up to 2 feet of snow on the Albuquerque metro area and more than a foot in Santa Fe County from Friday into Saturday.
Gov. Bill Richardson on Saturday declared a state of disaster due to the heavy snow.
http://www.alamogordonews.com/news/ci_4927053
I both these guy's suck!
But come on....
this is a bum rap
They'll be there on Mon. & Tues & will be very much in view!
Save your dislike for the fact the killed 600,000 Iraqis + maimed & killed 60,00 of US's finest!
All for no good reason...
hahahahhah
terry got owned.
you know what's fun? this comment has already been posted twice, and yet you still fail to adress it - why? because it DESTROYS yours arguement completely, and makes you look like the muck-racker that you really are.
i'll post it again for my personal enjoyment.
""Terry's ignorance of facts is startling. First of all, every president carefully plans every aspect of his funeral, including which service former and present Presidents will attend. Since Pres. Carter, Clinton, and Bush will be attending ONLY Tuesday's funeral I guess that makes that funeral the official one for public officials to pay their respects, unless you are arrogant enough to believe that 3 presidents are wrong and you are correct. Of course being a liberal, you probably are that arrogant.""
Stop calling out everybody that disagrees with you as a member of the GOP. I am a libertarian and hate far left liberal ideology equally. You and your ilk cannot always depend on a president like Bush to be around and validate your equally ridiculous political beliefs to the dummy masses in this country. The senate and house races were a knee jerk reaction to Bushes poor performance. Fortunately, people who share your ideology run the Dem. party and will predictably offer up either Obama or Hillary as the 08' candidate. All it will take at that point is a more centrist candidate like Giuliani to smash their weak liberal asses and once again and take ownership of the presidency. I may not be a Republican but I can deal with a centrist offering from their party.......the alternative is far too lame.
Came back the next day just to see more fun. I was the first person who didn't want to bother with Google. I don't know the other person. Still too lazy to fill in another box.
Anonymous,
I know this has been addressed but I'd be interested in hearing your response.
You stated, "you dumbasses.....the President and Vice-President cannot be in the same place at the same time. Huge security risk. Brush up on your civics, retards"
You also stated, "Terry's ignorance of facts is startling."
Do you recall who was in attendance at President Bush's State of the Union Address in 2006? Probably not.
The following is a direct quote from President Bush at the beginning of his address: "Thank you all. Mr. Speaker, Vice President Cheney, members of Congress, members of the Supreme Court and diplomatic corps, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:"
Do you recall who was standing behind the President (slightly to his right)? Probably not, based on your previous statement. Seems like you should do a little
"brushing up" yourself.
Source:
http://www.c-span.org/executive/transcript.asp?cat=current_event&code=bush_admin&year=2006
If you think C-span is not cedible, check out the following whitehouse link for his 2002 state of the union address.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/01/20020129-11.html
Watching funeral now...bush just escorted Ford's wife to her seat.
But, i suppose it really wasn't bush..huh?
This was written 3 days ago regarding mainly the event that Rumsfeld was supposed to serve as pall bearer at, and the fact that Bush wouldn't be returning to DC for a week, but I suppose that really doesn't matter, does it?
The only thing that matters on this issue Terry, is that you still can't admit you were wrong.
Well sorry to disappoint you Ward but I wasn't wrong. Rumsfeld skipped out on being an honorary pall bearer. He had five days notice to find an alternative mode of transportation and chose not to do so, whereas George Bush just simply chose not to return to Washington for six days.
Now, if you want to call for people to "admit they're wrong," I suggest you take a look at YOUR President Bush.
George Bus makes me mad as hell....
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