In today's Washington Post, Dana Milbank tells of the dearth of dignitaries attending the late President Ford's rites at the Capitol on Saturday.
He writes: "Everything was in place for Gerald R. Ford's state funeral last night -- everything, that is, but the statesmen."
The third paragraph continues:
"President Bush sent his regrets; he was cutting cedar and riding his bike on his ranch in Texas. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and his deputy, Richard Durbin, couldn't make it, either; they were on a trip to visit Incan ruins. Incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took a pass, too -- as did nearly 500 of the 535 members of Congress."
Reading this, one might conclude that while the lack of interest in paying respects to the late President is bipartisan, the failure of the current President, a man of the same political party as Mr. Ford, is particularly egregious. How dare Mr. Bush opt to cut cedar and ride his bike rather than participate in a state funeral for another Chief Executive?
You have to stick with Milbank's article quite a while, but if you do you learn that Mr. Bush "will pay his respects when he comes back to Washington, then go to the other service on Tuesday."
That information doesn't appear until the 17th paragraph.
On Monday, the President will pay his respects to Mr. Ford at the Capitol. The following day, he will speak at President Ford's funeral service at Washington's National Cathedral.
When one considers the logistics of the Ford arrangements - first on Friday at Palm Desert, California, then to Washington and finally to Grand Rapids, Michigan on Tuesday for a private internment on Wednesday - it doesn't seem to me that President Bush can fairly be taken to task for paying insufficient attention to his predecessor's passing.
Then again, it is the Washington Post about which we're speaking.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
I guess the Old Media was dis
December 31, 2006 - 12:55 ET by PeskyDaneI guess the Old Media was dissapointed that President Bush isn't the following the casket around like a goul seeking a photo op. Once again, the man who has finally taken the fight to the enemy can't win - if there is one lesson which colors the Bush Presidency, its that it doesn't pay to be polite to the enemies of one's country.
Following the casket around
December 31, 2006 - 14:46 ET by Michael M. BatesMaybe if Dubya practiced biting his lower lip and having tears well up in his eyes. . . .
President Bush isn't following the casket
December 31, 2006 - 16:15 ET by Herbert LevinsonAmerica would be better off if it was Bush in the casket. I have no remorse over Pres. Ford's demise. He was a traitor, by pardoning Nixon.The newpapers should focus on Rothschild,s syndicate and the wars fomented by this miscreant family. Rather than following, the propagander put out by the controlled media, in this country. Using a search engine and the keywords: Rothschild, war, history, Bush, international bankers. And you will be enlightened, by the revelations, that popup.
We don't want your anti-Semitic crap
December 31, 2006 - 16:20 ET by Jack BauerWe don't want your anti-Semitic crap with your fake "Jewish" name here.
Bugger off to your usual leftist and/or Nazi hate site. You disgust me, jerk.
Proud member of the all-powerful and vast militarist/industrialist/capitalist/zionist-bagelist complex
One of the NB’s said it bes
January 1, 2007 - 06:48 ET by USA4freedomOne of the NB’s said it best: Don’t feed the trolls.
America is best described by one word, freedom... Dwight D. Eisenhower
Ahem, (blushing), why, than
January 1, 2007 - 09:12 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsAhem, (blushing), why, thank you!
DSG
this ass thinks he's enlightened
December 31, 2006 - 16:28 ET by tumbler_2007Herbert;
By what stretch are you here to enlighten anybody? Especially by wishing death on our President? A casket for you and the horse you rode in on, little bigot.
Who is going to pardon you at the pearly gates? Calling others traitors on account of your poisonous agenda is a mortal sin. --You may be an atheist in the bargain, but you'll be judged anyway. Maybe sooner than you think.
A casket for you and the hors
December 31, 2006 - 16:32 ET by Jack BauerA casket for you and the horse you rode in on, little bigot.
Actually, he rode in on a pig.
Proud member of the all-powerful and vast militarist/industrialist/capitalist/zionist-bagelist complex
Good answer--we have our shar
January 1, 2007 - 08:31 ET by Andrew H.Good answer--we have our share of fools trolling here from time to time... they are convinced in themselves and their own infallibility. They wish death on a living President because...
Perhaps it's because he is so much more than they will ever be, regardless of their infallibility in matters of human societal life. Oh, but if the rest of us were as smart, as enlightened, as uncharitable, the world would be a better place. But only for fools.
Liberalism is a convenient lie.
S - T- F - U. 'Nuff said.
December 31, 2006 - 16:36 ET by mbx175S - T- F - U. 'Nuff said.
Hey Herbie L.
December 31, 2006 - 16:48 ET by Clear thinkerYou are nuts!
If you read more about history and stayed away from all the conspiracy crap you would know why Ford pardoned Nixon.
Did I mention... you are nuts!
herbie - America
December 31, 2006 - 16:55 ET by misterbillI would guess that you subscribe to the 9/11 conspiracy theory too. What a shame! Try to fill your life with trust in your country. I am one who believes that every man who filled the office of President TRIED to do right for the country.(Even Nixon). Some of them failed. I look back on Democratic presidents of whom I am no fan and I feel no hate or distrust for them. I feel they made mistakes in judgment.
President Ford , in hindsight, by his pardon of Nixon , put the country back on the path of healing. I did not vote for him because of it and I helped elect Jimmy Carter who is, perhaps, the most anti-semitic public figure in America. So when you start using the word traitor, please study the actions of those you accuse, use more common sense and evaluate what a "traitorous: act is.
Happy New Year!
Bush in the casket
December 31, 2006 - 17:11 ET by Michael M. BatesAmerica would be better off if it was Bush in the casket.
This sounds like something emanating from the Democratic Underground. Wouldn't you be happier over there talking such nonsense?
Troll.
December 31, 2006 - 17:16 ET by Dave RTroll.
What a shame.
December 31, 2006 - 19:09 ET by GregEAs much as I dislike the policies of Impeached President Bill Clinton and liberals in general, I'd never wish him or them death. But that's me.
Herbert....You silly little
December 31, 2006 - 19:27 ET by bigtimerHerbert....You silly little fool....
As the saying goes be careful what you wish for.
"If we ever forget that we are a Nation Under God....then we will be a Nation Gone Under." Ronald Reagan
I gotta tell ya Herbie, the audience is not cheering.
December 31, 2006 - 19:35 ET by acaiguanaI gotta tell ya Herbie, the audience is not cheering.
In the interests of this site I'd like to invite you to disenroll. We'll not mark your transcript and your 'permanent record' will still be just as screwed up as it already probably is.
In America it is OK to be really nuts. We tolerate that to a big degree. We even have our town 'eccentrics'.
But on a Public Forum it has its limits.
I think you've passed the test for breaking the rules of engagement here.
ACA
...
Acaiguana says: "Which city is next?"
I wholeheartedly second that
December 31, 2006 - 19:39 ET by bigtimerI wholeheartedly second that ACA!
Happy New Year to you and yours btw.
"If we ever forget that we are a Nation Under God....then we will be a Nation Gone Under." Ronald Reagan
OK, all you guys at NB.
December 31, 2006 - 19:42 ET by acaiguanaOK, all you guys at NB.
Happy NY back. And Happy NY to.
:-)
Tomorrow's another day.
ACA
...
Acaiguana says: "Which city is next?"
Be sure that when you click o
December 31, 2006 - 19:51 ET by moabgoesboomBe sure that when you click on the links that pop up, you are wearing your tin-foil hat! You can never be sure when the black helicopters are will be landing in your back yard.
You can't suport the troops if you don't support the mission.
Herbert must think me a fool moab
December 31, 2006 - 22:17 ET by SportPoliticsHerbert must think me a fool moab. I know the NSA is tracking IP's that hit that site. I'm firing up linux, loading in opera stealth anony ip, and driving downtown to the wireless free zone for a temporary addy that can never be traced back to me, to take a look, and learn about what I've never, ever heard of ever before in my entire life, but thanks to howie the heady revolutionary, I finally will become truly informed. Word up and out with peace in to Thoughtpolice and LibertyordEath. Broadcasting - need a signal soon.
When the dark bushy police state comes for all of them, I will still be here, and Herbert won't, we'll miss him, safety first.
No APB for "Herbert Levinson"
December 31, 2006 - 23:55 ET by Michael M. BatesWhen the dark bushy police state comes for all of them, I will still be here, and Herbert won't. . .
Just a guess, but somehow I don't think Herbert has been "all here" for a very long time.
You're an idiot, but Happy Ne
January 1, 2007 - 02:48 ET by BW222You're an idiot, but Happy New Year anyway.
@ "Herbert Levinson&qu
January 1, 2007 - 05:11 ET by MyKindaSpam@ "Herbert Levinson"
Using a search engine and the keywords:
Rothschild, war, history, Bush, international bankers. And you will be
enlightened, by the revelations, that popup.
I bet if we throw in Lithium, two day involuntary hold, swastika, grassy knoll and crop circle we find your blog. And a how to guide on goosetepping. Have you considered more professional help and a visit to the Museum of Tolerance?
Yahoo! the first "you
January 1, 2007 - 05:27 ET byYahoo! the first "your a nazi" of 2007 congratulations! you are first among the swine.
7MS, this thread was about a rude and disrespectful Troll's Post
January 1, 2007 - 10:08 ET by acaiguana7MS, this thread was about a rude and disrespectful Troll's Post. In case you didn't bother to read it. It is called context.
Now, I know, from what I've seen of your idea of history, logic and the time stream in Human Events that context doesn't really exist in your vocabulary; but man, to come here on this particular thread and call someone a swine (Trollishly) and say 'the first "Your <sic> a nazi" of 2007...'
I mean the word you are trying to rearrange the alphabet to present to all the readers of this site is a contraction of the word <You> and the word <are> which translates to <you're>.
Not <Your>.
But can you possibly see the irony in what you have just done?
There was no Nazi reference in the above post. Not a single one.
So, actually you are the first "your (sic) [could not help myself Mark] a nazi" of 2007.
Congratulations.
ACA
...
Acaiguana says: "Which city is next?"
Mr. Milbank and Mr. Levinson,
January 1, 2007 - 13:54 ET by Senior ChiefMr. Milbank and Mr. Levinson, you both are cruel to the bones. Your hatred and disrespect to Presidents Ford and Bush is beyond belief. I would understand your disgust to GW if he really did just cut trees and ride bike as an excuse not to attend the funeral service. Even my first grade son won't gave such excuse not to attend your dog's burial, you pigs. Please extend Mr. Ford's family some quiet time and next week you can say whatever you say about them.
Oh by the way, why both of you and your ilks are still angry? For crying out loud, you fools won the election. Why don't you focus your energy and help your democrat friends in Congress and you might be able to do something for the betterment of this country. If not, you could be more bitter and angrier after the next election.
Happy new year Mr. Milbanks and Mr. Levinson! May the good Lord grant you peace, love and wisdom this year.
Not the first time
December 31, 2006 - 14:18 ET by nkviking75During CBS Radio's live coverage of the event, the reporters noted that Bush also did not attend this particular ceremony during the services for President Reagan. So no one who did his or her homework ought to be surprised.
Dana FUDDD????
December 31, 2006 - 14:18 ET by nicksmith112Is this the same Dana Milbank that appeared in costume on the Olberloon show to share a big laugh after the VP accidentally shot a man in the face.
I believe the gentlemen was still in the hospital, extent of injuries unknown.
Oberloon Show
December 31, 2006 - 15:08 ET by Michael M. BatesShucks, I must've missed that one. Come to think of it, I've missed almost all of them
nick -- I seem to recall it w
December 31, 2006 - 15:26 ET by Jack Bauernick -- I seem to recall it was CNN, (or one of the actual networks) and not the pissant Olmermanniac.
Proud member of the all-powerful and vast militarist/industrialist/capitalist/zionist-bagelist complex
yes, indeed. You recall cor
December 31, 2006 - 22:26 ET by kimschyes, indeed. You recall correctly. Milbank is the one that dressed up in the crossing guard uniform thinking it was hunter orange.
Not unusual
December 31, 2006 - 14:28 ET by bravefacariWhile I would have liked to see all of Congress and the President there, Jimmy Carter, Bush 41, etc., the fact is that as I recall, President Bush was not there to receive President Reagan either.
It seems that the Fords were well aware of the holiday season and did, I think, a fantastic job of arranging things in the best possible way. But as always, it is the American Citizen who turns out, and I was very proud of those in Alexandria and at the WWII Memorial last night. They never let me down.
Hey Mike...Perhaps it never o
December 31, 2006 - 14:36 ET by BlondeHey Mike...
Perhaps it never occured to Milbank that this is a holiday weekend for which probably all 535 members and the President had prior plans?
Guess I'd better take my next comment over to the Open Thread....New Years Resolutions for the Media:
Pretty slick omittinng any mention the President's participation in Ford's funeral until the 17th paragraph...typical, and sleazy as usual.
Happy New Year, Mike!
Common sense
December 31, 2006 - 14:56 ET by Michael M. BatesCommon sense AND the MSM? Somethin' isn't computing here, Blonde.
May you have an outstanding 2007. Go Gators.
Previous plans or not, a man
December 31, 2006 - 14:48 ET by dmntd1Previous plans or not, a man that made amazing strides in life should have been honored at every stage by statesmen. Although I voted for President Bush twice, I am disappointed in him for cutting firewood instead of paying his respects.
As for the 'nearly 500 members' that took a pass, that too is disrespectful. Not surprising from Pelosi, but the rest?
Please make sure your train of thought carries freight.
Disappointed in Dubya
December 31, 2006 - 15:00 ET by Michael M. BatesAlthough I voted for President Bush twice, I am disappointed in him for cutting firewood instead of paying his respects.
I think there's adequate time for him to do both. Two separate appearances, not to mention his Saturday radio tribute, seem adequate. To me, anyway.
This isn't about Bush. This
December 31, 2006 - 16:35 ET by mbx175This isn't about Bush. This is about the death of a former President who was as good a person who served the United States.
No Shows...
December 31, 2006 - 17:26 ET by bbeemanWhile I think that Reed and Pelosi showed very poor form, there are good and sufficient reasons for Bush and Cheney to minimize the number of times that they appear together. Additionally, considering the close relationship between President Ford and Cheney, who was his chief of staff, it makes good sense to me to have Cheney speak at this event.
I find Milbank to be increasingly tiresome and whiney.
I voted for Bush twice, and h
January 1, 2007 - 02:56 ET by BW222I voted for Bush twice, and have become increasingly disenchanted and expect this to intensify as he makes deals with Pelosi to further alienate his base.
I was hoping Bush would be the second coming of Reagan, but he's closer to Bush 41. There was a recent article about how Reagan stayed at the White House during the holidays so the Secret Service could spend more time with their families. Bush falls short of Reagan in all areas excapt one - a better Gomer Pyle impersoniation.
I voted for him twice too
January 1, 2007 - 03:05 ET by tumbler_2007Yeah; twice I've voted for the shrub. Great president; although he's no Reagan.
We needed Bush; on account of the Supreme Court vacancies around the corner. He came up to my expectations on that score. He also cut taxes. What's not to like about that? Is our President a Gomer? Not at all. He's a Leader. Reagan himself fell short sometimes. Of James Cagney, Spencer Tracy, Cary Grant and Edward G. Robinson.
Nobody's perfect.
/
Sah-zamm!
January 1, 2007 - 15:42 ET by BW222Sah-zamm!
I had this read to me first t
December 31, 2006 - 19:35 ET by bigtimerI had this read to me first thing this morning on C-Span's Washington Journal, they reported it was from Dana Milquetoast , I disregarded everything after they said out of the Washington Post.
'Nuff said.
"If we ever forget that we are a Nation Under God....then we will be a Nation Gone Under." Ronald Reagan