Obama at Dover
October 29, 2009 1 Comment
Obama Honors Returning War Dead
President Barack Obama made an overnight dash to Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday to honor the return of fallen soldiers, absorbing the ultimate cost of war as the United States endures its deadliest month of the Afghanistan campaign.
On a clear fall night, Mr. Obama flew by Marine One helicopter directly to Delaware to greet the flag-draped caskets of 18 Americans killed in action this week.
When I heard about this early morning jaunt I had mixed feelings. It just didn’t feel right.
First, I am glad the president is giving the fallen and their families his respects. It’s about time he follow up his words of “support” with actions (link, link). Maybe he should consider the ultimate support they have requested by sending at least the number of troops the professionals have requested.
Second, I’m glad he finally learned how to render a decent salute. Unless you’ve done it in the past it is something that you need to learn to do properly with the dignity and respect the is intended to convey.
However, something really bugs me about this president, the people who surround him, and their intentions.
What was the need for cameras?
What is the purpose of putting dead American heroes in a dramatic picture with a man who has never really needed the military for anything more than a prop?
Was this entire episode just a piece of stagecraft?
Why are we seeing this at all?
With the amount of control over the “message” coming out of the White House, I cannot help but feel this is all contrived and nothing more than a PR stunt. I mean is the White House really trying to convince me the president finally gets it? Or, that he got it the whole time but just never got the coverage it deserved?
Everything they do is calculated. Everything they touch is intended. Everything they say is scripted. Nothing from Team Obama is genuine so it leads me to believe this is intended to be about the president and not our fallen heroes.
The photo does have value though. The president standing there in the picture makes me think of what a small man he is compared to those he is honoring and it makes me despair for others who may be used by this White House after they have given their lives for something bigger than themselves never concerned about their popularity or poll numbers.
I seem to recall that previous administrations have tried to respect our honored dead by keeping them off the front pages. I think I prefer that approach better.
Rest in peace, warriors. Thank you for you braving what most will not.
I echo your sentiments. I was impressed that Obama had a better salute than the soldier to his left. If he really had wanted to impress me, there wouldn’t have been any cameras present. He is just a poser–even in death he is using people for his own good.