Author Topic: Obama's Frightening Insensitivity Following Shooting (Read 960 times)

Soul Crusher · « **on:** November 06, 2009, 06:06:45 AM »

Obama's Frightening Insensitivity Following Shooting
A bad week for Democrats compounded by an awful moment for Barack Obama.
By ROBERT A. GEORGE
www.nbcchicago.com

Updated 7:15 AM CST, Fri, Nov 6, 2009

________________________ ________________________ ________

President Obama didn't wait long after Tuesday's devastating elections to give critics another reason to question his leadership, but this time the subject matter was more grim than a pair of governorships.

After news broke out of the shooting at the Fort Hood Army post in Texas, the nation watched in horror as the toll of dead and injured climbed. The White House was notified immediately and by late afternoon, word went out that the president would speak about the incident prior to a previously scheduled appearance. At about 5 p.m., cable stations went to the president. The situation called for not only his trademark eloquence, but also grace and perspective.

But instead of a somber chief executive offering reassuring words and expressions of sympathy and compassion, viewers saw a wildly disconnected and, inappropriately light president making introductory remarks. At the event, a Tribal Nations Conference hosted by the Department of Interior's Bureau of Indian affairs, the president thanked various staffers and offered a "shout-out" to "Dr. Joe Medicine Crow -- that Congressional Medal of Honor winner." Three minutes in, the president spoke about the shooting, in measured and appropriate terms. Who is advising him?

Anyone at home aware of the major news story of the previous hours had to have been stunned. An incident like this requires a scrapping of the early light banter. The president should apologize for the tone of his remarks, explain what has happened, express sympathy for those slain and appeal for calm and patience until all the facts are in. That's the least that should occur.

Indeed, an argument could be made that Obama should have canceled the Indian event, out of respect for people having been murdered at an Army post a few hours before. That would have prevented any sort of jarring emotional switch at the event.

Did the president's team not realize what sort of image they were presenting to the country at this moment? The disconnect between what Americans at home knew had been going on -- and the initial words coming out of their president's mouth was jolting, if not disturbing.

It must have been disappointing for many politically aware Democrats, still reeling from the election two days before. The New Jersey gubernatorial vote had already demonstrated that the president and his political team couldn't produce a winning outcome in a state very friendly to Democrats (and where the president won by 15 points one year ago). And now this? Congressional Democrats must wonder if a White House that has burdened them with a too-heavy policy agenda over the last year has a strong enough political operation to help push that agenda through.

If the president's communications apparatus can't inform -- and protect -- their boss during tense moments when the country needs to see a focused commander-in-chief and a compassionate head of state, it has disastrous consequences for that president's party and supporters.

All the president's men (and women) fell down on the job Thursday. And Democrats across the country have real reason to panic.

New York writer Robert A. George blogs at Ragged Thots. Follow him on Twitter.
________________________ ________________________ ________________________ _

You are not alone Mr. George. I was appalled myself.

chadstallion · « **Reply #1 on:** November 06, 2009, 06:50:28 AM »

yet another attempt to smear barry. it wont take hold till Sean, Rush, Mark L. Laura all join in. and it will pass....i know, its pay back for the 8 years of bush...

Soul Crusher · « **Reply #2 on:** November 06, 2009, 06:54:22 AM »

Barry Soetoro smears himself and thisnation every times he opens up his mouth.

240 is Back · « **Reply #3 on:** November 06, 2009, 06:59:27 AM »

very bad taste and timing on obama's part. he's obviously not as moved as many.

on the other hand, 911 was 'frightening'. columbine was 'frightening'. pearl harbor was 'frightening'.

I find the use of the word on poor comments to be a tad dramatic.

Soul Crusher · « **Reply #4 on:** November 06, 2009, 07:00:54 AM »

Quote from: 240 is Back on November 06, 2009, 06:59:27 AM

very bad taste and timing on obama's part. he's obviously not as moved as many.

on the other hand, 911 was 'frightening'. columbine was 'frightening'. pearl harbor was 'frightening'.

I find the use of the word on poor comments to be a tad dramatic.

At a minimum, at the very least - he should have opened up with the remarks about the shooting and not been so light hearted about everything else.

240 is Back · « **Reply #5 on:** November 06, 2009, 07:03:49 AM »

Quote from: 333386 on November 06, 2009, 07:00:54 AM

At a minimum, at the very least - he should have opened up with the remarks about the shooting and not been so light hearted about everything else.

agreed 100%. way too casual.

that's why i like leaders with a bit more statesmanship. this rogue, new, exciting, adventurous, off-cuff style we see in some just turns me off.

Skip8282 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 06, 2009, 07:07:53 AM »

Quote from: chadstallion on November 06, 2009, 06:50:28 AM

yet another attempt to smear barry. it wont take hold till Sean, Rush, Mark L. Laura all join in. and it will pass....i know, its pay back for the 8 years of bush...

Did you actually watch the press conference? Smear job? Hardly...

240's right...Obama needs some maturity.

The Showstoppa · « **Reply #7 on:** November 06, 2009, 07:14:04 AM »

Quote from: 240 is Back on November 06, 2009, 07:03:49 AM

agreed 100%. way too casual.

that's why i like leaders with a bit more statesmanship. this rogue, new, exciting, adventurous, off-cuff style we see in some just turns me off.

I agree. Giving "shout outs" just doesn't seem to rise to the occasion of the office of President of the United States. Thats just how I feel.

Soul Crusher · « **Reply #8 on:** November 06, 2009, 07:18:15 AM »

Quote from: The Showstoppa on November 06, 2009, 07:14:04 AM

I agree. Giving "shout outs" just doesn't seem to rise to the occasion of the office of President of the United States. Thats just how I feel.

Giving Shout Outs is fine for campaign stops etc, but not when you just leanred 13 soldiers were killed.

I also think the fact that he did not lead off with this is just very revealing about where his heart is.

headhuntersix · « **Reply #9 on:** November 06, 2009, 07:19:08 AM »

I'm glad I'm not lossing my mind...I posted this yesterday. He is incapable of realizing what his job is and his roll as CINC

Soul Crusher · « **Reply #10 on:** November 06, 2009, 07:23:29 AM »

Quote from: headhuntersix on November 06, 2009, 07:19:08 AM

I'm glad I'm not lossing my mind...I posted this yesterday. He is incapable of realizing what his job is and his roll as CINC

HH6 - we are living in the twilight zone for sure, but rest assure, there are more of us than there are of the scum bag leftists who give aide, comfort, encouragement, and moral support to these vermin.

240 is Back · « **Reply #11 on:** November 06, 2009, 07:25:14 AM »

presidents often have to put several soundbites, on several topics, into the same speech. So yeah, there are times when they'll have to mix policy and sorrow.

still, you put the sad stuff first, as it matters more. Then you have a moment of silence and deliver the rest of the speech with a serious tone, no matter the topic. Bush was good at this.

The Showstoppa · « **Reply #12 on:** November 06, 2009, 07:28:46 AM »

Quote from: 240 is Back on November 06, 2009, 07:25:14 AM

presidents often have to put several soundbites, on several topics, into the same speech. So yeah, there are times when they'll have to mix policy and sorrow.

still, you put the sad stuff first, as it matters more. Then you have a moment of silence and deliver the rest of the speech with a serious tone, no matter the topic. Bush was good at this.

You might be a little young to remember it, but President Reagan was incredible at this. He could open with a solemn tone and then in his serious tone have you ready to take up your musket! He was certainly the Great Communicator and IMO a great President.

Skip8282 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 06, 2009, 07:31:38 AM »

Quote from: 333386 on November 06, 2009, 07:18:15 AM

I also think the fact that he did not lead off with this is just very revealing about where his heart is.

Well said!

24KT · « **Reply #14 on:** November 06, 2009, 07:37:08 AM »

Quote from: 333386 on November 06, 2009, 06:06:45 AM

Obama's Frightening Insensitivity Following Shooting

Three minutes in, the president spoke about the shooting, in measured and appropriate terms. Who is advising him?

Anyone at home aware of the major news story of the previous hours had to have been stunned. An incident like this requires a scrapping of the early light banter. The president should apologize for the tone of his remarks, explain what has happened, express sympathy for those slain and appeal for calm and patience until all the facts are in. That's the least that should occur.

Indeed, an argument could be made that Obama should have canceled the Indian event, out of respect for people having been murdered at an Army post a few hours before. That would have prevented any sort of jarring emotional switch at the event.

Did the president's team not realize what sort of image they were presenting to the country at this moment? The disconnect between what Americans at home knew had been going on -- and the initial words coming out of their president's mouth was jolting, if not disturbing.

If the president's communications apparatus can't inform -- and protect -- their boss during tense moments when the country needs to see a focused commander-in-chief and a compassionate head of state, it has disastrous consequences for that president's party and supporters.

All the president's men (and women) fell down on the job Thursday. And Democrats across the country have real reason to panic.

New York writer Robert A. George blogs at Ragged Thots. Follow him on Twitter.
________________________ ________________________ ________________________ _

You are not alone Mr. George. I was appalled myself.

Don't mean to sound insensitive... but it was 12 soldiers who died. Twelve.
Soldiers in a country in a state of war, who previously vowed to risk their lives fighting just such an enemy.

You know what I found appalling? (...aside from your blind hatred of Obama that causes you to lose all perspective)

Here a fellow named George W. Bush is having a delightful time playing a guitar given to him by country singer Mark Wills after a visit to Naval Base Coronado in sunny southern California. It's fun to be president.

"If the president's communications apparatus can't inform -- and protect -- their boss during tense moments when the country needs to see a focused commander-in-chief and a compassionate head of state, it has disastrous consequences for that president's party and supporters."

Thankfully we've seen the truth of those words borne out when Obama took the Whitehouse didn't we?

Soul Crusher · « **Reply #15 on:** November 06, 2009, 07:41:11 AM »

Quote from: jaguarenterprises on November 06, 2009, 07:37:08 AM

Don't mean to sound insensitive... but it was 12 soldiers who died. Twelve.
Soldiers in a country in a state of war, who previously vowed to risk their lives fighting just such an enemy.

You know what I found appalling? (...aside from your blind hatred of Obama that causes you to lose all perspective)

Here a fellow named George W. Bush is having a delightful time playing a guitar given to him by country singer Mark Wills after a visit to Naval Base Coronado in sunny southern California. It's fun to be president.

"If the president's communications apparatus can't inform -- and protect -- their boss during tense moments when the country needs to see a focused commander-in-chief and a compassionate head of state, it has disastrous consequences for that president's party and supporters."

Thankfully we've seen the truth of those words borne out when Obama took the Whitehouse didn't we?

Jag - GFY

Hugo - please deal with this jagass.

240 is Back · « **Reply #16 on:** November 06, 2009, 07:49:25 AM »

Those instances show Bush acting without class in many cases. Just as Obama did yesterday. it happens. Events happen quickly, you react as you see fit, and there's plenty of time for ppl to analyze every action you make. Part of the job.

24KT · « **Reply #17 on:** November 06, 2009, 07:52:50 AM »

Quote from: 333386 on November 06, 2009, 07:41:11 AM

Jag - GFY

Hugo - please deal with this jagass.

Deal with me? What did I do wrong? Because I failed to agree with you?
I found Bush & McCain's neglect and self centred hedonism and insensivity extremely appalling!

Soul Crusher · « **Reply #18 on:** November 06, 2009, 07:57:23 AM »

Quote from: jaguarenterprises on November 06, 2009, 07:52:50 AM

Deal with me? What did I do wrong? Because I failed to agree with you?
I found Bush & McCain's neglect and self centred hedonism and insensivity extremely appalling!

Yet you knee-pad for the man-child in the WH is a disgusting POFS who does the same things.

24KT · « **Reply #19 on:** November 06, 2009, 08:10:46 AM »

Quote from: 333386 on November 06, 2009, 07:57:23 AM

Yet you knee-pad for the man-child in the WH is a disgusting POFS who does the same things.

man-child? Is that your clever way of refering to the president as a "boy"?
President Obama is more of a man than George Bush ever was, ...or ever will be.

Find me some footage of Obama celebrating some old crony's birthday while a city drowns with hundreds of thousands of people perishing and I will perhaps re-think my position. Find me some footage of one of his relatives saying the victims are better off than they were before the disaster, and I will re-think my position.

Grape Ape · « **Reply #20 on:** November 06, 2009, 08:17:46 AM »

Quote from: jaguarenterprises on November 06, 2009, 08:10:46 AM

and I will re-think my position.

Anything to keep you from actually posting.

Your point is grade school level at best. Discuss the issue at hand, rather than falling back on your George Bush security blanket.

Obama handled this poorly. It's OK to say it. It's stupid responses like yours that make it hard to take anything you say seriously, regardless of whether your point is valid or not. This thread should be one where both sides agree.

Soul Crusher · « **Reply #21 on:** November 06, 2009, 08:31:32 AM »

Quote from: Grape Ape on November 06, 2009, 08:17:46 AM

Anything to keep you from actually posting.

Your point is grade school level at best. Discuss the issue at hand, rather than falling back on your George Bush security blanket.

Obama handled this poorly. It's OK to say it. It's stupid responses like yours that make it hard to take anything you say seriously, regardless of whether your point is valid or not. This thread should be one where both sides agree.

This guy was no different than Moveon.org and the rest of the left wing lunatics.