Obama: Fallen troops received overnight

It's interesting that Obama spends the night at a place the Bush administration didn't want the American people know existed.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

I wish that I could believe that this was a sincere effort, but I feel it wasn't and it is being used as a distraction.

Unlike the chickenhawk cowards, Bush and Cheney, this President pays his respect to fallen U.S. soldiers.

Wow, I must admit this is one of the first (few) stand-up presidential things Barry has done since he took office.

"It's interesting that Obama spends the night at a place the Bush administration didn't want the American people know existed. "

Far from the TRUTH. This is place the military did not want photo ops at ... now it is a place a guy goes to to "man up" when his actions, or lack there of, are costing lives. This is pathetic and the very reason repots were banned from the place but those who never sacrificed can't understand. Obama is a joke and this just proves it. Obama has NO RESPECT for the military and his inactions prove it, he has made decisions in Afganastan, 17K troops, changed the rules of engagment, ask for NATO help and recieved little, and the place has gotten worse wake up.

A politician will most anything to improve his image and disguise the fact that they are nothing more that cutout caricitures of humans.

He ought to be ashamed of himself for turning this solemn homecoming into a photo op for his dithering on a troop buildup.

I wish that I could believe that this was a sincere effort, but I feel it wasn't and it is being used as a distraction.

Posted by: jfr | October 29, 2009 8:44 AM

What's there to distract? You mean like they're trying to distract you by reminding himself (and America) that our people are dying in a war, that he inherited?

That's he's trying to distract you from the fact that he's in the process of answering the question for U.S. involvement in SE Asia? You know the question: "Why and to what end?"

Maybe you ought to ask yourself the question. "Why and to what end?" And before you blurt out your answer, take a long, hard look at the photograph. Not at the saluting head of state. But at the casket. And ask if your answer justify the costs.

I think it was appropriate.

Really? Does anyone really believe that Barry is being sincere? Interesting that he has to have the cameras there in order to pay respect to the fallen troops. Nice attempt at trying to distract people from the real issues and how you are putting soldiers in harms way. And this war was not inheritted from Bush. You accepted it when you decided you wanted to be president.

Correct. Let the Afghan do their fighting- we'll just do the support.

I would love to believe that the president was being sincere. But we all know that this was nothing more than an Obama photo OP to deflect away from the fact that he has been unable to lead a decision in Afghanistan.

President Bush and his wife met personally and privately with over 500 families of fallen soldiers. And he personally wrote letters to every single family. He took this part of his job very seriously. This image is a photo op.. What is the press doing there? Why hasn't he done it before in his presidency. Makes me sick

Whenever a President or any other American for that matter honors those who gave their lives in defense of our country, its a very admirable action.

Example: Memorial Day is spent by most, not all, but most Americans as just another hoilday with beer and brats. Its not much effort for everyone to take a half hour out of their day to attend a cemetery, church, or parade to give respect to fallen soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and the coast guard from all wars....but it doesn't happen like that anymore.

Young kids need to learn this from their parents, teachers, and fellow Americans. Whether or not your for or against war isn't the issue...its about honoring the fallen and realizing that many aren't with us anymore because of their service and love for our country.

I wish every American could attend a combat zone memorial service after a comrade has died to see what I am trying to explain. It's something you never forget and also is heartbreaking when you come home only to see Memorial Day traeted as just another holiday in America.

So, before anyone starts turning his visit to Dover as a like or dislike...ask yourself one question; do you pay your respects to the fallen?

That's nice Doug R., what else is he doing that can be compared to the evil Bush-Cheney monsters?

Everything I can assume from the sheeple like you. No bashing from me on this postruing moment by our president. Sincere or not, he's there for the pictures.

The daily rants from the children on the Swamp are getting more delusional and pungent than ever. Do you folks actually go baahh when farmer Brown walks up to your pens?

Seeing that leftist egghead with his arm raised in salute to dead soldiers is truly stomache turning. That guy could have benefited from basic training and a few years in the company of men like those who gave their lives for their country. Instead Obama hung out with Bill Ayers etc.

Will Fox News list the price that this overnight trip will cost the American taxpayers?

Does anybody feel they lifted the media ban specifically with this type of presidential visit in mind?

Bush visited the fallen and their families also - it just wasn't a photo-op.

Not Impressed and other detractors:

George W. Bush never attended a military funeral during his eight years as president. Not one. And there were thousands....

What a great photo-op! Was this Axelrod's idea or Emmanuel's?

If Obama truly wants to "honor the fallen" he will get off the golf course and into the Oval Office. More than two months ago our general in Afghanistan asked for reinforcements. Our troops need help. And Obama sits. And sits. And plays basketball. And golfs while a record number of soldiers have been killed this month. Obama is a disgusting creep and fraud. What a disappointment this con man is.

Seeing that leftist egghead with his arm raised in salute to dead soldiers is truly stomache turning. That guy could have benefited from basic training and a few years in the company of men like those who gave their lives for their country. Instead Obama hung out with Bill Ayers etc.

Posted by: leftistconservative | October 29, 2009 9:59 AM

You literally cannot tell left from right, let alone come up with an intelligent thought. Have a great life.

Oh springfield,
Ship yourself over to Iraq and locate all those WMD's we were told about. Report your findings back here in 30 days.

This is most definitely sincere. If it was a photo-op, they could have made it a lot more public. Those press people have contracts that allow them to be there.

To 'leftistconservative' Perhaps he would have served in the military if they did anything to engage people of intelligence. The US military academies made one presentation at my school, none at many of my friends, and recruiters in general only spoke to the dumb kids. The military has no interest in picking up the best and brightest.

Kenny Bunkport, Bush may not have attended one military funeral (and truthfully how many military funerals had previous presidents attended?), but he did meet with hundreds of families. He did so quietly and without fanfare.
Sorry, but the cynic in me (and perhaps partisan) sees this as just a political photo op by Obama. He has not generally treated the military very well since becoming president. In fact, hasn't his administration been fighting with its generals, McChrystal and Petraeus?

Kenny Bunkport,

Thanks for making my point. Bush met "privately" with the families as he did not want media to distract a solemn event for the families nor did he seek the publicity for himself.

I'm not saying Obama was not sincere in his actions - only that it would have been seen as more sincere if cameras were not present.

Good to see Obama following the tradition GHWB also believed was important.

Too bad his son was too embarrassed to do the same, and was ultimately shamed into meeting privately with some families.

Take pride in your nation and respect the fallen troops. Sometimes people need to actually SEE it, rather than have it be swept under the carpet.

Seeing that leftist egghead with his arm raised in salute to dead soldiers is truly stomache turning.Posted by: leftistconservative | October 29, 2009 9:59 AM

Would you prefer that he donned a flight suit and pranced around in front of a "Mission Accomplished" banner? You wingers really take the cake. You'd find criticism with ANY decision he made.

We're not buying it anymore, Obama. Last week, Gallop found that Obama's personal popularity had hit a new low. And it will continue to drop as more Americans wake up to this grifter. Keep the faith, Americans. We WILL take the country back from the spoiled, arrogant, incompetent children in the White House. It begins next Tuesday in Virgina, New York and New Jersey and continue November, 2010.

Still campaigning, i see. Revolting. He could have easily met with the fallen soldiers' families without a camera if he was serious about honoring the dead.

Oh, boy. More kabuki theater from vaudevillain Obama the Great. Now watch this magic trick. Your taxes, wealth and freedoms will disappear in a cloud of Marxist magic. Wake up, folks.

Guess what there buddy?

**********************************

Oh springfield,
Ship yourself over to Iraq and locate all those WMD's we were told about. Report your findings back here in 30 days.

Posted by: Doug R. | October 29, 2009 10:28 AM

**********************************

As I said before, you're delusional and repugnant but then, all Bush haters are that way. When you grow up, take a class in the "Here and Now" and learn that all things bad are not the fault of one man but all things bad have to be addressed and corrected by the "Man in Charge".

That man would be president Obama - not Bush. President Obama now has the authority to end this debacle and other wars. His campaign promises are nothing but fodder for the sheeple like you, dumb enough to believe everything you've been told and vicious enough to spew your hatred daily based on what?? the last guy in charge?

Well, step into the here and now Doug and realize that our president either told bald faced lies during the presidential campaign to get your vote or is today, wavering based on the input from sheeple like you. Is that your phone ringing? better pick up and answer those poll questions.

Every sincere gesture (like this from our President) will be judged synically by some as well. To the Pres - "Hooo-ah".

Wonder if Obama was truthful or another one of his Political Ploys.

Strange how the lunatic left continues to call Bush a "chickenhawk" but has nothing to say about Obama who never even considered volunteering for military service. No, I guess it isn't strange at all, is it?

Take a good look, all of you knuckle-headed Republican-Libertarians !! That is what a good leader looks like, when he is honoring our fallen !! Why aren't you participating, in honoring our fallen citizens of our Armed Forces, instead of trying to detract and distract !!? You have really earned all of the name-calling, given your pathetic responses to our President's salute to our fallen heroes !! A plague on your Party !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.

Can someone explain why 'domestic entities" like the DEA are overseas?

I'm pretty sure the news photographers would have been there regardless of whether Obama was there. The return of 18 fallen soldiers from Afghanistan at the height of the bloodiest month of the war is news, regardless of whether the president is there to see it. Also, the story notes that he did meet privately with the families, without the cameras.

So if Robert Gibbs, or Dewey Fibbs or whatever you wingnuts call him told you the President did this you would call him a Liar! and demand to see proof. It's a lose/lose proposition when you are up agains a rabid, frothing at the mouth hate group who does not believe you are the Commander in Chief. Go pound sand! Tell Republican lawmakers how you feel. Send 'em a box full of truck nutz and tell them to enjoy their group TeaBagging parties.

Doug R......You must understand that the people who blame the CRA from the 90"s for the housing crisis, or 9/11 on Clinton, certainly understand Bush is gone. The problems he created are now Obama's. Pontious Pilate has spoken.

At least Obama the Unqualified got the salute and standing at attention right. However, his other actions prove were his heart really lies, and its not with the military. He will always be for himself, foremost, and always.

little bill, still hittin' the pipe! are you in some time warp machine or some past diaper rash just won't go away?

**********************************

Doug R......You must understand that the people who blame the CRA from the 90"s for the housing crisis, or 9/11 on Clinton, certainly understand Bush is gone. The problems he created are now Obama's. Pontious Pilate has spoken.

Posted by: bill r. | October 29, 2009 11:50 AM

**********************************'

Just say no to drugs little bill and look at the calendar on the wall in your room at the asylum. We're past the "Ceasar" time warp and into the "Czar" dimension.

Not impressed:

Two words: Mission Accomplished

If he wants to honor our soldiers, let him send them the help that they need.

leftistconservative, I assume you're using the word "egghead" in a derogatory way--that means you object to the fact that our president is educated?

Posted by: Derrick | October 29, 2009 11:39 AM
;
Chickenhawk is what you call a warmonger who never served. Someone who talks tough but when their time to serve came up they requested deferments or had daddy find them a job in a political campaign.

Mr photo - op
Again.

Please quit trying to look like you have a dialog with anyone in the military. Without knowing ANYTHING about how military people think or feel, trying to "in the picture"
like this just makes you look sillier.

Take a good look, all of you knuckle-headed Republican-Libertarians !! That is what a good leader looks like, when he is honoring our fallen !! Why aren't you participating, in honoring our fallen citizens of our Armed Forces, instead of trying to detract and distract !!? You have really earned all of the name-calling, given your pathetic responses to our President's salute to our fallen heroes !! A plague on your Party !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.

If it weren't for the family granting the media permission, this photo wouldn't have happened. Not a photo op unless of course the president put the family up to it so he could exploit their loss. That has to be it, its the only logical explaination. In fact when the picture was taken it was President Obama doing it by remote so he could make sure he was captured as well, not the photographer whose job it is to take meaningful images and one including the president in this instance would happen to be one

Those of you who criticize, is there anything that Obama could do that would make you happy? If he hadn't gone, you'd complain that he wasn't respecting the troops. He does go and you complain that its for the wrong reason. This president is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't and you'll continue to use these public forums to level charges at the President, whether they're valid or not.

If so many of you know that Bush met with the families of our fallen soldiers "IN PRIVATE," how do you know that the current President is not. It 's your hatred for the man that defines your perspective. It certainly is not your knowleadge. Think before you speak.

I'd call it a photo-op.

Pays his respect to dead troops? Troops are dying while Obama is playing politics on sending the troops that McChrystal says are necessary to complete the mission. Absolutely gutless.

Per photo op for obama; shameful

"He ought to be ashamed of himself for turning this solemn homecoming into a photo op for his dithering on a troop buildup."
Posted by: roundlaketom

It's probably a stretch for those of you who haven't made it past grade school, but try reading the article in its entirety instead of parroting the talking points fed to you by Fox, Rush, et al. Do your own thinking for once and discover that the media filmed the soldier's transfer with his family's approval while other services were conducted privately which, of course, is something your drooling right-wing heroes would never clue you in on.

Obama did not “inherit” anything, he volunteered knowing all full and well what the issues were. He had a plan, so he claimed, which involved conducting operations in sovereign nations with or with out their consent. This was the war that we should be fighting. So now … ??? It was a photo-op his actions and his words a very different and we will pay a price on many levels in the future … he is a suit a spineless person

He was there because he is holding his "decision" while men and women die because of election, politics. If your staying level the hell hole, if your leaving then just go ... we will leave as we will in Iraq not because it was the right thing but because its the political thing. They're only Muslims anyway leave them to their religion and leaders .. you know the ones of peace.

"But we all know that this was nothing more than an Obama photo OP..." You mean like "Mission Accomplished?"

Thanks Sgtgiese. All these other guys are too busy arguing their opinions that they missed saying thanks.
Its very painful to watch someone you love come home like this. Americans are good at distracting themselves with balloon boys and other irrelevant new stories. People this is relevant, we cannot forget about those who are putting themselves in harms way to protect our nation. Honor them and stop making dumb attacks at some politician.

I luv all these haters. The man has been in office for less than a year and you expect for him to clean up the mess that was left within that time period. Let me see you rightwing, so called conservative hypocrites accomplish what should have been done long time ago.

Now that the mess has got to be cleaned you want speedy, indecisive action so that you can complain about that too. U people are never satisfied!!!

Obama is overcome with guilt over the soldiers he has sent to their graves for the past 8 years in Afganistan and Iraq. Until he mans up and admits he was wrong to send our brave young men over there in 2002, he will be seen as the failure he is.

the facts are this for all you obama haters. no matter if he had made a decision already or not would have changed NOTHING yet. sending more troops is not going to automaticly and magicly stop the fighting and dying. and for those saying he will do anything for the cameras. HE has no choice in that. he is the president. no matter where he goes..it will be on camera.

Of course this was appropriate. I found it incredibly moving just seeing the President of the United States saluting while one of our fallen hero's is brought home to rest.

No, President GWB did not do this. Neither did Bill Clinton, unless someone can recall otherwise.

Our war dead deserve this honor.

I hope he does it again. He needs to keep in touch with the fact that each casualty is a real fallen human being, with a real family. George W. Bush may have met with families privately -- and I respect him for that -- but some surrounding him in his administration were often glib when asked about the fallen soldiers.

The president needs to do this to keep in touch. And we need to see it happen.

Obama is overcome with guilt over the soldiers he has sent to their graves for the past 8 years in Afganistan and Iraq. Until he mans up and admits he was wrong to send our brave young men over there in 2002, he will be seen as the failure he is.

Posted by: Wishing Walker | October 29, 2009 3:24 PM

Ummm...nevermind.

---------------------------

Good post, Sgt. Giese. Reality check needed by all. Thanks.

What a joke, Bush visited numerous times a month and Obama makes one stop and he's annoited king? this reeks

From what I understand the AP Press is the only one who made it their business to be there for each and every soldier, while the mass, like the President, jump ship only to resurface at "sincere" err politically significant times. From that point of view I really hold the sincerity of the AP Press before that of this administration. What's more, it is a bit ironic to think this is sincere when you know that at the end of the spectrum, now that the battlefield is being shifted over to Afghanistan, attempts were made to prevent the press from capturing the consequences of war. To know that on one hand we are to champion neatly covered coffins and the President by their side (unlike Bush), and to know on the other hand we were nearly prevented from witnessing the nity gritty reality of the war by this administration's Pentagon (reverting headway under Bush, and hanging the press out to attempt dangerous methods of capturing footage), is to know politics is politics is politics. I wonder if the Fox summit ended in a cease-fire for at least the first few moths of redeployment?

Guess what there buddy?

**********************************

Oh springfield,
Ship yourself over to Iraq and locate all those WMD's we were told about. Report your findings back here in 30 days.

Posted by: Doug R. | October 29, 2009 10:28 AM

**********************************

As I said before, you're delusional and repugnant but then, all Bush haters are that way. When you grow up, take a class in the "Here and Now" and learn that all things bad are not the fault of one man but all things bad have to be addressed and corrected by the "Man in Charge".

That man would be president Obama - not Bush. President Obama now has the authority to end this debacle and other wars. His campaign promises are nothing but fodder for the sheeple like you, dumb enough to believe everything you've been told and vicious enough to spew your hatred daily based on what?? the last guy in charge?

Well, step into the here and now Doug and realize that our president either told bald faced lies during the presidential campaign to get your vote or is today, wavering based on the input from sheeple like you. Is that your phone ringing? better pick up and answer those poll questions.

Posted by: springfieldd | October 29, 2009 11:13 AM

Springfield - You're drinking your own Hypocritical Kool-Aid. On one hand you're flaming US(I'll say us Obama supporters because I'm comfortable in voting for somebody that actually puts critical thought into any action(s) he has planned/is planning/or has already put the plan in place) for putting our trust into somebody for what they've promised or said? Do you recall Bush? Rice? Chenney? Lemme para-phrase ... Iraq posses an IMMEDIATE threat to the US. Iraq is housing Weapons of Mass Destruction. Iraq is the epicenter of terrorism? Iraq played a part in 9/11? Really? over 4000 lives lost ... trillions of dollars spent ... for what? Mission Accomplished? Really? We need to be in Afghanistan. Thank God Obama is listening to EVERYBODY ... Thank God Obama is actually organizing the facts before he reacts w/ a plan. 9 months is awfully short time to judge a presidency. What we can say is we do appreciate that we're actaully thinking BEFORE reacting - I and the 4000+ soldiers that died in Vain wish we could say that about IRAQ.

Respect the military? I guess his poll numbers must be tanking. Don't worry, there will be more opportunities to welcome home dead soldiers as he drags his feet in Afghanistan. He can't vote "present" this time.

For all of you who think they know what happens at Dover AFB, I say this: shut up. Unless you've stood there and have seen your loved one taken off the plane you have nothing but an uninformed opinion. If the President did this to honor the fallen, I say good. If he did it for political reasons, I say shame. Media may only be present if the family allows it. There is no free pass for the media just because the President is present. SGT Giese has made the most salient point of all the comments. I recommend you take the political arguments somewhere else and focus on offering condolences to the families of the fallen-they may be reading this. My heart aches for the families and I'll keep them in my thoughts and prayers. I ask that all of you do the same.

Am hearing right? There are those here suggesting that he shouldn't honor the fallen soldiers? He's the President. I would think it's ok to honor those who gave their lives for us. I understand politics but I don't understand this argument.

If this wasn't a photo op, then why did Obimbo bring along a press contingent? Couldn't he have paid his respects to the soldiers without the press being there?

Nicely staged photo op.

Bring all of our Soldiers home now...Alive..We should just send Special Forces after the terrorists...Our Soldiers are dying for wars we cannot ever win. They have had civil wars and unrest over there forever. We cannot cure their problems..Now or ever....

We've had a chance to reflect on a lot of comments here, the most concise of which may be the sentiment that a president is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. First of all, every appearance of a president in public is a photo opportunity. But the reason this one was public is that the family of the soldier from Terre Haute who died permitted the media coverage of their son's return. Under the policy that the White House adopted, it requires a family's permission. The Associated Press has committed to covering every public transfer of a returning war casualty, so there is a photo. In addition, when the president travels he takes a press pool with him. So there is a photo. The conclusions that the president's visit to Dover was a mere photo op tend to demean the families of the fallen -- there is press coverage because they approved it. And why did they approve it? Perhaps so that the world might honor their son or daughter? Perhaps so that a nation might understand the ramifications of a war eight years olds now? From their perspective, who might be the most important participant in that ceremony, if not the president? Now, the president could have arranged a private visitation of a transfer ceremony which a family had not approved. Then he would face the criticism of, what is he trying to conceal? The damned if do, damned if don't scenario. So he went, he honored the dead, and the nation knew about it. If that's a great opportunity, we doubt the families of the fallen think so.

He ought to be ashamed of himself for turning this solemn homecoming into a photo op for his dithering on a troop buildup.

Right-wingers are hateful, aren't they?

Like the Iraq fiasco, the economic catastrophe and the Afghanistan mess, Obama inherited the war from the guy you fools voted for twice.

It was a decent thing to go to Dover to witness the return of fallen soldiers that are now his responsibility.

Carping about it makes you seem awfully petty.

Ok, Mark, fair enough. But President Bush had private visits with dozens, if not hundreds, of familes. There was no press for many of those visits. Obama's visit could have been well meaning. But he also could have honored those soldiers without any press there. In regard to secrecy, I would have no problem with him visiting them and no one knowing about it.
But, I'll accept most of your argument. Most. I do not agree that by questioning Obama's intentions insults those who lost their lives in combat. They are heroes through and through, and nothing can cheapen their sacrifices. They and their brothers and sisters are the heart and soul of this country and personify this country's greatness, regardless of who is president.

Only a counterinsurgency campaign that secures the population can defeat a guerrilla force, and half-measures, no matter how seductive in the political moment, will fail on the ground and waste domestic support for the war. In terms of President Bush and Iraq, Obama has two choices. He can be the Bush of 2005 and 2006, who stuck with a failing strategy despite all the evidence it wasn’t working. Or he can be the Bush of 2007 and 2008, who gave his commanders what they needed to succeed. Obama’s choice is a momentous one, but it shouldn’t be hard.

Thanks for this nice article on Mr. Obama. As he is my favourite leader. I like this site as it is very informative site. I will visit this site in future too.

As a conservative who served in the Armed Forces, I find the petty political bickering in this comment section to be stomach-churning. This is an article about men who gave all for their country returning to be honored and laid to rest. You could have left thanks to the fallen and prayers for the bereaved, but you prefer partisan posturing on top of the corpses. We all know something has gone wrong with this country. My opinion is that for too many, political agenda takes precedence before all else, and when called on it, everyone says 'well the other side did it too." You should be ashamed, but you aren't.

Thanks Sgt Griffin and all who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Take a good look, all of you knuckle-headed Republican-Libertarians !! That is what a good leader looks like, when he is honoring our fallen !! Why aren't you participating, in honoring our fallen citizens of our Armed Forces, instead of trying to detract and distract !!? You have really earned all of the name-calling, given your pathetic responses to our President's salute to our fallen heroes !! A plague on your Party !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.

Right wingers, take a good look at that photo.

You can concede the 2012 election right now & save a lot of $$$.

Ornery,

Before you count your chickens, let's see what President Dither does. Does he give McCrystal the troops he is requesting to fight the "necessary war"? Does he only give McCrystal a smaller number of troops - if so, this becomes BO's war - for better or worse. Will BO fight for victory - he already has said he won't

http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/07/post_23.html

Or does BO apease his flatliner base and pull the troops our of Afghanistan and the "necessary war". If he does, will we hear the 6' 5" man that lives in a cave think America is just a Paper Tiger?

http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/people/shows/binladen/timeline.html

Before you give him an 8 year term, let's see what he does with the next three.