Obama Shows Insensitivity, Lack Of Leadership, After Ft. Hood Shooting
Posted by Casey on November 6, 2009
- Image by Mr. Wright via Flickr
Not even Obama’s most staunch supporters could defend his actions here. This is the most inappropriate behavior I’ve ever seen by a Commander-In-Chief in issuing a press conference about several dozen members of the military being killed or wounded.
I’ve seen some put the blame on his advisers, but any mature adult would have realized giving shout outs, and lighthearted comments about an unrelated issue before speaking about an attack on a US military installation is completely inappropriate.
After news broke out of the shooting at the Fort HoodThe White House Army post in Texas, the nation watched in horror as the toll of dead and injured climbed. 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?
Here’s the video:
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3 Responses to “Obama Shows Insensitivity, Lack Of Leadership, After Ft. Hood Shooting”
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Robert Plumlee said
I am a Combat Veteran and I am aware of the following: When in service to this country, be it veteran or active duty (just like a Marine is always a Marine; all Veterans are always Veterans and forever in service to their country), when one is in the presence of a Medal of Honor recipient, that person receives the first salute. This is true even if the Commander in Chief is present. In addressing his hosts and recognizing the presence of Dr. Joe Medicine Crow, President Obama exercised appropriate decorum in addressing this serious situation.
Two years ago there were those that were of the opinion that President Bush could not tie his shoes without offending his opponents: Not unlike a tennis match or football game, where teams switch sides of the court or field, this nations pundits have switched ends of the field and, unfortunately, tactical shortcomings.
Irene said
Does that include a Medal of Freedom recipient as well? Because Dr. Joe Medicine Crow was awarded that from Obama himself, and Obama got it wrong.
Thirteen people were slaughtered in cold blood on an American base. This in my mind takes precedence over decorum, because this was more than merely a “serious situation.” What was appropriate would have been for the president to leave the gathering and fly to Ft. Hood immediately.
A pretty speech and “shout out” can always be given later.
InottgakBrook said
Amazing, I didn’t know about that up to the present. Thx!