Reagan funeral question

[zbdent]

Sorry that this is so late, but I do have a question about the Reagan funeral. I didn't watch it, thankfully, I was busy.

But I do recall that there were reports that, of course, many of the speakers at the service recalled him warmly, and some told stories which detailed their "relationship" with him.

Some reports even harkened to Reagan's sense of humor.

Now my question.

At this "solemn" occasion, did people laugh, or at least chuckle, over some of these tales? That wasn't such a bad thing, right?

Yet, a number of years ago, Bill Clinton was portrayed (by the "liberal media") as heartless and insensitive when seen chuckling at a funeral. Seems he was reminded of a fond memory of the staff member who died tragically, and reacted warmly.

Of course, since it was Clinton, it was immediately evil, so anybody who chuckled over a Reagan story is just being human and warm, despite the "solemn occasion", right?

[Bronco69]

1. When Poppy Bush gave a speech at the funeral

at the National Cathedral he told the story about when he asked Reagan how his meeting with Tutu went and Reagan replied, "so so." Everyone laughed at that.

[zbdent]

2. OH, THE INHUMANITY!

HE SHOULD BE STRUNG UP BY THE CONSERVATIVE (minor) VOICE IN THE PRESSES!

< / sarcasm >

[Frodo]

3. I'm afraid it wasn't at all the same

You may remember the video of Pres Clinton being "reminded of a fond memory"? It was him laughing it up with Mondale in the crowd completely seperate from anything happening on stage.
And I don't think that was really the most innaproprate part of that service.


Reagan's funeral really wasn't like that (though of course there's a big difference between a funeral and a memorial service).

Reagan's son didn't get up there and say that to honor his father's memory we had to elect Bush and chant "we will win! we will win!" from the podium. In fact, he went out of his was to seperate his father's memory from that of the current resident.

[amber dog democrat]

4. I ignored most of the coverage.

Thankfully its over.

[hlthe2b]

5. The premise that funerals should always be totally solemn affairs

is disturbing to me.... Perhaps for an infant, very young child.... But for adults there should be some celebration of the life (and one would hope some humorous stories to recount that helps all assembled to 'know' the person who has died). Of course the RW would not get any "nasty miles" off recognizing this...