Bush at Ft Campbell -- the "love" was staged, of course, and each family

[Mairead]

of a soldier killed in Iraq got a big two and a half minutes of condolence from the Psychopath In Chief and his spouse.


Bush, wearing a green Army jacket, received an enthusiastic welcome from the troops, who stood on the post's muddy parade grounds under bright sunshine and chanted "U.S.A.!" Before Bush appeared, small U.S. flags were handed out, and an officer gave instructions to the troops on how to receive the commander in chief. "We're going to show him a lot of love by waving flags," the officer said. Telling the troops not to salute, he added: "You're going to wave and clap and make a lot of noise. . . . You must smile. We are happy campers here."

After his speech, the president and Laura Bush lunched with a much smaller group of soldiers. On the menu was steak, lobster tails, prime rib and rainbow trout. The president took a heaping tray of fried shrimp, corn, potato with cheese and even some broccoli -- not a favorite Bush family vegetable. When asked about the Polish president's remarks, Bush brushed off the question by shaking his head and saying, "I'm here to eat dinner."

After lunch, Bush and the first lady spent nearly two hours meeting one-on-one with widows, parents and children of the 46 fallen soldiers. According to the White House, Bush had his photo taken with all the kin and told one widow who was weeping, "My heart aches for you."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A6089-2004Mar18.html

[NewYorkerfromMass]

1. 2.6 minutes by my accounting

And I'm here to :puke:

Meanwhile, here's a heartrending read: http://www.newyorker.com/printable/?fact/040308fa_fact1

[Desertrose]

3. what a story from your link....

left me speechless....
and sad and angry.....oh man....

DR

[Mairead]

5. what a story indeed

what an unmitigated disaster. What a total, awful mess. The kid was disfunctional before, and now he's practically zeroed out. And with a baby coming, my God.

The most poingnant thing in the whole article, though, was that soldier's insight: "We kinda have to say that. Otherwise it's all in vain"

[liberalitch]

6. How many more...

Michael Cains are there?

[rasputin1952]

2. If I were still in the Army...

I would have not been alolowed to go to the 'rally'. I would have refused to wave a flag or smile, and cite the "lawful order" clause of the UCMJ.

:)

[Mairead]

4. I know what you mean. I'm glad I was never in the Army--I'd

have spent time in the brig (stockade? jail, anyhow) for being unsound politically.