Does anyone else see this Hotel Montana thing turning into a problem for Obama?

[LeftyAndProud60]

These people were basically calling him out on NBC this morning. They didn't say his name, but they continued to mention the US Government. A couple of them even seemed to threaten the government if something isn't done. Apparently they want the US Military to take control of the search.

[brooklynite]

1. What is the "Hotel Montana thing"?

Don't assume everyone is watching the same programs you are.

[LeftyAndProud60]

3. It's a Hotel in Haiti, where college kids were staying. It collapsed and now their is a debate on

who should continue the search, and is it even use to continue the search for the living.

[alcibiades_mystery]

2. Welcome

:eyes:

[monmouth]

4. Although can understand their grief, these people need to understand

that for once they are not "special"...There are thousands of missing people, pray and wait like everyone else.

[LeftyAndProud60]

5. That's exactly how I feel, but they were really angry. nt

[monmouth]

Everyone is angry that this had to happen. It's life. I lost a 23 year old

daughter in a car accident, it was horrible. Life hands you stuff like this, you either move on or you die. Fact of life.

[jbnow]

13. My deepest condolences whether it was last week or 30 years ago.

I also understand the grief and distress of these parents. They said that someone heard tapping and of course if there is any hope they want people to try. It's not death they are refusing to accept, it's the possibility that there is life and time is running out.

Believing your child may be trapped and waiting for help... and they won't let you come and search yourself, can't imagine the frustration and pain.

[monmouth]

16. Oh I understand it, but them going to search for themselves? How

helpful would that be? Thank you for your condolences, 17 years ago this week, the 16th...

[karynnj]

36. My condolences to you

That had to be completely devastating. Here, I assume that part of the problem is that they had to be extremely concerned when the earthquake hit, then overjoyed when told they were ok, now in agony because they do not know. It has already gotten beyond the time that they could have survived without food or water, but there is still some uncertainty.

[monmouth]

37. I was heartened to see that one woman rescued after all of these

days, the one who sang and thanked God. All she wanted was water...Some people are so resilient.

[karynnj]

39. Didn't see that, but it is completely incredible

I turned off the TV - seeing it was really just too painful - the numbers there are hard to even thing of. It is also scary that it will be months before things are even remotely better.

[elehhhhna]

7. are they the people who've been on the morning shows this week?

If so, the Dad seems like he's going to have a stroke and they seem to think that the US marines should invade the island. Their frustration is being baited by the anchors, imo. Stay classy, Today Show & GMA!

[Pirate Smile]

15. It seems like the Dad wants to blame our government. Reports love that kind of

crap. They just try to stoke the tragedy for conflict.

[goclark]

8. I can unnderstand their anger , did they try the nice approach first?

That seemed to be working in the interviews that I have seen.

I saw the interviews.

[Hansel]

56. No. The Father has been calling out Obama by name for several days.

He had sunglasses on several days ago and then yanked them off and stared into the camera and started talking directly to President Obama saying he needs to do something. That he has daughters.

I feel really bad for this guy, but at the same time I did not get the impression that he was a fan of President Obama. It was just the way he said his name in a kind of condescending and accusatory voice. I could be calling this wrong and it is just his grief. One would hope that he would not use this tragedy involving his own daughter for some political agenda, but time will tell.

[Bluenorthwest]

29. Who is 'they'?

who is so angry?

[butterfly77]

27. That is the way I see it..

and they seem to think just because they are AMERICANS that everyone will search for Americans first. A life is a life,I do understand how they feel but if they should be angry at anyone it should be the military or whoever is running things on the ground.

I have wondered myself why it has taken so long to get to certain areas and why they can't drop in antibiotics at the clinics that are already there.

They say that someone told them that they heard tapping but,they really don't know they just will do or say just about anything to get someone to the area that their children are at but,from their tone and some of the statements that have been made part of it has to do with politics too..

[karynnj]

34. I hope no one would tell a parent missing a 19 year old daughter that she is not "special"

This should be dealt with by someone in the State Department meeting with them and telling them all that has been done. I do think the US government has a dual role here - one is international and humanitarian, but the other is to rescue our own citizens.

Now, it is very likely that these girls have died, possibly at the time of the earthquake. It is extremely hard to construct a reasonable scenario where they are safe somewhere, but unable to find a way to communicate for this many days. But, I know if it were one of my daughters, I would be calling my Senators, the State department, the media - anyone.

Now, I know sitting here, with all three of my brilliant, wonderful daughters alive and well where they belong, that those actions might accomplish nothing, but I can see feeling I had to do them. The point really is that ALL of the people who died and hurt are likely special to someone. But, here, you have parents of young girls, who were just starting their adult lives and the parents are petitioning their own government to save them as possible. That is what you would expect of them.

The government, however, can take a more dispassionate approach doing what they feel is the most defective to save the most lives possible. Do I think that they should give extra weight to American lives? - YES. That is why I said they have a dual mission here.

[grasswire]

6. welcome to DU

Thanks for your concern.

[DevonRex]

9. No, though some wish it would. nt

[Cali_Democrat]

10. It will not be a problem for Obama.

Thanks for your concern.

[CJCRANE]

11. First, complain that the military shouldn't be involved in Haiti rescue efforts...

then complain that they should be involved in everything.

[bluestateguy]

12. I have no idea what any of this is about

The US has graciously provided millions in aid and an open pipeline of relief workers.

[Name removed]

14. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LeftyAndProud60]

20. I don't get it

[MiniMe]

17. There are still 5,500 americans unaccounted for

This isn't about America first, it is about saving those who can be saved. The rescue workers have their priorities, rescue those that they can first. I'm sure they have been over the hotel with dogs who are trained to detect living people. It isn't about 4 students and 2 faculty members who happen to be Americans. Does he want President Obama to go down there himself and dig through the rubble? And what about the rest of the Americans who are still missing? I am very sorry for those parents, but lots of people who are down there were volunteering to help Haiti.

Welcome to DU

[Phx_Dem]

18. Exactly. The guy sounded like he wanted Americans to be saving Americans.

As in,"show us your passport so we know if it's okay to rescue you."

I understand that he is in incredible pain right now, but he needs to get his anger in check and consider that every other parent or family member of a missing person feels the exact same pain he's feeling. He sounds like a fool. Ditto for the angry woman who on on with him.

Also, CNN reported yesterday that rescuers were on site at Hotel Montana -- this was in response to different plea that rescuers go to Hotel Montana. The reporter said that people here in Haiti have no source of communication so they don't really know what's happening, but rescuers are working at the Hotel Montana site.

[LeftyAndProud60]

22. I didn't see every interview, but on MSNBC one of them were calling for some kind of revolution if

something isn't done. It was almost hard to feel bad for them, becuz they were so angry. It's not like this hotel isn't being searched.

[monmouth]

24. Is this the family from Boca???..n/t

[LeftyAndProud60]

30. I get the feeling its a group of different families. Apparently not all of them are as angry as the

group I saw.

[dgibby]

42. There have been teams on the ground at that hotel all week.

It was one of the first priorities, the State Dept has talked with this family. Yesterday, the father was on a phone call with a State Dept rep and Wolf Blitzer.

The dad is inconsolable, wants 1,000 of the 2500 Marines being sent to Haiti to be deployed to the hotel to rescue Americans first. Nothing short of bringing his daughter out alive and well is going to be enough for him. It's very sad, but he is being totally unrealistic. I don't know how you cope with losing a child, but everyone missing/dead there is someone's child.

There are 5500 Americans missing, 70,000 people confirmed dead by the Haitian government, and god knows how many others buried in the rubble. I don't think the US can justify sending that many assets to one site when there is so much widespread destruction and so many in dire need of assistance.

[jesus_of_suburbia]

19. No.

[CreekDog]

21. Well, I think the earthquake is his fault

he should have taken a harder line with God!

:eyes:

[WeDidIt]

23. Their daughter has probably been dead since day one.

They're distraught.

The dogs went to Hotel Montana and went over it with a fine tooth comb.

They did not alert, which means there were no living humans under the rubble.

[LeftyAndProud60]

25. Shuster(sp?) asked them if it should be come a recovery instead of rescue and that's when they

really went off the deep end. I can tell they're in denial, but I also see Fox or some other nut picking up on their anger.

[monmouth]

31. I can too, anything for ratings....n/t

[monmouth]

26. Yes, they are distraught and at this point in denial. It's a horrible feeling..n/t

[quiller4]

28. No. Searches have been called off in buildings where dogs no

longer get a scent. Yes. There are some upset family members but the proper allocation of resources means searching where the liklihood of finding living victims is greatest. Continuing to search where primarily Americans are missing just because they are Americans makes no sense and thankfully reporters have been repeating that.

[Bragi]

32. No, but the Haiti relief prgoram may become a problem for Obama

I don't see the Hotel Montana parents becoming themselves a problem for Obama, but I think we're on the razor's edge of the GOP deciding to go political on the whole relief operation.

Once they think it's safe for them to do so, they'll do their best to make Haiti into Obama's Katrina.

[Phx_Dem]

40. The ABC/WaPo poll that just came out gives Obama a 70% approval

on handing Haiti.

[Bragi]

41. Wow. That's excellent /nt

[FVZA_Colonel]

53. What would they criticize him for?

More and more troops are arriving to distribute supplies and safeguard relief sites from possible looters. What would they want?

[WinkyDink]

57. Really? Because I didn't know Haiti was a state.

[Avalux]

33. Do YOU see this thing as a problem for Obama?

Seems you're trying to make it one.

[Jersey Devil]

35. Not as big a problem as Hanna Montana

Obama is also responsible for Miley's tattoo if you ask me.

[bigwillq]

38. Hello

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[MadMaddie]

43. The reports are saying 5500 Americans may have perished

She is not the only one missing. Do these people want the President to go and move the rubble himself?

I am saddend by the probable loss but the searchers are doing what they can.

[CitizenLeft]

44. this father has been calling him out all week.

In one interview he did say "President Obama" and aggressively demanded that he do something.

I've been trying not to get disgusted with this guy... he's distraught, his worst nightmare might come true, the loss of his daughter - and she's very beautiful, if you've seen her photo, full of life and promise. I understand his grief. If it were my daughter - or mother or sister or brother - nothing and nobody else would matter either. But in a country where the death toll may go as high as 150,000 to 200,000, his demands smack of "Americans first, no matter what," and it's irritating and embarrassing.

Anderson Cooper and Ivan Watson made a comment the other night, when they were discussing the death of the little girl whose leg was caught, who was rescued, then died that night. They commented that this little girl was dug out with a hack saw by Haitians, and died unnecessarily, while MULTIPLE rescue teams were at the hotel Montana digging out wealthy guests. It was subtle, but pointed. They repeated that again the next night - that the Hotel Montana was NOT being ignored... apparently they had gotten wind of the demands, or maybe they'd received emails implying that no one was searching that hotel. Teams have been there from the beginning, all week.

I hope this guy is not a wingnut. If he is, he's going to be all over the media making the ugliest accusations you can imagine.

[demo dutch]

45. Sorry to say but a GOP fat cat that obviously does not in any way understand

the incredible logistical nightmare that's going on in Haiti. Our local station in So. Florida are reporting that there are special teams working at the site trying very hard, just like you mentioned. Meanwhile he is sitting on his duff in Boca Raton at the Lynn campus, thinking that his daughter is the only one. Nevermind all the Haitians I know who are missing relatives who are not demanding special search teams and certainly not blaming the president!

BTW I he's from MA
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/parents-of-missing-lynn-students-press-elected-officials-185137.html


http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/haiti/fl-haiti-quake-clary-20100118,0,5809797.story

[CitizenLeft]

47. tell your Haitian friends that their loved ones are in my thoughts...

... and prayers, as are all those caught in this disaster.

And I don't mean to sound insensitive... there is some tiny justification for wanting Americans to get "special attention" from our own troops - we are, after all, the biggest entity in the relief efforts (though apparently not the most efficient - did you hear about the Israeli hospital that was functioning the same day they arrived? - we have a lot to learn). However, this guy's daughter is not worth more than that sweet little girl who died - nor worth more than your Haitian friends' relatives. I hate that mentality, it makes me sick. Unfortunately, it taints my sympathy for him, because he shows a distinct lack of empathy for the dead and dying. If he gives a rat ass about the 70,000+ dead, he's not showing it.

From MA. Not a good night for Massachussetts.

[demo dutch]

49. At this point they need to come to terms that their daughters are lost which is very tough and

hopefully the blaming will stop

[CitizenLeft]

51. I hope you're right. And I hope they eventually find peace...

... and a little comfort.

[Justice]

46. I saw that also and had the same reaction

[CitizenLeft]

48. he makes it difficult to connect to his emotions, so riddled with...

...aggression as they are.

[njlib]

50. Glad I'm not the only one who feels like that

I saw them on MSNBC this afternoon and while I understand they're going through hell right now, so are tens of thousands of other families all over the world. Either MSNBC or CNN showed a graphic of how many people from other countries were in Haiti at the time of the quake. We're not the only country with citizens who are there and it's very hard to be sympathetic when they're demanding that the U.S. military rescue the American kids first. There are also two professors missing along with those students and I haven't heard the parents mention them at all.

From what I've seen so far, the rescuers still continue digging for an hour or two after signs of life are no longer picked up, so they're not giving up right away. It's heartbreaking to watch them pack up and move on to the next site, but at this point they do have to try to save those that are still alive.

My heart goes out to everyone who's suffering and I think the rescue/medical teams on the ground are doing the best they can with what they've got, under the most horrible of circumstances.

[MiniMe]

54. I heard one of the Professor's daughters interviewed one night

What a great lady. She is very happy at news that anybody is pulled out alive, and sends them her best. It doesn't give her hope for her father, but she is very happy when anybody is saved. My heart really went out to her, what a great attitude, and what a great daughter.

[applegrove]

52. Hotel Montana has apparently been searched by more rescue teams than

anywhere else in Haiti. I think we can all understand the families' fear and anger and powerlessness and why they would put pressure on the government to do more.

[Orsino]

55. Does anyone else see the break-up of Billy Corgan and Jessica Simpson as a problem for Obama? n/t