[Egon]

Well, should Bush go to any funerals of Americans who died in Iraq, or not?

In my opinion, no. Couple of reasons for this:

• If he went to one, he'd have to go to all. Otherwise, he'd be blamed for it-- based on something, anything (race, sex, important parent, etc.)

• All the logistics necessary would eclipse the real focus of the funeral.
• He would be blamed for using the deaths as a photo-op.
• He would detract from the mourning by becoming a focal point of rage on behalf of, at least some of, those in attendance.

Better, in my opinion, to call (or even meet with) the next of kin separately. I think he's actually doing this.

[johnb838]

focal point of rage

I'm reminded of the mother in England who went to meet him planning to vent her anger and walked out saying, "Omigosh, he really does care."