Posted on 06/08/2004 8:54:12 AM PDT by lainie
Edited on 06/08/2004 11:18:28 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
Controversy develops over Reagan funeral speakers...
'President Clinton really held out all hope the funeral would be a nonpartisan event, like Nixon's was,' a top Clinton source said on Tuesday morning. 'He's angry and disappointed neither he nor President Carter have been asked to speak, as of yet'...
CLINTON DISAPPOINTMENT: LEFT OFF FUNERAL SPEAKERS LIST
Former President Bill Clinton has privately expressed anger he has apparently been left off the speakers list of Friday's Reagan State Funeral, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.
"President Clinton really held out all hope the funeral would be a nonpartisan event, like Nixon's was," a top Clinton source said on Tuesday morning. "He's angry and disappointed neither he nor President Carter have been asked to speak, as of yet."
The top source says Clinton has been critical that both Bush presidents will address the crowd gathered at National Cathedral.
Nixon's vice president Gerald Ford did not speak at Nixon's funeral.
Clinton's inner circle is convinced Nancy Reagan has personally shut out Clinton from any high-profile participation.
"It is a state funeral, using tax dollars," the top Clinton insider explained.
Former President George H.W. Bush, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney will join President Bush in eulogizing Ronald Reagan, Reagan's office announced. Presiding over the service will be former Sen. John Danforth of Missouri, who is an ordained Episcopal priest. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and the Rabbi Harold Kusher will give readings, while Irish tenor Ronan Tynan will sing.
The eulogy is being prepared by President Bush's chief speechwriter, Michael Gerson, who also wrote the president's moving speech for a memorial service in the same cathedral after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Developing...
Belazabubba just wants some serious 'face time' during a well televised 'event'
After remembering his laughing at his 'good buddy' Ron Brown's funeral
I am glad neither he nor Carter will be allowed to 'pontificate'....
Enough to jump off a bridge?
The Dems are saying that because TAX PAYERs money is funding the funeral, Dems and Repubs should get equal time.
.
This is a new low. I can not believe this. Of course, that cuts out any PRAYERS, FLAGS, mention of GOD. When will this PC/athiest crap end? I'm scared to think of the answer to that question.
.
God help us.
Those clintoons'....it has always been about ME ME ME ME ME!!!!
God bless Nancy - - she's on the ball!
Clintbilly - - you doofus -- sit down and SHUT UP!!
I have a problem with Clinton speaking at the funeral, though I would understand if he did. I have no problem with Carter speaking. I believe they would be respectful. The main problem I have with Clinton speaking is that he disgraced the office. Never-the-less, he is an ex-president.
IN Reagan's case - Ford will not be there. Bush I should speak as he was Reagan's VP, not because he was President; and Dubya should speak because he is the sitting President.
Unless there is a precedence for all FORMER presidents speaking at State Funerals, then Clinton and Carter need to Shut the hell up.
It sounds like the Dems KNOW this will be dignified and moving, and will be contrasted to the Wellstone Rally. So they HAVE TO try and make this look Political and Partisan.
No! I'm not kidding.
NO.
Everything is always about HIM. I truly believe he believes its his RIGHT to speak. This man is indescribably pathetic. This is the most upset Ive been in weeks, and its only Tuesday.
I have a feeling things are going to start going downhill today --and fast. Did you see the other thread where Kerry wants to go the viewing since he will be in California today? I sorry, but we are in for a rough week. President Reagan is dead. We cant even mourn him without the dims trying to get some TV face time.
I am so disgusted.
ping
Only a Dem could refer to funeral arrangements in political terms.
Oh, I see. So this means that there are 300 million people who deserve to have a speaking role at the funeral?
So what. Being an ex-president means you get invited--period.
My disappointment- Clinton is not the in the funeral.
I don't doubt it.
We're bigger than the Democrats are. Both Clinton and Carter, as ex-presidents, should attend, and be treated graciously by all. Whether they should speak, or not, is up to the family in my view. If it were up to me, I might let Clinton speak very briefly, but Carter should not be asked to speak given his post-presidential criticism of Reagan.
Typical.. ME ME ME one sidedness
Further proof of:
**Depends whose decision it is, I guess. Is it Nancy's call?**
Or President Reagan's call?
Supposedly many of these arrangements were made a long time ago.
yep he was
here is link with speakers listed
http://www.nixonfoundation.org/Research_Center/Nixons/RichardNixonFuneral.shtml
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