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...
I also remember that President Reagan did not care what people said about him. He did not govern by polls. You do what's right and that's all that matters. "Tear down that wall, Mr. Gorbachev!"
President Reagan epitomized this great country of ours as being "the land of opportunity". He gave us back optimism and pride and made it okay again to express the love we feel for this country. Something which I feel the lefties in this country do not understand.
I agree with you. Clinton is the one who is politicizing the funeral, not Nancy. Shame on him, but he has too much already, his "shame inbox is 100% full and can't accept any more ".
When my son and daughter were in the seventh and eighth grades, their classes went to D.C. and toured the White House. My son had strict instructions in the event they happened across the president during the tour. He was to grab his sister's hand, stand between she and Clinton, and tell the man to stay away from his sister. To this day, I think they both shudder when they see him on tv.
You said it better than I.:)
Let me know cuz I'll never read it! :)
I am so glad both President Bush's are going to speak. I cannot imagine why Clinton would want to speak- they share NOTHING in common. Oh wait- he wants to speak to hog the limelight- he was probably thinking it was perfect timing to promote his book.
Very well stated! Glad you joined in as that remark really got to me!
There is absolutely zero reason for him to intrude on the public. Neither senator from California is doing so, neither former governors is doing so, no Congressmen are doing this. So, it is an unnecessary photo op.
I don't expect boos, but I do expect a lot of muttering. And I hope he gets zero applause.
Oh MadIvan! I hadn't seen you post for a long time! Where've you been? Good to see you on the forum again!
We're going to make a trip to the Library in another couple of weeks or so when President Reagan is at his final rest.
Als busy having a meltdown of some sort in Florida,calling the mayor of a city that i cant recall right this second nasty names and making mean spirited comments. the guys in the white suits have the nets out and they are on standby...
Giving this some more thought, I seriously doubt that not including Clinton means anything. He was never a consideration to begin with.
Al has completely lost it. Has anyone seen Tipper lately?
Was so happy that November election night to be part of the patriotic Americans across this great Country who elected President Reagan. After the dark days of the Vietnam protestors when our military were advised to not wear their uniforms off the base, it was a breath of fresh air that blew in because all of a sudden it was okay to fly your flag and honor our military after President Reagan took office. He led the way and this grateful American will never forget!
Note - Clinton doesn't understand the inference of it being all about him at a funeral (read, he would be the recipient). Too funny!
I guess I am just surprised that he hasn't had a statement on President Reagan. Even Kofi Anan was finally shamed into a statement - LOL.
Considering that we have Freepers that got put in a VIP line, I think it is somewhat ridiculous to think that John Kerry is going to stand in the regular line.
Whether or not FlipFlop should be there at all with his disdain for RR in life is another question.
I still think that anyone standing in that line is not in an angry mood, I know I won't be tomorrow night at the Capitol. But I could be wrong and some knucklehead will boo. It will be inappropriate.
I first got an inkling of this on June 6, when a democrat commentator, after listening to President Bush's beautiful and heartfelt speech, remarked on how much BETTER it would have been if Clinton had given it!
It occurs to me that Clinton is remembering how well President Bush did at the National Cathedral service right after 9/11, and wants to show him up this time.
I am convinced that is what this is about. Howlin, remind us again with the picture that is the personification of envy!!!
And I will say here and now that I bet he had a LONG speech written out with a lot of backhanded compliments to Reagan while implicitly slamming Bush. The rats have been doing this all week, acting like they were chummy with Reagan and the nasty tone of politivcs is W's fault. I hope Nancy Reagan doesn't let him within 50 feet of the lectern!
Thanks for the info on Rush!
I've got the perfect solution to this whole mess--
Clinton can give the Domocratic Response to the Reagan funeral.
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