I think this entire situation is being poorly characterized.
Has anyone ever been 'invited' to a funeral? Are invitations sent out, or is the information published for the world to see in the newspaper? Did Lynn Profeta have an invitation? (A quoted source from a newspaper who said she was there with her son.)
My Dad had a little kid place a rosary in his coffin. No one knew who the kid was, or why he did it. The kid was 'uninvited.' Eyebrows were raised, but no one went off the deep end.
When the Honor Guard presented my Mother with the folded Flag of our Nation what I remember hearing was, "On behalf of a grateful Nation ..." after that the guy could have said the pledge of allegiance in broken Arabic. Emotions are deep and clarity of mind are not the first order of business. Lt. Gov. Knoll is supposed to have said something to the Aunt wich was either overheard by the sister in-law, or later retold to the sister in-law. I caution that clarity of comprehension might be at issue at such a emotionally challenging time.
Knoll has been to several of these 'functions' yep a lousy choice of words, but at an emotional time any word said - with any gesture - tone of voice - can send the listener down an unintended path.
Since Knoll has attended funerals in the past can anyone (reporter) findout what has happened before? Did other famillies get upset about the Lt. Gov. appearance? Did the other families take up her offer and used the cards to find out Penn law inre: to state death taxes? Has anything similar happened?
Or, was Knoll just offering 'constintuent services.'
As for saying 'campaign' it is a characterization by one person. And, if the media followed the Lt. Gov. then there must be video or sound of the conversation.
The blogosphere is having a field day with this. I say, let's not have a knee jerk response to this, and simply ask some relevant questions. No Offense. No Defense. Just intellectually honest questions and answers.
Are you really that naive? I take the word of a grieving family member over that of the Lt. Gov. any day of the week, especially after reading Knoll's non-apology, and the Governor's lame lack of responsibility for the actions of HIS Lt. Gov.
The liberal Left is not known for their sensitivity or charm. Example proven by Knoll.
I would suggest that she be chained to her desk by Rendell so she doesn't appear at any more military "functions".
Are you serious?
Read the sister-in-law's letter. Several things really bothered me here. 1) Knoll upon arriving late and 2) uninvited, 3) sat next to a family member, 4) interupting Communion (one of the most sacred of all Christian rites), to 5) pass out her card and 6) declare "Our government is against this war." OMG - unbelievable! Expressing her anti-war stance at a marine's funeral is campaigning at it's lowest form in my estimation! AND if you are late and uninvited you do not sit next to a family member!!!