Just handful of officials show up at state funeral (Ford)

Washington Post via Houston Chronicle ^ | 12/30/06 | DANA MILBANK

[sissyjane]

Did you notice that Tricia Nixon was there? She was over the right shoulder of the speaker at the podium.

[Mo1]

I didn't see her there
I'm glad she could be there to respresent her family

[James Ewell Brown Stuart]

LOL!

[bray]

You think this funeral was paltry, wait till Carter dies. Or should that be can't wait??

Pray for W and Our Troops

[pollywog]

I thought the attendance at that ceremony was limited due to the size of the Rotunda. I may be wrong on this one, but even though it was termed his funeral, the ceremony at the National Cathedral is when all the out of country dignitaries and political figures will show up.

I think you are right about this. President Bush WILL be there I am sure. This article is just trying to stir up trouble!!!

[Ghengis]

We don't all get together and remember Fillmore's birthday either.

I don't know about you, buy I have my air and hotel reservations for Summerhill, NY all taken care of. I fly out next Friday. It should be one heck of a party.

[BlessedBeGod]

It was a state funeral. The president should have been there.

BTW, your photo doesn't prove anything. President Ford is dead, not alive.

[FReepapalooza]

What crap is this! Gerald Ford was "met" at the capital rotundra for viewing. That is not his funeral service. Does anyone have a brain anymore?

[Not A Snowbird]

I actually thought "the main event" (pardon the analogy) was on Tuesday at the National Cathedral.

I believe you're right. This was the preliminary ceremony, and everybody trying to attend this would have been a nightmare. Look for them Tuesday for the actual service.

[brazzaville]

Good morning.
"I think you're correct. Tuesday is the funeral, the day for official Washington to show up."

I think I read something about W making Tuesday a Federal holiday. Did he, and if he did was it just for the funeral?

Michael Frazier

[Wild Irish Rogue]

" Who was that prune faced Ford son who elbowed Cheney away from his mother at the end? He's a piece of work."

My wife said the same thing.
She was appalled that the angry faced son rudely elbowed VP Cheney out of the way as he was escorting Betty Ford to the casket.
After the final prayer ,it looked like Cheney has asked Mrs Ford if she wanted to go up to the casket and as he was escorting her-
the rest of the family bum rushed Cheney and the angry faced son wrenched Mom from Cheney's arm.
The son gave Cheney a dirty look and Cheney looked shocked and then floated to the back of the pack.
It was ugly- surprised it hasn't gotten more press.

[Marysecretary]

I wondered about the weather aspect of that. It was pretty bad at one point. It's fine to criticize the man without knowing all the facts. FReepers are getting good at that, sadly.

[Marysecretary]

Exactly. Some FReepers make me wish Kerry had won! (sarc)

[Marysecretary]

I didn't catch that. Hmm. Rudeness at a time like this has no place.

[Marysecretary]

Uhh, I think the President and his family are in Texas, where there was a huge snowstorm. Maybe they couldn't get out? Cut the man some slack, will ya?

[Marysecretary]

I've never seen that done. At least people stay behind and don't cut in...best we can do in NY State.

[Morgan in Denver]

Agreed. After all the complaints over media bias and misreporting news, there are still some Freepers who believe what they read without questioning it.

Plus, I can hear the complaints now. Why did Bush fly to DC for one event and then go back to TX? What a waste of money!

[Marysecretary]

I think we caught Kissinger snoozing a bit yesterday, LOL.

[Marysecretary]

Yes, she was. I felt badly too since her father was the reason Ford came to power. It must be difficult for her and Julie at times like this.

[Marysecretary]

All the demonrats will be there, praising his service to America (LOL).