[BlessedBeGod]

Pelosi should be ashamed of herself for not attending the service.

So should President Bush. There's no excuse for him not attending.

[piasa]

There's plenty of reasons not to attend "right now" - for some it's not as simple as hopping in the family SUV and going down to the funeral parlor. When a president suddenly has to change plans hundreds of other people have to adjust their personal plans as well as adjust for the change to the schedule. He has to be considerate to more people than just the Ford family, particularly in the holiday season when staffers- many who never knew Ford, finally have some time off to spend with their families. These people may have to be called back to service if the Prez has to return to Washington on short notice, taking them away fromt heir obligations. There are seucrity considerations when a President moves around, etc. There is going to be ample time for visitors such as the President to pay their respects since the man's going to be laying in state for a while. There is no need for people who didn't know the man personally to attend at this particular time and clutter things up for those who did know the family.

Bush set January 2 to be the national day of mourning for Ford; people would exercise better judgement if they refrain from criticizing the Prez and Pelosi, etc, in how they pay their respects until after that date or until after all relevent services and ceremonies are concluded. Complaining now is a bit premature.

[Judith Anne]

Yes, there is. The official funeral is Tuesday, and the President will be attending, and speaking.

[Mo1]

So should President Bush. There's no excuse for him not attending

Traditionally the President doesn't attend this service at the Captial, though he will pay his respects later .. just like he did at President Reagan's funeral ... then the President will give a eulogy at the National Services

[daybreakcoming]

In case you missed it, President Bush paid his respects to former President Ford a few months ago when it counted.....while he was still alive.

Perhaps you did not understand this was a Congress affair even though some noted democrats did not attend. Your next opportunity to bash the President will be Tuesday.