Obama 'heartbroken' by Japan disasters, restates U.S. support (during "Education Month" photo op)

Los Angeles Times ^ | 3/14/11 | Michael A. Memoli

[NormsRevenge]

President Obama, "heartbroken" by the unfolding tragedy in Japan, reiterated Monday that the United States stood ready to support its ally in the aftermath of Friday’s devastating earthquake and tsunami.

"The United States will continue to offer any assistance we can as Japan continues to recover from multiple disasters," Obama said.

His remarks came at a Virginia middle school, the latest event in what the White House has called "Education Month." The president used Monday’s event to call on Congress to reauthorize "No Child Left Behind" before the start of the next school year.

"I want every child in the country to head back to school in the fall knowing that their education is America’s priority," he said. "Let’s seize this education moment."

At Kenmore Middle School in suburban Washington, Obama said that in the new global economy America needed not only to make sure no child was left behind but also to ensure that they got ahead.

Both parties widely agree that the 2002 law needs an overhaul. The nature of the changes, however, are the subject of considerable debate.

[liberalh8ter]

Nah, he'll probably just do a flyover on his way to China to service....er...I mean....meet with Hu.

[skeeter]

I mean what the heck do you want him to do.

Well, I thought he was president of the US and thought maybe he should act like it.

I can see now that would be silly.

[Safrguns]

Oh I’m SOOOOO broken hearted!... My heart is bleeding!... now pass me that 9 iron.

[EternalVigilance]

"heartbroken"

I guess that's why he waited three days to say anything, and didn't see fit to mention this cataclysm in his Saturday radio address.

Someone must have told him how hard we the people were beating him up over the weekend for his utter lack of human empathy.

[maggief]

[napscoordinator]

He is. Hopefully if we have another New Orleans or California earthquake that is a disaster he won’t take a week to speak on it. He has already said he was saddened about the tragedy in Japan and sending our resources to Japan. Hopefully he won’t do anymore. Of course, Japan just asked us for some help so I guess we will be sending more soon.....can you say 16 trillion in debt any minute. How do you suppose we are going to pay Japan? With what? I thought we were broke. We can’t be broke one day and then give away money the next. Conservatives anyone????

[andy58-in-nh]

It's so rare to see a Progressive actually drop the mask and momentarily stop pretending to care about whatever it is they pretend to care about while seeking unlimited power and unearned wealth.

That speech reminds of an incident that took place many years earlier. When Albert Shanker, the former head of the American Federation of Teachers was asked about where the interests of school children ranked among his priorities, he responded: "When school children start paying union dues, that’s when I’ll start representing the interests of school children."

[Starboard]

Didn’t stop him from enjoying a round of golf on Saturday.

[skeeter]

Look, I'm talking about appearances, you're carrying on about something entirely different.

The president is largely symbolic & has a bully pulpit. When he says he's 'heartbroken' I expect him to be at least believable. He makes a fool out of ALL of us when he doesn't.

Bush, whom I did not care much for, gave up golfing while soldiers were dying in Iraq because of appearances. I respect that.

[maggief]

U.S. President Barack Obama signs a screen showing Duke Ellington during a visit to Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, Virginia March 14, 2011. Obama wrote, "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!"', a reference to a Duke Ellington composition. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

[Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!]

Yeah he slips it in on his education propaganda teleprompted speech how mulatto of him.

[Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!]

As it is I have the stomach flu... you can’t make that crap up! Does the SOB asswipe think he is funny or charming?

[maggief]

"It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!"

REUTERS

(Feel better!)

[Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!]

We all knew he would do this. I predicted it.

But somehow I was hoping he would shuthefreakup today as I am sick already.

[sportutegrl]

This must mean that there is another high dollar vacation in the works.

Obama and family will take another vaca when the girls get spring break from school. You heard it hear first.

[Covenantor]

Friday the first Fam plus entourage are leaving for a well deserved vacation in Brazil. Golf can be soooo tiring doncha know.

[cricket]

If he had a heart; might be believable. But. . .we know better. Not a chance. he really should try and practice ‘sincerety mode’. Empty, empty words. . .

[Twinkie]

No. . but making the statement that you’re “heartbroken” rather than some less dramatic statement would require you to ACT LIKE IT! He comes across as a hypocrite with the dramatics.

[prof.h.mandingo]

It seems you need a little primer on how nations treat each other. Nations that are allies and support each other do little things like care about what happens to each other. If you want to be totally mercenary about it we should care about a possible nuclear problem that has the potential to cause harm to the U.S. I expect the President to pay attention to things like that rather than worry about his gold game. The Presidency is not a 9-5 job. Under Obama it is more like a 9-10:30 job two or three days a week when he is not on vacation. What is ridiculous about wanting the President to do his job?

[LoneStarGI]

Beat me to it.

Obama: "I am so heartbroken about Japan"

Caddy: "Here's your 5-iron, Mr. President"

Obama: "Thanks, FORE!"< swip >"Get on the green you...!"< turns >"Really, I'm very upset".