A day in the life of President Bush (photos): 2/1/03

yahoo.com, netscape.com, whitehouse.gov

[rintense]

For the second time in two years, President Bush spoke to console and grieve with the rest of the nation in remarks regarding the tragic loss of the space shuttle Columbia. Bush left Camp David early this morning and returned to the White House as he followed the events over the Texas sky. In his speech, Bush succinctly expressed the fears of by stating, 'The Columbia is lost; there are no survivors.' The President exchanged condolences with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as the first Israeli astronaut lost his life with six other Americans. All federal flags have been lowered to half-staff.

God bless the families of the brave souls who have joined the heavens they so willing chose to explore.

[reDublican]

Powerful words. As is the image you chose to post above them. The sincerity of this man's emotions and conviction is beyond moving. And his reliance upon faith is beyond comforting.

[milagro]

A year ago today I lost my husband and this morning I awoke to a national tragedy. This past year has brought its grief, but it has also brought to me, in so many ways, the truth of Jesus' promise to those who mourn: they SHALL be comforted.

And one wonderful source of comfort has been Free Republic! So welcome to the "family". May God bless us all and give us His strength and Comfort this day. And may He especially keep His mighty hand upon our--and my stationed in the Middle East son's-- Commander in Chief!

[goodnesswins]

God Bless YOU and your FAMILY....and thank YOU and your family for OUR FREEDOM and SECURITY!

[rintense]

I listened on the radio, and they mentioned that he came back to the podium, but all mics had been cut off.

[WIladyconservative]

Here's a sad WI bump for Dr. Laurel Clark, a native of Wisconsin. Our beloved pediatrician (and any mom knows a good one is worth his weight in gold) was invited by his dear friend Dr. Laurel to witness her lift off into space. We were his last patients before he left and he was like a little kid. . . He was so excited to cheer on his buddy from Med School.

Today I wept for the loss of his dear friend and a fellow Wisconsinite. She leaves behind a husband and an 8 year old son. Godspeed Dr. Laurel Clark.

[Brasil]

Yeah, klinton blamed OKC on Rush Limbaugh--just some of the demagoguery that I can never forgive. How soon will he go on air and say this only happened because there is a Republican leader?

The strain of this week's events are immense and we can be confident that not one of the other wannabees could bring us comfort as President Bush has.

[rintense]

I think we should send him a ticket back to Crawford for a few weeks. He truly deserves it.

[goodnesswins]

I saw that (the President return to the lecturn) and I thought maybe he was going to take questions or something....but within about 3-5 seconds he walked away again, and some "red and green lines" hit the screen (end of tape?)

[kitkat]

A special prayer goes up today for a lady who has suffered such a sad loss. And a special prayer for your son in the middle east. God Bless.

[reDublican]

After any major televised address, the president typically sits still for a few moments for the photographers before leaving. I think he was probably about to lose it and stepped away immediately after his remarks to gather himself, then stepped back to the lectern for the photos. Of course, I'm not sure that this is what happened...but it seems to make sense.

[rintense]

So sorry to hear of your loss a year ago... but your words about Jesus brighten my soul. Thank you for posting.

[cubreporter]

You are most welcome. Prayer can move mountains!

[homeschool mama]

I'll gladly pray for Ruth. May God speak to her right now..may His precious Holy Spirit enfold her and minister to her at this moment..and may she rejoice in the presence of our God. <><

[visitor]

Lord, guard and guide the men who fly
Through the great spaces in the sky,
Be with them always in the air,
In dark'ning storms or sunlight fair.
O, Hear us when we lift our prayer,
For those in peril in the air.

these seven souls we mourn today as they
slipped the surly bonds of earth
to touch the face of God.

[Bahbah]

Our prayers are with you and our deepest gratitude as well for the sacrifices of you and your husband.

[Bahbah]

I did not know about Flat Stanley. Thanks for this. It was a liitle oaisis of delight in an otherwise sad day.

[WaterDragon]

These photos of the president remind me on ones of Lincoln when he was getting news of casualties of the Civil War.

[nicmarlo]

The same Creator who names the stars also knows
the names of the seven souls we mourn today.

We Will Not See Earth Again

We Are Home
- 2/1/03 -

ON ANOTHER'S SORROW

Can I see another's woe,
And not be in sorrow too?
Can I see another's grief,
And not seek for kind relief?

Can I see a falling tear,
And not feel my sorrow's share?
Can a father see his child
Weep, nor be with sorrow filled?

Can a mother sit and hear
An infant groan, an infant fear?
No, no! never can it be!
Never, never can it be!

And can He who smiles on all
Hear the wren with sorrows small,
Hear the small bird's grief and care,
Hear the woes that infants bear -

And not sit beside the nest,
Pouring pity in their breast,
And not sit the cradle near,
Weeping tear on infant's tear?

And not sit both night and day,
Wiping all our tears away?
O no! never can it be!
Never, never can it be!

He doth give His joy to all:
He becomes an infant small,
He becomes a man of woe,
He doth feel the sorrow too.

Think not thou canst sigh a sigh,
And thy Maker is not by:
Think not thou canst weep a tear,
And thy Maker is not near.

O He gives to us His joy,
That our grief He may destroy:
Till our grief is fled and gone
He doth sit by us and moan.

--William Blake

[Pippin]

Hi, Howlin, And Good morning to you. I You're probably offline by now, but I had to tell you that I was lurking on the Dose thread this morning and read your comment at post #28

I thought I would repost a comment I made last nifht on the FR's Finest thread to MeeknMing, a freeper in Texas. I thought it would br appropriate to post it again on this thread so I'm pinging some of the others to it and hope those I don't ping will also read it.

hear's the comment

I saw that speach too, And saw that President Bush was saddened by this tragedy, yet his faith and resolve not to let today's tragedy stop us fron pressing forward in our quest for discovery and exploration. Those astronauts who died today doing what thay loved would've applauded the President's resolve to keep the space program going. But, I was wondering, how much more can he endure of national tragedy that seems to plaque his term in office/ Is this a test of his faith? his curage? I wonder how often he's tempted to tell Laura he wished he were back home on his ranch only worrying about the brush he has to clear from his property? I have a feeling I know the answer, though, it's in his voice when he speaks of America and the American people. It's obvious to me that he loves this country and the American people and is genuinely hurt when this country has been attacked, I defy anyone who has the nerve to say GWB doesn't care about the USA. I say he does, Like the soldier and the astronaut, the fire fighter and policeman and government workers. he serves his country in the way he has chosen. I'd say that in throwing his hat in the ring back in 1999 and 2000. in order to run for president, he has already shown his courage. enough said! because, IMO, the President of the United States has the most difficult and dangerous job in this country. Along with the crew of the shuttle and thier families, I'll also keep President Bush in my prayers as well. But I still wonder how many time we'll see tears in his eyes, not for himself but for his country? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[dansangel]

The look on the president's face is clearly *not* an act. The man wears his emotions on his sleeve. Thank God we are no longer subjected to the histrionics of an evil and immoral leader.

May the Crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia Rest in Peace.