I was actually pleasantly shocked to hear some of the words from the French President (Sarkozy). I just wish Europeans actually meant some of that and it wasn't just read from a paper once a year. Still, good to hear.
The Canadian PM, French President and British PM all gave their brief remarks from paper, while our guy, of course, had to bring his full teleprompter getup with him. Image is key, I guess. Gotta outshine the others.
When PM Brown was done, Obama stayed seated with his legs crossed and said, "good job, Gordon." When Obama was done, all three of the other leaders, and even Prince Harry stood up out of respect and shook Obama's hand. Kind of a stark thing you see at all of these gatherings. Apologists will dismiss it, even though it's definitely a pattern and reminds us how arrogant Obama is.
Gordon Brown screwed up and called Omaha Beach "Obama Beach." Ugh. Guess that slip shows what's on his mind.
And, as usual, Obama tries to throw in a history lesson as if it's his job to teach history (even though he has no background in it). And, as usual, most of what he says is off or complete B.S. He remarked once about the "many years" that went into planning D-Day. "Many" years? Many? Really? I think Obama shows, over and over, a real poor context for world history and his speech had numerous examples of that. You'd think someone on his speech-writing team could do a little better research. There are other examples, I won't bother going over each one.
All in all, I liked the ceremony. I enjoyed listening to the other leaders best as they seemed more genuine...they had a message and got to it; Obama's speech wasn't real bad, but as usual, it's more about him and the delivery than anything else. That's just my opinion.
I did, though, keep one wondering what Obama thought of all those rows of crosses marking graves. You know, for such a secular nation...
The flyovers were nice and they had a huge crowd in what appeared to be great weather. Very nice event. I'm glad we still mark this important event in history. It'll be curious to see how that plays out when all the WWII vets are gone. They're disappearing at a rapid pace these days.
One last note, Obama also said that he wasn't the first U.S. President to mark the D-Day anniversry. And he "likely" wouldn't be the last. "Likely?" Who writes his speeches? I think it's pretty safe to use words like "won't be the last." Politicians...afraid to commit to anything. Slimey pigs.
I just tried to find all the speeches to post, couldn't. Maybe they're not up yet. If you come acorss them, please post. I'll like to listen/read them all again with full attention.
__________________
"It doesn't matter how small you are if you have faith and a plan." - Some Commie
Last edited by The_Patriot; 06-06-2009 at 11:38 AM.
Obama's half hearted speech was indeed full of gaffs; certainly nothing compared to the Ronald Reagan speech delivered at Pont du Hoc, site of one of the many actions that were fought on D-Day. Obama might as well mumbled, "I wish I were anywhere but here." That was probably his true feeling about the event. Ultimately, I won't let Obama's lame behavior mar my observance of the importance of that epic struggle.
__________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Was "Your" Voice Heard Today? NRA-ILA ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I may be completely wrong, and will say so if I am, but I have a prediction:
The Gitmo issue is a nightmare for Obama and time is ticking.
I am guessing that Obama, soon, will inform us that some of the leaders he just met with on his current trip have agreed to take some of the prisoners.
I am also guessing he'll receive all sorts of accolades and thunderous applause for bringing the world community together to solve a problem.
The final piece of my prediction is that months from that announcement, maybe years, we'll learn what Obama gave up in order to get the "assistance." Lucrative deals, direct assistance. We already know these guys don't want to take any of them, so we know we'll pay dearly for their "cooperation," if we end up getting it.
Anyone?
Just a feeling I've been having the past couple days...we'll see. Could be completely off base. Time will tell...but he's got to be burning the candle thinking of ways out of HIS mess. (yes, HIS mess for saying he's closing it. Nothing wrong with it the way it was.)
__________________
"It doesn't matter how small you are if you have faith and a plan." - Some Commie
Last edited by The_Patriot; 06-06-2009 at 11:54 AM.
Oh, come on. Can't we even honor D Day without turning it into an Obama bash? I don't think that's what the focus of the day should be.
I was sitting in my chair watching the ceremony this morning. Near the end, they did a 21-gun salute and played Taps right before the flyover.
I got out of my computer chair, stood at attention and held a salute towards the TV the entire time.
That was my moment of remembrance for those that went before me.
When that time was over, I went on with my life and commented on my impressions of the event. I wasn't aware there's an agreed-upon out-of-bounce timeframe.
__________________
"It doesn't matter how small you are if you have faith and a plan." - Some Commie
Last edited by The_Patriot; 06-06-2009 at 12:06 PM.
I'm not given to jumping out of my chair and making dramatic gestures. But I think I'd rather focus on something today besides attacks on our CinC. Pardon me while I bow out of this thread...
I'm not given to jumping out of my chair and making dramatic gestures. But I think I'd rather focus on something today besides attacks on our CinC. Pardon me while I bow out of this thread...
Saluting the fallen in defense of our freedom is a "dramatic gesture?"
I was home alone.
You're welcome to leave.
__________________
"It doesn't matter how small you are if you have faith and a plan." - Some Commie
I think this ceremony should really be measured in terms of what it brought to the few left who experienced D-Day. I hope they found a sense of appreciation for their effort and pride in their accomplishment.
As for the politicians, they really are just politicians not statesmen.
I was not too impressed,it failed,imo,to bring to the forefront the great debt that we owe our heros that fought and died for us.
It was to d****d politicised!
At the end of the day I felt let down and disappointed,and hope next year it will be more to the point of honoring the brave who survived and came back home,and those that didn't.
Right now as I compose this post I have tears running down my cheeks just thinking of those brave souls giving their all for us.
It's just too much for me to go on.
Now that the opposition view has stepped out, we can discuss this like men.
obama brings shame to this nation with his every foreign appearance. He embarrasses us before the world. I feel nothing but the seepest disgust for the "Change Administration".
Heaven help us if we have another "World War"..... we will be ALONE. We have alienated our closest allies while trying to NOT offend, to placate even, out direst enemies.
There should've been a minor earth tremor centered in north western France - as all those US service dead rolled in their graves......
I spent the Sixth of June at the range in the morning, shooting with an 82 year old veteran. He and I both fear for this nation.
So that was MY 'dramtic gesture'......
I didn't see the ceremony but I would just like to say thank you to all of those that gave their lives on that day that made history. I don't think any of us really fully know how in dept we are to their service.
__________________ Well done is better than well said - Benjamin Franklin
You don't have to wait for a world war for us to be alone.
Just look at Afghanistan. The plan is for American troops to do all the fighting and dying while "allied" nations (if you can call them that) provide
some funding and effort for social and infrastructure development. You can verify this by researching published news stories.
Good I am SICK of Troy 2000 being such a contrarian, it's like his only purpose is to make us mad.
As usual the ceremony was posturing by the criminals of the government, what more do you expect. Even the British and French leaders seem like a bunch of bullsh*t artists to me.
Spent the day working and also watched The Longest Day.
