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TexasTowelie

(111,304 posts)
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 03:14 PM Oct 2013

Obama won't attend remembrance for 150th anniversary of Gettysburg Address

Source: AP

GETTYSBURG, Pa. (AP) — President Barack Obama will not attend next month’s event marking the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address in Pennsylvania, national park officials said.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell will instead represent the administration the Nov. 19 sesquicentennial, officials at Gettysburg National Military Park said Wednesday.

Jewell and historian James McPherson will share the role of keynote speaker. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett also plans to attend the ceremony.

McPherson, a top Civil War historian who won the Pulitzer for “Battle Cry of Freedom,” said he was surprised by Obama’s decision.

Read more: http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2013-10-31/obama-wont-attend-remembrance-150th-anniversary-gettysburg-address

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Obama won't attend remembrance for 150th anniversary of Gettysburg Address (Original Post) TexasTowelie Oct 2013 OP
Somebody call Fox News with this vitally important story! nt geek tragedy Oct 2013 #1
I think they did. "OBAMA HATES LINCOLN". russspeakeasy Oct 2013 #2
Or..."Obama backs slavery"! George II Oct 2013 #24
+ 1. russspeakeasy Oct 2013 #46
Patriotism,merica,kenyan muslim, benghazi !!!!!!! Arcanetrance Oct 2013 #4
!!! 2naSalit Oct 2013 #29
probably can't guarantee security heaven05 Oct 2013 #3
Especially since the KKK PatrynXX Oct 2013 #5
well heaven05 Oct 2013 #7
That would be my guess Warpy Nov 2013 #51
Suprising - hopefully he has something much more important to do that day dbackjon Oct 2013 #6
Do you KNOW it was Obama's decision? George II Oct 2013 #25
Because the buck should stop with him. CFLDem Oct 2013 #28
So the most powerful person in the world, who just may have something IMPORTANT to do... George II Oct 2013 #31
I never made a judgement call CFLDem Oct 2013 #33
Oh, Putin is busy too? 24601 Oct 2013 #34
lol pootie poot can make it! treestar Nov 2013 #53
He probably didn't know it was coming up MyNameGoesHere Oct 2013 #43
Glad you hold him in such high esteem, to few do not.... Rebellious Republican Oct 2013 #42
Actually, the buck should stop with his Security Detail in situations like this. Myrina Nov 2013 #61
So you are saying that the President can visit national parks in his own country? dbackjon Nov 2013 #67
He's just the president, what would he have to do that is important? CreekDog Oct 2013 #39
This has to do with PA gov. Corbett's re-election campaign. Keep your powder msanthrope Nov 2013 #62
Just not feeling like it is a good enough reason for me. KY5 Nov 2013 #63
The more I think about this, the more Obama has some explaining to do dbackjon Oct 2013 #8
Tend to agree with you, dbackjon.... Condem Oct 2013 #10
Hopefully your "concern" is noted. nt awoke_in_2003 Oct 2013 #19
Your meta-"concern" is also noted. Psephos Nov 2013 #48
The person I responded to... awoke_in_2003 Nov 2013 #50
So I posted twice. BFD dbackjon Nov 2013 #68
"He had no problem using the Old State Capitol Building as a prop to launch his election campaigns". George II Oct 2013 #32
+1 theHandpuppet Oct 2013 #36
+2 840high Oct 2013 #44
What are the precise and relevant memorials each and every president should attend...? LanternWaste Nov 2013 #66
... And? Quantess Oct 2013 #9
I do. Millions will. dbackjon Oct 2013 #14
How come not enough people gave two shits when G.W.Bush and Cheney committed war crimes Quantess Oct 2013 #15
Agree completely ... its more of the same old manufactured outrage that gets pushed JoePhilly Oct 2013 #23
Overstated much? theHandpuppet Oct 2013 #37
Proportionally speaking, yes, there is way too much outrage. Quantess Oct 2013 #40
This message was self-deleted by its author hughee99 Nov 2013 #54
Feel free to make a trip to PA and do your own commemoration... Blue_Tires Oct 2013 #17
Are there that many Tea Party members left? JoePhilly Oct 2013 #18
What? Sorry to offend, and I really do mean that. Quantess Oct 2013 #21
More people than you think. 840high Oct 2013 #45
Commemorating historic events is fine, however... Zambero Oct 2013 #11
This is more than just any historic event dbackjon Oct 2013 #13
The Secretary of the Interior. . . Journeyman Oct 2013 #12
Not a big deal. NYC Liberal Oct 2013 #16
there`s no way in hell could they protect him madrchsod Oct 2013 #20
I agree. Obama could argue that it's not fiscally responsible truthisfreedom Oct 2013 #22
My first thought as well eom BeyondGeography Oct 2013 #30
I agree with you 2naSalit Oct 2013 #35
i would like for him to attend this but i can understand why, they know what a lot of the JI7 Oct 2013 #26
Tough act to follow zipplewrath Oct 2013 #27
bad optics from the man who was sworn into office with his hand on Lincoln's Bible n/t Psephos Oct 2013 #38
Bad optics? What the hell is that? Quantess Oct 2013 #41
It's a political term. Psephos Oct 2013 #47
He could make a brief statement from the Oval Office. Or the Lincoln Memorial. truthisfreedom Nov 2013 #49
Hmm I wonder why Drale Nov 2013 #52
I'm surprised at what gets called outrage around here. Sheldon Cooper Nov 2013 #55
Which civil war events' 150th anniversary does one pick and choose to commemorate geek tragedy Nov 2013 #56
I fancy myself a bit of a civil war buff, and my first choice of an event for Obama would be this Sheldon Cooper Nov 2013 #57
My take is that Emancipation Proclamation and actual battle of gettysburg geek tragedy Nov 2013 #58
Heh. Sheldon Cooper Nov 2013 #59
Great moments in business branding geek tragedy Nov 2013 #60
And if he'd chosen to go, imagine what the wingnut turnout would have been. winter is coming Nov 2013 #64
That's the beauty of not running for reelection. KY5 Nov 2013 #65

George II

(67,782 posts)
24. Or..."Obama backs slavery"!
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 04:53 PM
Oct 2013

Unfortunately this "story" doesn't say anything specific about any "decision" that Obama might have made (indeed, if it was his decision in the first place) or what he may have scheduled for the same day.

I hate these half-stories with negative headlines posted to obviously bash Obama on something.

PatrynXX

(5,668 posts)
5. Especially since the KKK
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 03:33 PM
Oct 2013

tried to protest there but were prevented because of some Government shutdown they voted for (Irony)

Still one just doesn't skip out on the 150th that'll hurt him some

 

heaven05

(18,124 posts)
7. well
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 03:39 PM
Oct 2013

better hurt politically than shot or worse. I just don't trust the right wing wackos out there that hate the color of our POTUS. It's an inescapable fact that someone of that ilk, gungeoneer and all would try to do something stupid at a high profile event that at it's inception was a call to allow men like our POTUS the chance to be who they can be. I'm in total agreement with our POTUS. Maybe he can offer a few words from the East Room or something.

Warpy

(110,910 posts)
51. That would be my guess
Fri Nov 1, 2013, 10:28 AM
Nov 2013

In any case, Gettysburg is best experienced alone or in a small group, not with a bunch of flag waving hooplah.

 

dbackjon

(6,578 posts)
6. Suprising - hopefully he has something much more important to do that day
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 03:39 PM
Oct 2013

If not, just another tone-deaf gaffe by Obama

 

CFLDem

(2,083 posts)
28. Because the buck should stop with him.
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 05:04 PM
Oct 2013

He is the most powerful person in the world after all (regardless of what Forbes says)

George II

(67,782 posts)
31. So the most powerful person in the world, who just may have something IMPORTANT to do...
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 05:21 PM
Oct 2013

...that day, should cancel so he can attend an anniversary ceremony?

Does everyone know that there are no state visits scheduled that day, or important legislative duties to attend to, or whatever?

All anyone knows is that he won't be attending, not that he made a conscious decision to NOT attend or that something else is going on already that day.

Ah, but it's a great opportunity to find fault AGAIN - basically "shoot first, aim later".

 

CFLDem

(2,083 posts)
33. I never made a judgement call
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 05:28 PM
Oct 2013

regarding his decision to not attend. I'm just saying that the decision to attend is ultimately his and his alone.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
53. lol pootie poot can make it!
Fri Nov 1, 2013, 12:20 PM
Nov 2013

[URL=.html][IMG][/IMG][/URL]

Fourscore and seven years ago, his fathers brought forth a communist conspiracy.

 

Rebellious Republican

(5,029 posts)
42. Glad you hold him in such high esteem, to few do not....
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 06:35 PM
Oct 2013

Some would argue that point depending on your own personal perspective and influence...

http://time100.time.com/2013/04/18/time-100/slide/all/

He may be influential, Important and POTUS of a major world power. However he is also held to the three branches of Government thing, just ask Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, John Boehner, Pope Francis, Angela Merkel, Kim Jong Un.... on and on and on!

Myrina

(12,296 posts)
61. Actually, the buck should stop with his Security Detail in situations like this.
Fri Nov 1, 2013, 03:25 PM
Nov 2013

If they say "Sorry, Mr. Prez, you need to stay home" then so be it.

 

dbackjon

(6,578 posts)
67. So you are saying that the President can visit national parks in his own country?
Fri Nov 1, 2013, 06:18 PM
Nov 2013

Sickening.

And any place can be made secure

 

msanthrope

(37,549 posts)
62. This has to do with PA gov. Corbett's re-election campaign. Keep your powder
Fri Nov 1, 2013, 04:24 PM
Nov 2013

dry, and wait for this thing to shake out.

 

KY5

(61 posts)
63. Just not feeling like it is a good enough reason for me.
Fri Nov 1, 2013, 04:31 PM
Nov 2013

It probably gets tiresome being expected to attend every symbolic event.

 

dbackjon

(6,578 posts)
8. The more I think about this, the more Obama has some explaining to do
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 03:41 PM
Oct 2013

He had no problem using the Old State Capitol Building as a prop to launch his election campaigns, and tried to tie himself to the spirit of Lincoln then.


The Gettysburg Address was a defining moment for the country. Anyone important should be there for the commemoration.

Condem

(9,002 posts)
10. Tend to agree with you, dbackjon....
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 03:47 PM
Oct 2013

...but looking back to the 100th commemoration, Kennedy was invited and chose not to attend. He was needed in Texas for political purposes. LBJ went in his stead.

 

awoke_in_2003

(34,582 posts)
50. The person I responded to...
Fri Nov 1, 2013, 10:24 AM
Nov 2013

seems to have one aim in this thread- taking jabs at the president. Another post said it was another "tone deaf gaffe by Obama". It is clear what that one is up to.

 

dbackjon

(6,578 posts)
68. So I posted twice. BFD
Fri Nov 1, 2013, 06:21 PM
Nov 2013

I think this is a mistake by the PRESIDENT I VOTED FOR TWICE.

I will criticize him when I feel he is wrong. And I will not be cowed by those that think any criticism is wrong. We are not the Republican Party with their so called 11th Commandment.


IMO (this is a discussion board) HE IS SCREWING UP. You obviously don't think so. Fine.


BUT DO NOT TRY TO ASSIGN A MOTIVE TO ME.

George II

(67,782 posts)
32. "He had no problem using the Old State Capitol Building as a prop to launch his election campaigns".
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 05:22 PM
Oct 2013

He wasn't President then, running the most powerful country in the world.

 

LanternWaste

(37,748 posts)
66. What are the precise and relevant memorials each and every president should attend...?
Fri Nov 1, 2013, 04:37 PM
Nov 2013

What are the precise and relevant memorials each and every president should attend without fail and without question, and on what objective measure is that list based on?



Or is this simply a "gut feeling" one may have about what others absolutely must do?

Quantess

(27,630 posts)
15. How come not enough people gave two shits when G.W.Bush and Cheney committed war crimes
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 04:01 PM
Oct 2013

serious enough so that those two assholes can never set foot in some countries without getting arrested?

Obama ignores some important day, and all hell breaks loose. All this tongue clicking, tsk-tsk, and acting as though this is terrible behavior for a leader. Where are our priorities?

JoePhilly

(27,787 posts)
23. Agree completely ... its more of the same old manufactured outrage that gets pushed
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 04:44 PM
Oct 2013

around the internet.

If Obama went, the right would say he was rubbing the South's nose in their Civil War loss.

theHandpuppet

(19,964 posts)
37. Overstated much?
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 05:59 PM
Oct 2013

You call this "all hell breaks loose"? Really?

Speaking only for myself, I'm very disappointed that the President has chosen to ignore one of the defining moments of this nation. In protest against the Iraq war I also drove halfway across the country to camp out at Crawford Ranch.

Disappointed by the current President's decision and enraged by that of the former President. It's not one or the other.

Quantess

(27,630 posts)
40. Proportionally speaking, yes, there is way too much outrage.
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 06:23 PM
Oct 2013

Bush and Cheney are convicted war criminals, in some countries. It was not that long ago, either. My, how soon people forget...

Not saying that you have forgotten the very recent abuse of the good standing of our name as United States of America because of the corrupt, evil, Bush Administration. Those fucking assholes nearly destroyed our country, and yet they still walk free.

Response to Quantess (Reply #15)

Blue_Tires

(55,445 posts)
17. Feel free to make a trip to PA and do your own commemoration...
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 04:15 PM
Oct 2013

If it really means that much to you....

Quantess

(27,630 posts)
21. What? Sorry to offend, and I really do mean that.
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 04:39 PM
Oct 2013

However, when we just recently had two war criminals in the highest ranking office, and everybody yawns...
Why do I need to be outraged when Obama fails to notice an important date?

Edit do add: oops, I thought you were replying to me. My mistake, never mind.

Zambero

(8,954 posts)
11. Commemorating historic events is fine, however...
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 03:50 PM
Oct 2013

we're living in the present day and there are enough real issues for a POTUS to contend with on any given day.

madrchsod

(58,162 posts)
20. there`s no way in hell could they protect him
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 04:37 PM
Oct 2013

because of the political climate in this country it would be foolish to have him go to gettysburg.

2naSalit

(86,057 posts)
35. I agree with you
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 05:43 PM
Oct 2013

and SKIP about the event.

There will be all those re-enactors who will want to bring their black powder gunz and all that. They would be pissed if they had to disarm because Obama was there and there is too much potential for disruption all around.

As Jeff Foxworthy might say, "There's gonna be 1400 civil war re-enactors there and the first black president of the US all in one national park where a defining battle where the south lost happened... you just KNOW we're gonna mess that up."

revised joke Jeff Foxworthy made before the Olympics were held in Atlanta regarding the hundreds of live doves that were to be released for the opening ceremony and all the bird hunters that live in the region... from memory


Actual joke:


JI7

(89,177 posts)
26. i would like for him to attend this but i can understand why, they know what a lot of the
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 05:00 PM
Oct 2013

opposition to him is about .

zipplewrath

(16,646 posts)
27. Tough act to follow
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 05:03 PM
Oct 2013

You really want to be the guy that has to write a speach to follow up the Gettysburg Address?

Tough act to follow.

Quantess

(27,630 posts)
41. Bad optics? What the hell is that?
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 06:34 PM
Oct 2013

Old-fangled eyeglasses for "foureyes"? I don't get what you are saying.

Psephos

(8,032 posts)
47. It's a political term.
Thu Oct 31, 2013, 10:00 PM
Oct 2013

It applies when a politician does something that technically isn't bad, but looks bad anyway. Generally, the optics problem is invisible to the inner circle, else it wouldn't happen.

Political power depends directly on image and perception. Politicians understand that often, appearance equals or even trumps substance. Great politicians bring appearance and substance into agreement.

Drale

(7,932 posts)
52. Hmm I wonder why
Fri Nov 1, 2013, 10:28 AM
Nov 2013

Gettysburg is not that far from Washington, hell you can see the Capital Building on a clear day from the top of the Pennsylvania State Monument. If I had the time and the means I would love to be there for that but unfortunately I don't.

Sheldon Cooper

(3,724 posts)
55. I'm surprised at what gets called outrage around here.
Fri Nov 1, 2013, 02:35 PM
Nov 2013

A few people have said that they don't agree with the President's decision, and that's outrage? Hardly. I think he should go, it's only an hour or so from DC, but if security is too hard to set up, then so be it. I'm disappointed but certainly not 'outraged' and I think I should be allowed to say so without being impugned.

On another note: I wonder if Lincoln ever imagined a black president standing in that same place, 150 years later? And I wonder if he thought it would take so long for the first black prez to be elected?

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
56. Which civil war events' 150th anniversary does one pick and choose to commemorate
Fri Nov 1, 2013, 02:47 PM
Nov 2013

though?

Battle of Gettysburg 150th Anniversary was in July--was that a lesser deal than the address?

Emancipation Proclamation? Appomattox? passage of thirteenth amendment?

This seems like a part of a wingnut manufactured outragefest, which if you google "Obama gettysburg" you'll see is going on right now.

Sheldon Cooper

(3,724 posts)
57. I fancy myself a bit of a civil war buff, and my first choice of an event for Obama would be this
Fri Nov 1, 2013, 02:50 PM
Nov 2013

one. Like I tried to say, it's not the end of the fucking world if he doesn't go. But seeing as how it's so close to DC, and it's really pretty historic, it would be nice if he could get up there. It's hardly 'outrage' to be disappointed about it.

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
58. My take is that Emancipation Proclamation and actual battle of gettysburg
Fri Nov 1, 2013, 02:55 PM
Nov 2013

are more important. But, reasonable minds can certainly differ on this.

Of course, my devilish side wishes Sherman's capture of Atlanta would be celebrated.

winter is coming

(11,785 posts)
64. And if he'd chosen to go, imagine what the wingnut turnout would have been.
Fri Nov 1, 2013, 04:33 PM
Nov 2013

He might have chosen not to go because the "protests" would overshadow the actual commemoration.

 

KY5

(61 posts)
65. That's the beauty of not running for reelection.
Fri Nov 1, 2013, 04:34 PM
Nov 2013

You can skip things that you don't want to attend, no matter how many people that pretend to be pissed off about it.

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