Out of President's Sight, Arlington's Rows of Grief Expand

[dogday]

<snip>

Niedermeier, one of more than 1,700 American men and women who have died in Iraq, is the 144th to be laid to rest at Arlington. Arlington, just two miles from the White House, buries the Iraq dead at a rate of one or two a week.

But the nation's leaders are missing these somber and patriotic pageants. Members of Congress rarely attend. Top Pentagon officials do so only occasionally. And President Bush has yet to bury a fallen warrior.

<snip>


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/17/AR2005061701443.html?nav=rss_opinion/columns

hard to believe this article is by Dana Milbank

[Captain Hilts]

1. I hate to defend Bush, but on this count I will

I don't think it necessary for him to attend a funeral. I know that I wouldn't want him at a funeral for one of my kith/kin killed in combat. Can you imagine the security clusterfuck that would create? And it would be a tremendous distraction.

And how would he decide which funeral to attend? Army? Marine?

I WILL criticize him for visiting the wounded at Walter Reed/Bethesda Naval ONLY when he's had reason to go to the hospital himself.

Wounded troops have been received at the White House and Laura Bush has visited her share.

There are so many better things to criticize him on in reference to this war.

[dogday]

2. It is a symbolic thing. It shows respect. Bush wants to wage the

war and cause men to die. he should see first hand what this war brings to the US ---DEAD MEN and WOMEN....

[Wildewolfe]

3. maybe he shouldn't attend the individual funerals....

but he should damn well attend some memorial services for all the fallen on a regular basis at the national cathedral.

He owes the fallen that respect at least.

[dogday]

5. I agree with that....

[Captain Hilts]

6. I agree.

Perhaps he could go to Dover as well.

But individual funerals, no.

[Wildewolfe]

4. maybe he shouldn't attend the individual funerals....

but he should damn well attend some memorial services for all the fallen on a regular basis at the national cathedral.

He owes the fallen that respect at least.