Medal of Honor recipient's family turned away at White House - Page 3

**Pete** · 10-10-2010, 05:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by trvlr

Are we all sure that if former President Bush was in charge "this would never have happened"?...........

There are plenty of threads posted on this board on how Bush treated - and still treats - military and common folks.

If you are going to continue to make such comments then you had better start including links to stories that back up your position.

So your first homework assignment here is to find a link to a story that backs up your position as stated above - any story where a visitor or guest was treated poorly by the Bush family while in the White House. Like taking a Head of State out the back door past the trash or leaving a Head of State to go eat with the family then come back.

trvlr · 10-10-2010, 09:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue02hd

Who are you to dictate what is "wild " or inappropriate to post here?

I didn't dictate anything. It was my opinion that some of the comments showed a lack of understanding of how the White House works, and called them 'wild' because of that.

This same type of thing happened when former President Bush was in office. At a certain point (post 04-05' time frame) almost any negative thing that happened in the White House or with policy was blamed on him being "an idiot." The same monkey photo styles that some of the right is using for Obama now were being used to caricature then President Bush by some from the left, no matter how far removed he was from the event.

I quickly grew tired of everyone to the left of moderate slinging usually baseless mud. It seems like the same thing is starting here. Though I cannot prove it, I highly doubt that the current President changed the dress code for entrance, rewrote the SOP on military burials, and personally oversaw who was allowed to enter the Whitehouse via exception.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

So your first homework assignment here is to find a link to a story that backs up your position as stated above - any story where a visitor or guest was treated poorly by the Bush family while in the White House.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6637549.stm

Granted, this was not a big deal as leading a Head of State "by past the trash" but that didn't stop them from saying, "the US media has been full of stories about how the president was being coached on etiquette and protocol to try to prevent him placing one of his hand-tooled Texan cowboy boots in his mouth."

What am I supposed to take from that? He's from Texas so he must be an idiot? It's not a logical argument but it gets made anyway. I didn't think it was right for millions to do it to President Bush, and I don't think it's right for people to do it to President Obama now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue02hd

Your lacking in SA, and walking blindly into a mine field. .

I've been on the site for a little while now and can see the general trends. I have seen hundreds of threads where rhetorical questions are used to illustrate points. I have also seen that on threads like these, points like the one I am trying to make are rarely made. Maybe this ->

was too much, but I plan on continuing to add my opinion unless the forum gods strike me down.

**Pete** · 10-10-2010, 09:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by trvlr

......I've been on the site for a little while now and can see the general trends. I have seen hundreds of threads where rhetorical questions are used to illustrate points...........

And so far you are failing at your's.

When Bush was President any small mistake was pounded to death by the press - after all he was a dunce.

Now that Obama is the President nothing is his fault. It's all the fault of others around him. Two years since his election and he's still blaming Bush.

trvlr · 10-10-2010, 09:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

When Bush was President any small mistake was pounded to death by the press - after all he was a dunce.

Now that Obama is the President nothing is his fault. It's all the fault of others around him. Two years since his election and he's still blaming Bush.

True statements. I agree.

dennisw · 10-10-2010, 10:56

Quote:

It was my opinion that some of the comments showed a lack of understanding of how the White House works, and called them 'wild' because of that.

I don't believe it is a lack of understanding of the White House protocol, it's the current administration's lack of leadership. I'm sure these kinds of problems arise all the time. Lower level staff then elevate the problem and a solution is provided. "Let's provide a shirt or jacket. Prior MOH awardee was not on list, let's amend the list so he can attend." The fact that the resolution for the problems was to not admit these folks is clearly a sign of poor leadership.

blue02hd · 10-10-2010, 11:01

The story you linked focuses on "Gaffes" by the President, not poor treatment. In no way shape or form does that come close to rude or negligent behavior. Comparing a bad one liner to the denial of a MOH recipient isn't even close. Can you do any better than this? Also, sourcing a UK editorial isn't exactly what I would say is credible.

Shot Over,,

**The Reaper** · 10-10-2010, 11:02

I know that he has no military background, but is the Commander in Chief responsible for everything that is done, or fails to get done? Who selected his staff? The Bush Adminstration?

Where should the buck stop? Seems to me like the mainstream media has been parrotting the blame Bush mantra and giving the current Administration a pass since they took office.

Just my .02, YMMV.

TR

trvlr · 10-10-2010, 11:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue02hd

Comparing a bad one liner to the denial of a MOH recipient isn't even close. Can you do any better than this?

Negative.

I agree with all the comments regarding the double standard. I also think that President Bush had the most military friendly administration of recent history.

It's a shame that this happened and hopefully the White House will learn a lesson from it.

akv · 10-10-2010, 12:20

George Bush's conduct toward our armed forces has consistently demonstrated compassion and gratitude for their service. His continuing support after leaving office, as evidenced at Ft. Hood and work with the Gold Star Mom's, are insights into his character and grasp of the magnitude and responsibility held by those who have occupied the Office of the President.

IMHO, it is a disgrace to turn away the family of a CMOH recipient from an invited WH ceremony. IIRC it was President Truman who said he would rather have the CMOH than be President of the United States. Even though I don't think they should have been turned away, most folks would feel a suit is appropriate attire for a young man at a wedding or a funeral. Obama is a temporary resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Out of respect for the sanctity of the CMOH, the Office of the President, and our White House, such a ceremony warrants dress attire regardless of our views on the current occupant of the Oval Office.

dennisw · 10-10-2010, 13:30

Quote:

Out of respect for the sanctity of the CMOH, the Office of the President, and our White House, such a ceremony warrants dress attire regardless of our views on the current occupant of the Oval Office.

You are absolutely correct. However, wasn't this family the one who could not afford to travel to the ceremony until someone assisted them? I know it it inconceivable to many that a family could not or cannot afford to purchase a suit, etc. If they could not afford to travel to the White House, it's highly likely they could not afford a suit for the grandson. If they could afford it and chose not to dress in respectable attire, then they did not use good judgement. If they could not afford the appropriate attire, then appropriate attire should have been provided.

If the family of a man who was awarded the MOH cannot afford a trip to Washington or a new suit, we are a scandalous nation not deserving of the men and women who displayed such courage on our behalf.

Bradmi · 10-11-2010, 02:50

Every establishment I've ever dealt with that had a dress code keeps extra clothing around in case something like this happens. I think the White House Aide needs to think beyond the rules and figure out a way to get the people situated.

rdret1 · 10-11-2010, 06:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennisw

You are absolutely correct. However, wasn't this family the one who could not afford to travel to the ceremony until someone assisted them? I know it it inconceivable to many that a family could not or cannot afford to purchase a suit, etc. If they could not afford to travel to the White House, it's highly likely they could not afford a suit for the grandson. If they could afford it and chose not to dress in respectable attire, then they did not use good judgement. If they could not afford the appropriate attire, then appropriate attire should have been provided.

If the family of a man who was awarded the MOH cannot afford a trip to Washington or a new suit, we are a scandalous nation not deserving of the men and women who displayed such courage on our behalf.

Excellent point! The fact that it was the family of the man receiving the highest honor our nation has to give is what makes it such a mistake. Everything possible should have been done to accomodate this family. If a certain dress was required, it should have been provided if the family could not provide it.

Saoirse · 10-11-2010, 09:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennisw

You are absolutely correct. However, wasn't this family the one who could not afford to travel to the ceremony until someone assisted them? I know it it inconceivable to many that a family could not or cannot afford to purchase a suit, etc. If they could not afford to travel to the White House, it's highly likely they could not afford a suit for the grandson. If they could afford it and chose not to dress in respectable attire, then they did not use good judgement. If they could not afford the appropriate attire, then appropriate attire should have been provided.

If the family of a man who was awarded the MOH cannot afford a trip to Washington or a new suit, we are a scandalous nation not deserving of the men and women who displayed such courage on our behalf.

Dennis, you make an excellent point! Especially the one I highlighted. I have a friend who is a CMoH recipient for his heroic actions in Vietnam. Because of his injuries there and after saving the life of a little girl that was almost run over, he cannot work like most of us. The money he receives from the VA was barely enough to get by, now it is nothing in this econmy. However, by the grace of God and the help of others, he is now a motivational speaker and travels the country. He is the most humble man I have ever met. When I met him, I was shocked and appalled that as such a great hero, there was not some sort of monetary award (I was rather young and naive then).

Green Light · 10-11-2010, 17:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdc

Now I know how all of you "O's" are sworn to defend his majesty no matter what but come on, this guy? He's like a bad B movie from the fifties.

Never mind.

Reaper411 · 10-11-2010, 17:43

While on an OP, I gave up my fleece for the night to a local kid who was hanging around. It was extremely cold and he had only a long sleeve shirt, pants and sandals. I would expect the WH staff to be of a caliber which is able to think outside the box. Guess not.