Arizona Memorial service, Obama...

[trt]

I know its sad of the shooting of innocent people but, why does the president and the audience be so dramatic.

Every sentence he said they applauded and as for the music they played before he spoke was so OTT, like something out of star wars.

[Clanad]

Actually, after watching the event, I thought it was one of the better and more appropriate speeches the President has given and I'm not a fan of this President.

First, the venue was not conducive to more reserved behavior that one would expect and see, even here in the U.S. This was the University of Arizona in Tucson and the vast majority of the attendees (some 15,000 inside and another 13,000 outside) were college students. Their more raucous demeanor was noticeable and commented upon by the "talking heads" after the speech. Secondly, he only mentioned the fact that the wounded congress woman, Gabrielle Gifford had opened her eyes once. It was in the context of him having visited her and other wounded people from the attack by a lunatic earlier in the day. The President was accompanied on the visit to Ms. Gifford by her husband (who happens to be an astronaut) who was present when she opened her eyes... the first such reaction since the shooting. The President specifically mentioned that he had the husbands permission t relate the event. Everyone was quite touched by the inclusion in the speech, since it's miraculous that she's survived after being shotin he head at close range.

Contd.

[Clanad]

Contd.

Finally, although I disagree with most things this President is trying to do, he did address the venemous accusations that had been going on olitically since the shooting. As you may be aware, the left (democrats) had lost the midterm elections in November by a huge amount and they were saying that the right wing rhetoric was the sole cause of making the young man attack as he did.
Fact is, the guy has absolutely no political motivation, only a warped mind, Obama was trying mightily to tamp that down... appropriately so, in my opinion.
The short speeches prior to his were entirely appropriate with significant enphasis placed on Bible readings that caught most of us by surprise... at least coming from this administration.
The final music by the University choir was well done, and I think the President improved his standing somewhat with the American people.

[DTCwordfan]

then, Lottie, why is Thanksgiving the biggest weekend for travelling in the US - no cards (well maybe one or two within the family), no pressies etc, yet they all go home for a meal with the family.

The average American is a caring family member and the extended family is also important - I have been to several marriages (and funerals) - I lived over there..... I would actually argue that they put more importance into family than we do. And, especially in the South, they are more godfearing - Our local RC church sat a thousand and got through 10 services on a Sunday and the Methodist a mile away sat 2000 and had 3 services....

As to Obama, the razz has everything to do with his popularity plummeting and its an opportunity to show himself. I was commenting to a friend earlier this week that Barak had been very quiet recently......other than meeting Monsieur le President Sarcastic