Did you catch that?  A national tragedy, in which our sitting President said little about, has yet to meet with families, and what little he did say - came before a speech (on the day of the shooting) pushing his agenda.  And yet he is able to use the events of last week - to push healthcare.  Never have I been more nauseated by politics, then the handling of Fort Hood by this President and his administration.

 

(Before I begin my rant, on a side note, former President George W. Bush and Laura visited the wounded.  They did so without media attention, with no camera crew.)

 

The insensitive handling of Fort Hood has not just fell on the hearts of conservatives.  An NBC Chicago (11/6/09) affiliate wrote the following:

Anyone at home aware of the major news story of the previous hours had to have been stunned. An incident like this requires a scrapping of the early light banter. The president should apologize for the tone of his remarks, explain what has happened, express sympathy for those slain and appeal for calm and patience until all the facts are in. That's the least that should occur.  

Has the President been to Texas yet?  No.  Is he not the Commander-In-Chief during a tragic time for our military?  Yes.  Then the questions beg to be asked:  Where is his presence now, when needed by the Army families?  Why has he not visited with families in Texas?  (He was able to stand at salute for passing coffins, once.)  Why did he not cancel the weekend, the meetings, the Indian Tribal dinner, and immediately fly to Texas?

The answer:  healthcare.

He has hung his entire Presidency on this issue.  To lose this issue, in his mind, is to doom his Presidency.  Therefore, he must stay on "message", not leave the fight, and keep the healthcare train on course for passage.  And if that means a little insensitivity to the families of the dead at Fort Hood - then so-be-it.

Here is what the President should have done:

1.  Immediately following the tragedy, cancel the tribal dinner and speak to the Press for a few minutes calling for calmness and prayers for the situation.

2.  Announced a trip to Texas, clearing the schedule, to lead the nation in mourning for this horrific act of terrorism.

3.  Declared that acts of terrorism, domestic and international, will not be tolerated in these United States.

4.  Addressed the nation from Texas and declare today (Sunday) a national day of mourning.

5.  Visit the families of all murdered and injured.

6.  Send Gibbs out to update the progress of all investigations.

Click here for my short memorial to Fort Hood.

What the President did do:

1.  Said a few words, after a humorous speech opening.

2.  Said a few more words that Americans "should not jump to conclusions" about the motives of the shooter.

3.  Used the tragedy - to push Congressional delegates to make a "sacrifice" and vote for socialized healthcare.

Sickening.  Wrong.