This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.
Presidents have choices
I was really supporting Doug Belcher’s letter (“Saluting all veterans,” May 31) until I read the last paragraph. He states that President Obama was “ignoring” Memorial Day and wasn’t taking time to show appreciation for their sacrifice. The reference is to the fact that Obama would be in Chicago rather than at the Arlington National Cemetery remembrance.
Ignoring? Come, Doug! Obama was to deliver a memorial address at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Ill.
Yeah, I know, showing up at Arlington is traditional for a sitting president, but not mandatory. I don’t hear you slamming Reagan or Bush senior who skipped a few, or even Bush junior who skipped in 2004. If you are going to criticize Obama, then compare him to Clinton, who made every one.
To insist that the president show up at Arlington on Memorial Day is an insult to the memory of the thousands of veterans buried all over this country and abroad. Unfortunately, Doug’s blatant political twist in an otherwise great letter cheapened his message.
Mac McCandless
Spokane