US

Obama Tells Joplin: ‘We Are Going to be Here Long After the Cameras Leave’

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — Face to face with the legions of homeless and the bereaved, President Barack Obama on Sunday toured the apocalyptic landscape left by Missouri’s killer tornado, consoled the community and committed the government to helping rebuild shattered lives.

“This is not just your tragedy. This is a national tragedy, and that means there will be a national response,” Obama said.

Air Force One flew over a massive swath of brown as far as the eye could see – a landscape of flattened houses and stripped trees – on its approach to Joplin. Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and others greeted him on the tarmac before they set out for their first stop, a walking tour of a destroyed neighborhood. A memorial service punctuated a day of remembrance one week after the disaster.

Obama’s motorcade pulled into a neighborhood where downed trees cleaved open houses, roofs were stripped or blown off, cars were cratered and splintered wood was everywhere. He saw nothing whole, but rather small domestic sights – a view into a room with a TV still in place, a recliner sitting amid rubble, a washer-dryer standing next to a decimated house. American flags were planted here and there in the mess.

“Sorry for your loss,” Obama told an anguished woman, hugging her twice as they talked. Another woman told him that her uncle lives up the road – he survived but his house did not. “Tell your uncle we’re praying for him,” the president said.

To those working at the scene, the president said: “We appreciate everything you guys are doing. God bless you.” One volunteer told him that people were streaming in from other states to help any way they could.

Obama vowed: “We are going to be here long after the cameras leave. We’re not going to stop `til Joplin’s back on its feet.”

Obama returned to the U.S. on Saturday from a six-day European tour of Ireland, Britain, France and Poland. After days of focusing on the U.S. relationship with the rest of the world, he turned to an even more critical connection: his own, with the American people. He was visiting survivors and the bereaved from the worst tornado in decades, which tore through Joplin a week ago leaving more than 120 dead and hundreds more injured. At least 40 remain unaccounted for, and the damage is massive.

Consoling his fellow Americans is a task Obama has had to assume with increasing frequency of late, after the mass shooting in Arizona in January in which Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was injured, when tornadoes struck Tuscaloosa, Ala., last month and, more recently, when flooding from the Mississippi inundated parts of Memphis, Tenn.

Such moments can help define a president, but habitually even-tempered Obama is more apt to offer handshakes and hugs than tears and deep emotion.

Though times of trouble can erase politics and unite people, a phenomenon Obama has commented on, his task as healer Sunday unfolded on unfriendly political ground as his re-election campaign approaches. Obama narrowly lost Missouri to Republican John McCain in 2008, but in Jasper County, where Joplin is located, McCain won by a large margin: 66 percent to 33 percent.

Comments (163)

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  • ksagpilot
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 7:29pm

    I live 40 miles from Joplin and this about made me puke. This was nothing more than a campaign stop.

    Report Post » ksagpilot  
    • staythecourse
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 1:47am

      My heart and prayers go out to your ‘neighbors’ and friends touched by this disaster.

      Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 12:42pm

      Not everybody “puked” at President Obama’s visit. According to the Joplin Globe, “thousands gathered” for his visit. “…Castillo said he would have attended the ceremony even if Obama had not come, but the president’s presence and remarks — particularly the notion that the foreign leaders he met during his weeklong trip to Europe last week were expressing concern about Joplin — were appreciated.” http://www.joplinglobe.com FEMA is providing services to your area, and I celebrate that our federal government (incl. my taxes) step up.

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • Cold War Vet
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 2:54pm

      @ KSAGPILOT

      Exactly right! I live about 45 miles away (to the south) from Joplin, and could almost smell the stench in the air of having the “great one” so close to my little corner of what’s left of America.

      Report Post » Cold War Vet  
    • Juan Gault
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 3:29pm

      Te curtain has been pulled open,and there is nothing there, but a suit.

      Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 5:59pm

      Scuse me Juan………..that was an empty suit

      Report Post »  
  • Lee_in_PA
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 7:25pm

    Lead, follow, or GET OUTTA THE WAY.

    Joplin will deal with it as they have dealt with everything else… Themselves. Cause they know, it’s not going to get done if they sit about and wait for government.. as we all saw in the BP spill.

    Report Post » Lee_in_PA  
  • seethelite
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 7:21pm

    Please Watch, Arizona SWAT?????????http://trevorloudon.com/2011/05/oath-keepers-rally-to-honor-jose-guerena-and-oppose-swat-searches/

    Report Post »  
  • Oraclevoiceofreason
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 7:09pm

    Where was he the day after this horrid event? Did it take this long for him to write his speech? Oh wait I forot he was in England embarrasing the queen and at the G8 summit making deals with our enemies…. hey Satan – people across the country were gathering and heading off to help those in need immediately – we don’t need the government strutting their stuff. He is in it for himself not the people…stay away from Joplin – you will only make it worse.

    Report Post » Oraclevoiceofreason  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:34pm

    To late, to little. You Mr. Obama should have come home the day after the tornadoes hit. Bets on the government being there to help long. Hell isn’t Haiti still waiting for his promises then?? It is Americans who will help Joplin, they started minutes after it was hit, meanwhile back at the ranch Obama was off partying somewhere across the ocean. He is the worst President we have ever seen. Wake up America and lets make sure Obama is gone in 2012! And the senate to. God help us!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • SheriS
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:34pm

    It will be interesting to see the “follow thru” to the people of Joplin! If they have an ounce of common sense, they would be very skeptical! They certainly do need a lot of help as they just try to pick the pieces of their lives—not easy when there is no place to live since all the homes were destroyed! The private sector will give them far more help then the government ever could!

    Report Post »  
    • Juan Gault
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 3:26pm

      TIFOSA: TEXAS is anxiously awaiting a word from our caring president. Maybe the president, has lost their number…hello are you there, Mr President of all 57 states?

      Report Post »  
    • leftteste
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 5:51pm

      Yeah go ahead and rely on the private sector. You get no help from the gov. it’s not paid for. Go ahead put your faith in the insurance companies they’ll help you out. They just LOVE paying out. All you tea party nuts are for smaller Gov. until a disaster hits you and then it’s where is our President where is our relief ! Why is it that 7 out of the top 10 states that get federal aid vote republican. Makes me sick !

      Report Post »  
    • Cold War Vet
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 1:09am

      @ LEFTTESTE

      Are you missing a “teste?”
      Must be confusing us with the “victims” of Katrina in New Orleans who were screeching for aid, looting, raping and pillaging. I never once heard the people of Joplin call out to Obama. He just showed up with his entourage, and told some insincere lies and campaigned while getting in the way of the private sector relief/clean-up effort, which is well under way, no thanks to the federal government.

      Report Post » Cold War Vet  
  • ofallon
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:33pm

    I appreciate what our President did to comfort the people of Joplin.

    Report Post »  
    • kickagrandma
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:56pm

      @OFALLON ~~ Tongue in cheek, right?

      Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 12:49pm

      Good for you OFALLAN!
      “May 23, 2011
      WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt applauded President Barack Obama‘s quick extension of Governor Jay Nixon’s request for federal disaster relief to include Jasper and Newton Counties following the tornado that devastated the area last night. The federal disaster relief was originally granted on May 9, 2011, in response to a string of severe storms and heavy flooding that hit portions of the state.”
      And I for one, am PROUD to pay taxes to a government that will BE THERE!!

      Report Post » tifosa  
  • justmike
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:30pm

    What Obama meant to say was You’ll be here long after the cameras and I are gone.

    Report Post » justmike  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:25pm

    NOOOooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! This time he is telling the truth which means it will be a government take-over of Joplin.

    Get him out now. Right now. he brings death and destruction wherever he goes………and the smell of sulfur surrounds him.

    Report Post »  
  • Bonnieblue2A
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:23pm

    Joplin and her people are exactly the kind of Americans Obama ridiculed with contempt during his 2008 campaigned when he referred to those who “cling to their religion and their guns”. Do not be fooled by this snake campaigning for another four years to complete the destruction of this country. He cares only for the photo op and enough pretense to look favorable to that part of the nation who might vote for him.

    Meanwhile Obama would rather pledge $Billions to underwrite the Muslim Brotherhood’s “Arab Spring” while he throws our allies under the bus.

    Where was Obama a week ago after this tornado hit? He was in Ireland throwing back pints of Guinness. The man is a disgrace and a pox upon this country.

    Report Post »  
    • Cold War Vet
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 2:51pm

      @ BONNIEBLUE2A

      Great post! You nailed it on this one. That is exactly what happened yesterday. I’ll bet he loathes having to touch the ground in red state territory. He’s shown obvious contempt for America and its people, while weakening our nation and freedoms and strengthening our enemies.

      Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel offered more sincerity and respect to the people of Joplin than Obama did, and he did it sooner than Obama did. I live about 45 minutes from Joplin, and see firsthand the amount of response from real, good Americans reaching out and helping. Even though Netanyahu is an Israeli, he’s a better “American” than Obama is.

      Report Post » Cold War Vet  
  • Contrarian51
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:23pm

    In fairness, making this stop to lend verbal and moral support is a basic function of the presidency. He said the right things and didn’t make a political speech. You can judge him and the government by the quality of assistance the federal government provides, and frankly, this shouldn’t be a huge outlay in terms of dollars. My heart goes out to the people of Joplin and the anecdotal evidence thus far is that are remarkable folks; however, it’s in the initial response involving search and rescue and recovery and re-establishing communications and basic services are the areas where government can make a big difference. In terms of property damage and rebuilding, insurance will be paying for the lion’s share. And, of course, the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations address most of what falls through the cracks.

    Rebuilding is already showing signs of getting underway. A stronger Joplin will emerge.

    Report Post »  
    • eatpork.theotherwhitemeat
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 8:02pm

      “In terms of property damage and rebuilding, insurance will be paying for the lion’s share”
      I enjoyed your post as it was objective. However you put too much faith in the insurance stepping up to the plate. I am a restoration contractor and know for fact two things. The carriers are setting up a huge PR campaign to appear heroic and generous. Simultaneously they are training adjusters to learn the exclusions in coverages to lower their loss ratio. It will never be in the papers because it will happen ( underpayment ) down the road. Farmers Insurance Group and Hanover group will be the most guilty ,Standard Mutual with Allstate at a close second. Allstate “might” behave themselves this time because of some current litigation stemming from Isabelle and Katrina . Sorry for being off topic but I feel for the residents of Joplin and whats waiting ahead of them.

      Report Post »  
    • Juan Gault
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 3:19pm

      the red cross…phffffffttttttt.

      Report Post »  
  • streetrodder
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:19pm

    He will stay untill the teliprompter shuts down.

    Report Post »  
    • Outlaw_Josey_Wales
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:30pm

      Obama didn’t have to go to Joplin. A tape recorder and a puppet on a string, would of worked just as well.

      Report Post » Outlaw_Josey_Wales  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:58pm

      Instead of the “auto-pen” , he should just send the “auto-Prez” , OH, he did my bad…..lol

      Report Post »  
    • streetrodder
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 6:47am

      @Outlaw, Wow thats kind of a slam to the puppet.

      Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 11:01am

      Yes! Send the teleprompter if you have to. Save Gas, don’t use Air Force One for his campaigning.

      Report Post »  
  • jas0707
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:18pm

    The tornado victims were not a priority to Barry when the tornado struck. To him it was simply another crisis to insert himself into at his convenience. Another opportunity to appear “Presidential”. But it could wait until he returned from his Irish roots. While he was getting in touch with his Euro-side and wallowing in Euro admiration the people of Joplin were regrouping. It wasn’t until Netanyahu made a comment to pray for Joplin at the beginning of his speech to Congress that Barry reacted and had his minions script a comment or two between his Euro partying. Now he bolts onto the scene and whips out his campaign dialect…what a phoney. Yep, Barry is transparent…you can see right through him.

    Report Post »  
    • staythecourse
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 1:45am

      I have to say that when I watched his speech during the service I got sick. It was so surreal at how he was talking about the tragedy and then suddenly his tone changed, his pacing changed, his mannerisms changed…he went right into a full blown presidential campaign speech! This man does not know what suffering means…nor does he have any idea at all about compassion!

      By the way, I loved Lech Walesa‘s response to obama in obama’s visit to poland. He stated that he saw no need to talk with the obama — not at this time….and that he did not want to be used as a prop for a photo op….or so it is said.

      Report Post »  
  • Outlaw_Josey_Wales
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:16pm

    Obama has terrified the people of Joplin by saying the scariest seven words of all time. “we’re from the government here to help”.

    Report Post » Outlaw_Josey_Wales  
    • Lee_in_PA
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 7:27pm

      Hi Josie! Ever hear that old joke… politician addressing a bunch of farmers. after every sentence, the farmers say KLANGA! KLANGA! the politiican thinks GOOD they are with me.

      When he goes to leave, one farmer, who came in his horse drawn wagon said to him, careful mister, don’t step in the klanga.

      Report Post » Lee_in_PA  
  • quicker
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:15pm

    Did you see where Taylor Swift donate an entire procieds of a concert to the tornado victems.Just how many of the limosine liberials did that.

    Report Post » quicker  
  • sarcasticus
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:50pm

    And Joplins’ reply should be, “That’s okay Barry, we got this.”

    Report Post »  
  • geonj
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:45pm

    don’t worry mr president, msnbc will stay there as long as you are there performing micacles for the masses.

    Report Post » geonj  
  • geonj
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:43pm

    a week late and a dollar short. no way he cuts short a global visit to handle a “national tragedy” i know i feel better.

    Report Post » geonj  
  • orkydorky
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:41pm

    BO, go back home the people don’t need your distraction, they’re doing quite well without you and your lies!

    Report Post » orkydorky  
  • dthompson579
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:38pm

    As a person who lives less than 45 min. from Joplin, I can say that the only thing we needed the president to come look at was what real American exceptionalism is.

    Report Post » dthompson579  
    • Bonnieblue2A
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:33pm

      Amen to that! He‘s probably insulted that Missourians aren’t helpless and crying for big government to come save them.

      Report Post »  
    • americansfightingforcommonsense
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 8:00am

      So true, Obama was only thinking of 2012 not the here and the now, and what these people need to pull their lives back together. They don’t need speeches. They need love and compassion which he gave neither to Joplin on his trip. They need help picking up the pieces and putting them back together as much as possible, not photo ops. Joplin will do great, because hey are exceptional people. They know what hard work, Faith and Knowledge in Jesus Christ, and Loving Thy Neighbor really means !!!!!!!! Barry doesn’t have a clue!!!!! He can sure roll up those sleeves though. :)

      Report Post » americansfightingforcommonsense  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 12:23pm

      Well then, DTHOMPSON, you read the Joplin Globe? Guess you weren’t among the “thousands gathered” for his visit. “…Castillo said he would have attended the ceremony even if Obama had not come, but the president’s presence and remarks — particularly the notion that the foreign leaders he met during his weeklong trip to Europe last week were expressing concern about Joplin — were appreciated.” http://www.joplinglobe.com/

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • Juan Gault
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 3:15pm

      i could not agree more, truly “EXCEPTUAL” folks. They will recover,in time, with the aid/help of fellow Americans,count on it!

      Report Post »  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:31pm

    Faith Hope Charity

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
  • Texas woman56
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:20pm

    It that the same thing that was said about New Orleans? Did Michelle wear her $2000.00 tacky dress there?

    Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 10:44am

      Texas women dress to the 9′s. That tacky dress from the 1950′s was made with flour sacks. I’m tired of smelling the BO, take a bath.

      Report Post »  
  • tifosa
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:17pm

    “Though times of trouble can erase politics and unite people” gives waaaaay too much credit, unfortunately.

    Report Post » tifosa  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:56pm

      @Fairy Tr0ll
      Once upon a time in a land far, well not too far, well actually this land two groups of peoples used to work with each other, sometimes they even did the desire of those they represented. One day, one of those groups came up with what they thought was a grand idea, so they told all the people about it. Much to their suprise and dismay well over half the people did not like the idea, and the other of the two groups said no too. Well the Grand idea was too big and important to let go of, and being in control they pusses the big grand idea on everybody anyway, despite three quarters of the peoples screaming NO! Well thing haven’t been so great since then, and that grand idea people can’t seem to get anyone to compromise with them anymore, go figure.
      Healthcare, and your toast, we shall not compromise with your evil ever again, GET OUT !

      Report Post »  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 10:08pm

      We are lucky to have an absolutely awesome President – awesome!!! http://wp.me/pYLB7-11j

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 10:32pm

      You’re bending my little fairy brain BETTERDAYS :^)
      See the special elections this month?

      Madison, WI, Steve Doyle (Dem) won an Assembly seat 54/46,
      Augusta, ME Cindy Dill (Dem) wins a state senate seat
      FL, Jacksonville went to a Dem Mayor
      FL Tampa surprisingly Dem Mayor
      NH, District 4, flipped to Jen Daler (Dem)
      and of course NY26 went to Hochul (Dem)
      Fun stuff, no? ;)

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 2:53am

      @WALKWITHME1966

      Baaaaaaaaa, baaaaaaaaaaaa, baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 5:19am

      baaaaaaaaaaaa baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa =“megadittos”

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 10:51pm

      Gosh, you really got me there.

      I feel a little sheepish now.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • REETZBEE
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:06pm

    The minute Obama boards Air Force One he’ll forget about Joplin just like he forgot about the people in the gulf states. If he cared about the people in the gulf states they’d be drilling right now.

    Report Post » REETZBEE  
    • Lou Ellen Brown
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:55pm

      One report mentioned that on his trip to and from El Paso he did not even manage to flyover the burned out areas, nor did he look out the window when he could easily seen the damage. He chooses what he likes and neglects that which he does not like, but don’t tell him I said that as he puffs up and pouts. Mustn’t irritate the emperor.

      Report Post » Lou Ellen Brown  
    • sarcasticus
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:56pm

      So true-this was just a stop for photos for his b-b-billion dollah re-election campaign!!

      Report Post »  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 1:13am

      How long did it take him to get there? a week…while Americans are dying in Missouri, obama is making a fool of himself in the UK….trying to relate to his Irish ancestors, if they are his ancestors, no one really knows…

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
    • cassandra
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 7:43am

      obummer will give 2 billion dollars to brazil to drill for oil and we can work our tails off so we can buy their oil instead of drilling here so WE can create jobs and have our own oil and say thanks but no thanks to middle east oil this is just what obummer wants to cripple us and our economy wake up Joe with all the information about who obummer really is and you still support him? God help us

      Report Post »  
  • RepubliCorp
    Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:06pm

    just what they needed…….more hot air

    Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:09pm

      Consoling his fellow Americans is a task Obama has had to assume with increasing frequency of late,
      —————-
      Consoling ?
      Hahahhhhhaaaahhhaaaa :D
      Using bong -water to brew the morning coffee are we ?

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Devil Dog 7175
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:20pm

      But first I need to take some time off for a few rounds of golf…See ya in about a month…

      Report Post » Devil Dog 7175  
    • SlimnRanger
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:26pm

      Mr. President, since this nation is pretty much broke,and you and your buddies are sending billions to foreign countries,how do you expect to find money to help Joplin Mo. residents?,or Alabama,Okla. and Ar. residents that have lost so much due to tornadoes,Mr. President please if you can‘t help then don’t get their hopes up.

      Report Post »  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:52pm

      @SlimnRanger,

      I couldn’t agree with you more. These morons in Washington keep sending money to every country but ours. Aren’t we the ones who put this money in the coffers to begin with. I don‘t think it’s too much to ask that this money be used for Americans first. Wonder if there is ONE politician with the spine to put this one to vote.

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • riseandshine
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 5:59pm

      Battleground State

      Report Post » riseandshine  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 6:48pm

      It will be a National Effort, now make sure you keep me up to speed, FORE!

      How many socialist’s does it take to screw in a light bulb?

      Socialist don’t actually do anything, they want others to do it for them. GOD I thought you knew that!

      Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 7:46pm

      You people should read about the actual event before you launch into hateratti. In the end, these are the people in the fabric of America. They’ll be the votes:

      “Friday Chief Tony Davis, Resource Officer for the Hattiesburg school system, received a phone call from the White House. Davis is the father of Sergeant Anthony MacGee, the Hattiesburg Soldier who was killed in action during a missile attack last year in Iraq.

      Davis says he had written a letter to the president about his son’s death and on Friday he said someone called from the White House to ask his permission to let the president quote an excerpt from the letter in his speech.

      “It makes me feel good to know that someone as high as the president is even interested in my little ole son,” said Davis. “No other politician has come to me so far. Him being the first one is a great thing.”

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 7:51pm

      Tune in tomorrow and ENJOY YOURSELVES!!

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • avenger
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 8:51pm

      yada yada yada….do not step in the ungawa…

      Report Post »  
    • Perpetua
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 10:34pm

      Cemoto78. The answer to your ? Is Ron Paul … Don‘t let the media think he can’t win!

      Report Post »  
    • PatriotsLikeMe
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 10:55pm

      Instead of sending billions of dollars to Pakistan, keep it here to help those in need in these devastated regions. And that’s regardless of how they voted in 2008, Barry! We’re watching you. We know you like to chastise and punish those who are not in your corner while heaping perks and priviledges on those in your back pocket. All we ask from you is to untie the purse strings…other than that they don’t need you. They have each other, they have people pouring in from other states to give aid and comfort to them. Do them a favor and stay as far away as possible. God bless them all!

      Report Post » PatriotsLikeMe  
    • PatriotsLikeMe
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 11:03pm

      Tifosa–oh ye very young and innocent! You don’t think for a moment that it serves Obama to use the death of a serviceman and the letter that was sent by a grieving father to further boost his cred after a week spent screwing up in Europe? You believe his intent is sincere–do you know anything about this man? Do you know that he is spending the 2nd half of his first and only term–that’s 2 full years–campaigning for re-election? Does that not strike you as sadly odd when this country, the entire world, is in such dire straits? I have never been contacted by a president either but then I have never written to one. The father’s joy in being contacted by the White House is understandable. Don’t let that feel-good sidenote blur your vision. He is what he is and it aint much. Can I get a witness?

      Report Post » PatriotsLikeMe  
    • wysime
      Posted on May 29, 2011 at 11:51pm

      ‘Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.’
      Oscar Wilde

      Report Post » wysime  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 12:21am

      Give me “young and innocent” over old, venomous, cynical, critical any day! :)

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • JoeAmerica
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 1:05am

      Dam it Obama! Didn’t you learn from Bush your supposed to view great National Disaster from your cozy Air Force One. Those people, in Joplin, probably did something wrong, something to piss of God like those people in Japan. Right???

      Report Post » JoeAmerica  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 1:33am

      @ tifosa
      “No other politician has come to me so far. Him being the first one is a great thing.”
      ———–
      So how many other politicians did this man write to , you know the ones who didn’t reply ?
      Gotta list ?

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 3:35am

      It’s nice to see that he suddenly cares about what is happening over here AFTER he gets through partying and apologizing overseas.

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 5:14am

      CHEEZ, that was the FATHER’S statement. period.

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 6:38am

      Let’s start calling him “PHOTO OP OBAMA”….he never made it to TEXAS , never called; Lied about the Border situation in Arizona; never made it to NORTH CAROLINA. Palin and her husband were quietly working (no photo op) in Alabama, after her trip with Franklin Graham to Haiti..(no photo op)…but Obama? IF he really gave a damn about this nation he would not be telling BRAZIL “We’ll be your best customer”. This is a MARXIST/SOCIALIST whose time came/went and who will be a one-term president. I still can’t believe he said “FALLEN AMONG YOU” like his pronouncing CORPS like corpse multiple times… I don’t think the guy is even human.

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 7:28am

      @ tifosa
      It doesn’t look like a statement but sounds more like an insinuation.
      A heavily loaded insinuation.
      Is there anything to back up that “statement” ?
      Or is it just another attempt at flinging some p00 hoping no one will question the motive ?

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • americansfightingforcommonsense
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 7:39am

      He never stops campaigning. That speech had little to about Joplin and everything to do about Obama himself. Just listen to his voice fluctuations and loud accents. He is so stuck on himself.
      I was in Joplin last week and most seemed to be doing ok with it all, but some were definitely still in shock and struggling with what to do and how to cope.
      It’s unfortunate that Obama has to politicize it all.

      Report Post » americansfightingforcommonsense  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 9:01am

      I was hoping someone in the crowd would stand up and yell, “Where ya been for the last week, Mr. President?!?”

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 10:16am

      Pretty words, no substance. Pants on fire!

      Report Post »  
    • Evileye
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 10:22am

      I used to think God blessed America.
      Then he sent us the Black plague

      Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 10:24am

      @Patty Henry. You took the words right out of my mouth. He goes where he can get a good photo-op and when he makes it, you can be sure he’s there for the vote, not concern for the poor folks.
      I’ll never forget when AlGore had a photo op on a creek, they had to flood with lake water so his canoe would float for the photo-op. The show and blow is all for political purposes, not because they care. I’m tired of the BO smell, go take a bath.

      Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 11:11am

      CHEEZ, did you look any further into it? Of all days, on Memorial Day you question the voracity of a father of a deceased soldier who wrote to his local paper…Unreal.

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 11:21am

      CHEEZ, horse, meet water: http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20100501/NEWS01/5010330/Hattiesburg-soldier-29-dies
      http://www.wdam.com/story/14747461/president-obamas-memorial-day-speech-to-have-local-flavour

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • rdroark
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 5:35pm

      That’s OK. He kept to his schedule of priorities.

      http://www.whitehousedossier.com/2011/05/30/obama-golfing-memorial-day/

      Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 6:56pm

      sokay RDOARK, most of us are pretty chill with President Obama. http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/images/05/30/rel9d.pdf ٩(ˆ◡ˆ)۶

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on May 30, 2011 at 8:27pm

      ..
      “We are going to be here long after the cameras leave. ”

      then

      “Warm up Air Force One, I can be out on the course before lunch.”

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
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