General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI hope that Sgt. Cory Remsburg enjoys his accolades
at the SOTU before he is bothered by what he reads. Talk like this is ugly, not true, because it was so well-deserved, both parties applauded except for those who would applaud only if the President dropped dead on the platform.....so I am discounting some remarks from them.
Let's not allow his feeling to be hurt, or those of his precious father.
giftedgirl77
(4,713 posts)alcibiades_mystery
(36,437 posts)I don't suspect it will take very long, unfortunately. They have only one playbook.
DreamGypsy
(2,252 posts)...by John Cassidy: The President and the Ranger - The Meaning of Cory Remsburg
On one level, of course, it was a political ploya fiendishly effective way to leave us with something else to talk about than an embattled President defending his policies and seeking to turn the conversation from whether hes a lame duck. But it was also something bigger and more justifiable. Obamas speechwriters and spinmeisters didnt pull Remsburgs name from a hat. A 2013 piece in the Times reported that the President had met him twice since the D Day celebrationsonce at a military hospital near Washington and then at a high school in Phoenix. This was their fourth encounter.
Ever since he ran for President, in 2008, Obamas underlying message has been that too much of what happens in Washington is an insiders game that ignores, and often tramples upon, the wishes and interests of ordinary Americans. By inviting Remsburgand DeMars and Shelley, tooObama was taking part in whats now a traditional ritual for speech-givers. But he was also trying to bridge the gaping chasm between politics and political decision-making as experienced by its practitioners in the nations capital and by the grunts out there in the factories, offices, and Army battalions.
He was also invoking the concept of public service, which, in Washington these days, is routinely subjugated to partisan advantage. And, finally, he was saying that we can do better, and we know we canjust look at this young man.
None of it is easy, Obama said. But if we work together; if we summon what is best in us, the way Cory summoned what is best in him, with our feet planted firmly in today but our eyes cast toward tomorrow, I know its within our reach. In a bitterly divided chamber, and a bitterly divided country, it was a fanciful vision to end the speech with. For a moment, though, you got the sense that even the Presidents foes gathered before him couldnt have disagreed with his sentiments.
A little compromise doesn't seem like a big deal compared the hardship that many go through, just to survive.
fadedrose
(10,044 posts)appreciative Cory is of the attention. He appreciated every gesture from Michelle, the President and everyone there. He expects nothing and is full of love.
How could ANYONE ANYWHERE say "a political ploy?", without his conscience eating through their brain?
The President did not do it in the way that they ask you to contribute to homeless dogs and cats with tearful music ...he was upbeat, very matter-of-fact, as though it was a very natural thing to do, without being distraught as most of the audience.
Were it my job to present Cory, I would have messed it up with a Puffs and my voice breaking up, too dismal, or too flamboyant as tho it was a plug for me.