I would like to explain my thoughts

[boston bean]

I thought it wholly inappropriate for the cheering and whooping and hollering and whislting at last nights service. I still do believe that, and let me explain why.

It was a time for the President of the United States to make a real difference in the discourse of our national politics. It was a serious moment. It was a moment for all to reflect. The meaning and the seriousness of it all got lost with all the cheering. There were moments that the cheering came at the most inappropriate times. I understand that all of Arizona cannot be broad brushed because some college kids got excited to see Obama and because they are proud of their school and their state.

With that being said, I think the President of the United States, Barack Obama, gave the most touching and meaningful speech I have ever heard him give. I was very proud of him and his representation of our country. He set the gold standard on what the tone of our national discourse should sound like.

[hlthe2b]

1. Perhaps, but you are going to drive yourself crazy worrying about it...

You simply can not control crowd behavior. Perhaps if they had been in a smaller venue--and not a sports stadium if might have been more naturally solemn. But, after five days of mourning, including some very solemn and respectful candlelight vigils, I'm not inclined to criticize. It was a memorial, not a funeral. Regardless both, are for the living.

[Uben]

2. College republicans are the shit of the world

You can't clean scum like that, they just keep oozing and oozing until they are wallering in their own feces.

[Little Star]

3. I have to agree with you..............

Last night President Obama did set the standard for what our national discourse should sound like. I have been very unhappy with him and his administration. But, last night his speech did this country proud!

I hope that we as Democrats can follow his example and help lead the tone of discourse in a more constructive direction. All Democrats, including you and me, need to set the example. Last night Rachel, Keith and Lawrence were doing a fine job of trying to show us how it's done. Will DU rise to the occasion?

As to the inappropriateness of the whooping and hollering, ask yourself, how important is it? It is done and can't be undone and talking about it will add nothing good to our national discourse.

Nice post. k&r

[SidDithers]

4. Will there be a conference call?..nt

Sid

[seabeyond]

5. hard to make 26k people behave the way you want. nt

[Little Star]

6. Especially in a setting like a college/sports setting.

[MineralMan]

7. The reaction of that audience was spontaneous.

That was their honest reaction to President Obama's speech. You disapprove of it, and probably wouldn't have reacted in the same way, had you been there. OK. But, spontaneous reactions are just what they are. Decrying them is a waste of time.

[onecent]

8. It was what Arizona NEEDED....and America NEEDED!!!!!!! n/t

[alsame]

9. Sometimes people need to release their emotions in ways that

may seem inappropriate. I remember the cheering when the President arrived at the Ft Hood memorial and how it also seemed inappropriate to many people.

Fear, anger, grief, etc can build up to a point where any emotional release is healthy. If last night's outbursts helped the people of Tucson, then good for them. It didn't seem like anyone in the audience was offended.

As someone who was in NYC after 9/11, I can tell you that there were spontaneous outbursts of cheering, chanting "USA, USA", clapping, etc at memorial services.

[WilliamPitt]

10. There was cheering at Wellstone's funeral.

Just sayin'.