CRAWFORD, Texas - President Bush, noting that lots of people want to talk to the president and "it's also important for me to go on with my life," on Saturday defended his decision not to meet with the grieving mom of a soldier killed in Iraq.
Bush said he is aware of the anti-war sentiments of Cindy Sheehan and others who have joined her protest near the Bush ranch.
"But whether it be here or in Washington or anywhere else, there's somebody who has got something to say to the president, that's part of the job," Bush said on the ranch. "And I think it's important for me to be thoughtful and sensitive to those who have got something to say." "But," he added, "I think it's also important for me to go on with my life, to keep a balanced life."The comments came prior to a bike ride on the ranch with journalists and aides. It also came as the crowd of protesters grew in support of Sheehan, the California mother who came here Aug. 6 demanding to talk to Bush about the death of her son Casey. Sheehan arrived earlier in the week with about a half dozen supporters. As of yesterday (Saturday) there were about 300 anti-war protesters and approximately 100 people supporting the Bush Administration. In addition to the two-hour bike ride, Bush's Saturday schedule included an evening Little League Baseball playoff game, a lunch meeting with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a nap, some fishing and some reading. "I think the people want the president to be in a position to make good, crisp decisions and to stay healthy," he said when asked about bike riding while a grieving mom wanted to speak with him. "And part of my being is to be outside exercising."
With Bush, it's all about him, you see. What a self-absorbed, narcissistic jerk! What's the underlying message? That Cindy Sheehan should just "get on with her life". Well, her son can't get on with his life. He's dead.
Cindy Sheehan's persistance and courage are having an effect. Yesterday evening there were vigils in support of hers all over the country, including at least one in the Lansing area. There is a weekly vigil on the steps of the state capital as well. Her example is good for all of us when we get discouraged, and she may trigger the protest reaching critical mass.
ReplyDelete