Just handful of officials show up at state funeral (Ford)

Washington Post via Houston Chronicle ^ | 12/30/06 | DANA MILBANK

[Aussie Dasher]

Can't argue with that.

Still, Ford was no Reagan. God bless and keep them both.

[NittanyLion]

Well, the Ford family had no control as to when the former president died, but if I had been them, I would have waited until after the holiday to hold any form of services.

He died 12/26. What you're suggesting would have resulted in a gap of almost two weeks between his death and burial.

I'm not sure it was intended this way, but your comments sound callous and disrespectful.

[Royal Guardsman]

The President doesn't attend the Capital Rotunda Services It's a service for members of Congress The President attends the National Services, which will be held on Tuesday

You're right about being him not being present at the capital, thats proper, but Bush should have been at Andrews to receive the casket when it arrived in DC. He and Ford are peers. A Presidential funeral--no matter who it is--is a big deal. This shows a real lack of respect on everyones part.

[ClaireSolt]

Who was that prune faced Ford son who elbowed Cheney away from his mother at the end? He's a piece of work.

[Mo1]

but Bush should have been at Andrews to receive the casket when it arrived in DC

No .. The VP should be there .. and VP Cheney was

[Royal Guardsman]

No .. The VP should be there .. and VP Cheney was

Like I said, Bush and Ford are peers...Cheney and Ford are not. Its proper for PRESIDENT Bush to receive PRESIDENT Ford's casket when it arrives at the CAPITAL.

[Right_in_Virginia]

I don't remember President Bush attending this part of Reagan's funeral (when his body was brought to the Capitol). He and Laura came later to pay their respects.

Has my memory failed me?

[Royal Guardsman]

And no, Bush doesn't need to be invited by the Ford family to do this either. It shows respect on the part of the Office of the President that Bush just does it. Its his rightful place for a state funeral.

[Mo1]

It has nothing to do with being invited
There are certain traditions and protocol for these procedures and services .. which you seem to be ignoring

[Mo1]

Has my memory failed me?

No it hasn't failed you

[Coldwater Creek]

Take it anyway that you like. No disrespect was intended.

[Coldwater Creek]

Take it anyway that you like. No disrespect was intended.

[Royal Guardsman]

It has nothing to do with being invited There are certain traditions and protocol for these procedures and services .. which you seem to be ignoring

I know it has nothing to do with being invited, I was hoping to prevent someone from saying that the Ford family controlled what goes on for a Presidential funeral. Truman received FDR's casket, Nixon recieved both Eisenhower and Johnson, and yes, even Clinton received Nixon at Andrews...so who's ignoring tradition here, hmmm?

[Coldwater Creek]

Give it up. Even here on Fr there are so many who think that President Bush can do no RIGHT!

[Churchillspirit]

I imagine the week between Christmas and New Year is a very busy one at the White House.

All those decorations to pack up and remove.

Tuesday is the official day, so I wonder why yesterday's events at the Capitol were called a funeral.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Its proper for PRESIDENT Bush to receive PRESIDENT Ford's casket when it arrives at the CAPITAL.

Not according to protocol.

[JimFreedom]

The CLINTONS are here on ANGUILLA in the Caribbean where I live vacationing! We want them to LEAVE and get back to the quiet!

[thirst4truth]

President Ford's friends and former associates to eulogize him. In case no one noticed, the place was packed...

And his former Chief of Staff, Dick Cheney, did good by him. His eulogy brought tears to my eyes, it was so moving.

[stevestras]

"Not according to protocol."

Ahh, but you haven't read the book of Bush-bashing protocol.

[Churchillspirit]

I thought VP Cheney's eulogy was very moving - Speaker Hastert's also. Poor Senator Stevens seemed to be having trouble reading his remarks.