Where is Obama? #JeNeSuisPasObama
40 World Leaders in France Stand Up for Freedom Against the Terrorists. One Major Figure Was Missing.
Dear French Citizens,
This is a personal note from me but I suspect it represents the sentiments of many Americans.
I am sorry that our President didn’t go to France today and stand with your President and other world leaders against terrorism. It was an important statement to send to France, to the world and to terrorists and frankly he blew it. It was a big missed opportunity for my President and thus for all Americans. He should have gone. It was a mistake that he did not. Sometimes mistakes like that are made.
I stand with you and I think all Americans do stand with you. I had wanted the President to go to Paris today to represent how I feel and how most Americans feel after Paris was terrorized but that did not happen. President Obama didn’t just disappoint you — he disappointed many Americans today. Maybe there is a reason for his absence that I just don’t know but right now the White House has released no explanation.
Despite today’s absence, I know our President wants to stop world terrorism but his bad manners today – or maybe just dropping the ball – is not something we should harbor but rather drop and move on. It may be easier for you to drop than many Americans. As already noted, I am not happy with him tonight, but I will get over it. But, in the mean time, I do want the citizens of France to know we Americans stand with you and that we need each other to fight terrorism.
I also want everyone in France to know – and this is very important 0 that we have not forgotten that it was the French President who was the first national leader to show up at the White House after 9/11. You don’t forget things like that. (Nor have we forgotten LaFayette who fought for us in the Revolutionary War but that’s a bit farther back!)
I love your nation and have spent a lot of time there over the years – from college onward. Your citizens have been friendly to Americans and to me (although many have looked askance at me when I speak my very fractured French. You could be a tad bit nicer about my French.) Our nations have had their difference over the years but always I know fundamentally we are friends even when we might have some disagreements. We have the same goals and the same dreams.
So….I apologize for my President’s absence. Tonight I am mad at him but I will get over it and I hope you do, too. We have a bigger fight to fight than bad manners. We need to fight terrorism.
Greta Van Susteren
The USA spends far more money and resources fighting terrorism than any other nation. I suspect most Americans do not share her sentiment regarding a ceremonial appearance.
Did Greta go? Ido not see any reason the president had to go.
Where were all the Arabic/Muslim leaders? That the symbolic presence that this rally needed.
Greta is not the President. I guess our president didn’t want to miss the football games. Its not abut the money its about the symbolism. How about the VP or S of State , MIA.
Yes Declan AND the leader of the free world..
“Where were all the Arabic/Muslim leaders” News channels report that there were some there.
Read the title of the article. That’s why Obama should have gone.
Jordan’s King Abdullah marched.
Five years ago, in a speech he gave in France, Obama told the audience that his predecessor was “dismissive, even derisive” when it came to our European allies. Now, France experiences their version of 9/11 (much like London subway and Madrid) and the leader of the free world takes a pass. Walk the talk Mr. President.
I didnt see Louie XIV marching in Boston. Or Bush in London. (or anyone in Syria where far more people are being slaughtered).
This is such disingenuous BS. Its like when you complain your in-laws didn’t come to dinner. You didn’t want them there to begin with but when they dont show…
Europe blames us for the problems in the Middle East and Obama would be critiqued widely if he showed. Now he doesn’t and they criticize him for not showing up.
Send the Empty Suit (John Kerry)….
Then why on earth did they not have him front and center? The symbolism of him being there is enormous, but I doubt most of the world knew he was there.
People should take a good look at some of these so called leaders and ask why they are against freedom of the press before bitching about our president going to this or not especially an idiot from FOX.
better al sharpton ?
Jake Tapper: I’m ashamed by U.S. leaders’ absence in Paris https://www.cnn.com/2015/01/11/opinion/tapper-paris-march-u-s-leaders-absence/index.html
America snubs historic Paris rally https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2905678/America-snubs-historic-Paris-rally-Holder-skipped-early
Message to America, allies is we don’t care https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/01/12/obama-awol-in-paris-message-to-america-allies-is-dont-care/
Holder was in Paris for anti-terror talks so he could have participated…says a lot about him….
He’s right there, two to the left of Angela Merkel with his thumb up, right beside the Palestinian leader. He was front and center!
Well Declan theres no making you happy. First why weren’t they there and now why weren’t they front and center. Why wasn’t the president there and why wasn’t front and center.?
Gretta does not speak for me.