Reflections on the Wellstone Memorial and the King Funeral (Al Franken)

[CatWoman]

Coretta Scott King was 78 when she died. Her death followed a long illness and was not a big shock. Her family and friends had had time to prepare for her death and had not lost five other friends and/or family members in a tragic plane crash.

Four presidents spoke. One of them, Jimmy Carter, made a passing reference to the fact that Martin and Coretta King had been the victims of domestic wiretapping by the government. Was it a shot at President George W. Bush, who was sitting right behind Carter? Probably. Was that inappropriate? Maybe.

Would Coretta Scott King have enjoyed the moment? I don't know. You know who would have a better idea than me? Jimmy Carter. He knew Mrs. King. Those who are currently complaining - most of whom claim to be offended on her behalf - didn't know her at all.

Coretta Scott King was a political woman. Most of those complaining on her behalf are against everything she stood for. In her later years she spoke passionately on behalf of affirmative action. Should her family have been offended that President Bush didn't mention this and apologize for it? Should they have been offended that the first President Bush didn't mention that he had campaigned for Congress in 1964 against the 1964 Civil Rights Bill and didn't apologize for that?

I don't think so. I think they were happy the two Bush Presidents showed up and paid their respects. I think they were also happy that Carter mentioned the wiretaps and that Joseph Lowery mentioned that there had been no WMD's in Iraq. Because that's probably what their mother would have wanted.

But I don't know. You'd have to ask them.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/al-franken/reflections-on-the-wellst_b_15459.html

[stellanoir]

1. the media is so beyond vile

demonizing truth tellers on a regular basis

it's unbelievable

[myomy]

2. What BS to say this was too political

Mrs. King was a political person, it was a celebration of her extraordinary life. This was not about the Repugs or about the Chimp. Three hearty cheers for a wonderful ceremony. These spinmeisters make me sick.

[upi402]

3. After Coretta's I think Wellstone would have wanted what happened

at his. He would have wanted any possible opportunity to advance the forces of good against the elites. He would be self-less and grateful that he got one last push-back at the asshole....even from the grave.
I love Wellstone, a national hero in the same vein as the Kings.

[Hardrada]

4. I agree but they spun that one so hard

that even some Dems I know thought the tributes there were too political. I tried hard to undeceive them.

[upi402]

5. Thanks! sometimes i think i must be crazy...