The trip to Ireland by Obama

[Salty]

Obama left the other day for a trip to Ireland, prior to the G 8 Summit.

Critics say he should have stayed in the States to visit Joplin, MO.

Was it wrong to bypass Joplin? Should he have canceled his pre-arranged trip to Ireland?

What say your?

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

He was enroute when the storm hit.

I am a bit disappointed that he said nothing in his speech thinking about 'the folks back home' or something like that.

The critics on this are that crowd looking to find anything they can do discredit the president.

But that has been going on for a long, long time

 

[InTheLight]

Was it wrong to bypass Joplin? Should he have canceled his pre-arranged trip to Ireland?

What say your?

No and no.

I feel for the residents of Joplin, Missouri. But this idea that the President should stop everything and make a public relations appearance at every disaster is unworkable. Add to the fact that he was already airborne in flight to the UK, and it's an easy question to answer.

The things Obama DOES provides a wealth of criticism. No need to resort to criticizing him for things he doesn't do (and that are out of his control.)

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Add to the fact that he was already airborne in flight to the UK, and it's an easy question to answer.

Sorry, forgive me pointing out a fine point. It is a pet peeve .

He was enroute to Ireland, not the UK.

Okay, back to the thread at hand.

 

[preachinjesus]

But this idea that the President should stop everything and make a public relations appearance at every disaster is unworkable. Add to the fact that he was already airborne in flight to the UK, and it's an easy question to answer.

Agreed! :thumbs:

The diplomacy he can accomplish during this trip outweighs the help he could provide even if he was able to get out there.

Honestly, think about what it would take to have him tour the disaster site. (Right now he probably couldn't realistically do it since there are gas line faults and dangerous debris around) He would land at a facility within an hour of the devastation, helicopter in, a detail and press crew would awaiting him, the resources of the police, fire, and rescue crews would be taken up protecting him. The hotels and hospitality service resources would be taken up housing him, the advance team, and the press. It would be a greater disaster. Since that isn't realistic the other alternative is that he make a statement, sign over some resources for government disaster aid, and go about his routine monitoring other things from his office.

Now, it would be ideal if they would send the VP in tomorrow or Friday. He's less of a resource footprint and could hop in and out and relay the concern of the leadership.

Right now the trip to Europe is far more important for the longterm welfare of the whole US than to divert incredible resources for a day trip to a, albeit terrible situation, scene that is only useful for a speech and some hugs.

 

[Salty]

In case anyone is wondering, I do not criticize the President for refusing to order a U-turn. PreachinJesus gave an excellent statement as to why it was not urgent for him to be in MO.

Roger - no need to be picky about Ireland vs Great Brinton. Suppose Prince William had a scheduled meeting with President Obama and Gloria* said: "Add to the fact that he was already airborne in flight to Canada, and it's an easy question to answer." I think many Americans would have been upset especially if it were President Palin!

Gloria, I know you never would make that mistake, I was only using a non-US citizen as an example. (in that case I could use Obama then - :tongue3

 

[InTheLight]

he was already airborne in flight to the UK

Sorry, forgive me pointing out a fine point. It is a pet peeve .

He was enroute to Ireland, not the UK.

Okay, back to the thread at hand.

No need to apologize, I should have been more precise.