Opinion: Obama's Non-Commemoration Of D-Day Is Inexcusable
Wednesday of this week was a meaningful and historic day for Americans, and President Barack Obama was too busy campaigning and raising reelection funds to properly commemorate the day. Beyond being wrong, it is inexcusable.
The president of the United States made one minute gesture by turning to Twitter to tweet (send a message) to his followers which said: “68 years ago today – D-Day – the brave members of the Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy. We have never forgotten their heroism. – bo”
That was it. If you’re not following Obama on Twitter, you neither heard nor saw any mention of the day that should be extremely honored by every American – including America’s president.
Instead of giving just honor for the day, Obama was doing what he does best. He was campaigning again. Just by perusing the president’s other Twitter tweets for the day, it’s obvious that D-Day was far overshadowed by campaigning, as many important things are overshadowed by the president’s obsession with campaigning and fundraising.
About 11:30 a.m., eastern time, Obama’s Twitter account started the day with: “I promise to stand up for you, like you have stood up for me—time and time again.” (The tweet was followed by a link.)
An hour later, from Obama’s account, followers were hyped campaign-style with: “Since GM and Chrysler retooled in June 2009, the U.S. auto industry has added more than 230,000 jobs. #MadeInAmerica”
An hour after that, there was still no time to acknowledge D-Day, but plenty of time for his account to knock the Republicans with: “Yesterday, the Senate GOP voted against #EqualPay for equal work. Fight back.” (This tweet was followed by a link.)
Next, the Obama account goes after the Twitter world’s information by enticing followers with the following message: “Tell us where to send your free #Women2012 bumper sticker, then RT so your friends can pick theirs up, too.” (Another clickable link followed this tweet as well.)
An hour later, followers were tweeted: “President Obama kept his promise to fight for #EqualPay for equal work.” (Yet another link followed.)
Finally, by 2:30 p.m., Eastern Time, President Obama got around to making a personal message about D-Day. (No link saying anything else.) The sign to Obama’s followers on Twitter that the message was personally from him is in the signature: -bo
Following messages throughout the day were all designed to promote the president as he travels down the campaign trail in high-gear.
D-Day was June 6, 1944 – the day that the Allied powers crossed the English Channel and landed at Normandy, France to begin the liberation of Western Europe from its Nazi control during World War II. In its most simplistic description, it was the beginning of the end of World War II.
On June 5, 1944, the day before, an extremely patriotic past-president – known as U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1944 – commanded Operation Overlord which was the largest amphibious military operation in history.
The success of the Operation should be honored appropriately every year by America’s leader and not just when he isn’t too busy raising money for the reelection campaign.
It’s a day that is meaningful to Canadians and Brits as well, and it should have been given appropriate honor to show respect for and to give thanks to the persons who served our nation during World War II in the name of freedom.
It deserves more than a maximum of 140 characters on Twitter from our president.
About Scott Paulson
Scott Paulson writes political commentary for Examiner.com and teaches English at a community college in the Chicago area. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CBS Local.
