Prs. & First Lady Obama attend 10 Balls in His Honor... But...
By ParaTed2k
@ParaTed2k (22940)
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
January 25, 2009 2:34pm CST
The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball began with the Inaugural Ball for Prs. Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953. The purpose of the ball is to honor the recipients of the Medal of Honor (The highest award the US Government issues). 48 of the 99 living Medal of Honor recipients were in attendance, as was VP Joe Biden.
This was the first Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball that hasn't been attended by the new president since its inception. Apparently the explanation for missing this ball had something to do with the "unprecedented logistical challenges presented by the vastly increased number of visitors to this inauguration and the necessary attendant security measures."
I guess having Beyonce, Wonder, Shakira, Mary J. Blige, Faith Hill, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Adam Levine, Sting, Mariah Carey and Leonardo DiCaprio honor him is more important to Prs. Obama than honoring the people who not only went above and beyond the call of duty enough to be put in for the Medal of Honor, but lived to recieve the honor.
In fairness, Prs. Obama did attend the Commander-In-Chief Ball, where he did give a speech that included, ""It is wonderful to be surrounded by some of the very best and bravest Americans," Obama said. "Your courage, your grace and your patriotism inspire us all."
I have no problem at all with holding the Inaugural Balls, or for honoring Prs. Obama. He deserves all the honors and celebrations traditionally bestowed on a new president. However, all the other presidents since the early 50s have found time and the ability to overcome the logistical challenges necessary to honor somoene other than themselves.
3 people like this
9 responses
@snowy22315 (170307)
• United States
25 Jan 09
I think the inagural balls are more tradition than anything else. i think that there are many balls for the many diffent causes. i dont know that Obama wanted to disenfranchise or disregard any particular group. You cant make all the people happy all of the time. This is not really feasible.
2 people like this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
26 Jan 09
But he did make it to ALL the balls held in his honor.
I agree, he can't make it to all of them, and no one should expect him too. However, this isn't just "some" ball, this is the only one honoring all the Soldiers who have recieved our nation's highest honor possible.
The pathetically weak excuse was as bad as missing it since every other president has made it to this ball since its inception.
1 person likes this
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
27 Jan 09
No he can't attend every ball and you can't make everyone happy. The problem is that he decided it was more importantto placate Jessica Alba and other celebrities than to show respect for the men and women who fight for and defend this nation. A more respectful president would have let the Hollywood elite be the ones who didn't get to be happy all the time.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
27 Jan 09
I wonder if he missed any of the Inaugural Balls attended by the Hollywood Elite?
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
26 Jan 09
He can't find the time to visit wounded service men and women in Germany but did find time for a game of basketball. Come on Folks lets get your values straight. Basketball is more important that wounded soldiers, being seen with Hollywood Stars is more important than honoring the braves of the brave.
2 people like this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
26 Jan 09
Oh be fair, What is a few old has been compared to the latest in Hollywood Elite? lol
@Benjaminna (300)
• United States
25 Jan 09
The Heroes Ball dosn't have a direct interest for him. Not like the Commander In Chief Ball was a ball FOR him - not a ball for someone else. Just like the 10 other Balls in his honor - those were in HONOR of HIM. Why would he ever want to attend a ball that was in honor of someone else? It dosn't help his ego grow.
2 people like this
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
26 Jan 09
I believe not attending that ball was bad judgement but was Obama himself in charge of his itinerary for the evening or did that responsibility fall on someone else? Seems to me that with so much going on that day, he wouldn't have been personally involved in selecting which events to attend. Just a thought.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
26 Jan 09
But I thought HE is in charge of HIS White House?
@murderistic (2278)
• United States
26 Jan 09
Someone already made a topic about this. Bah.
2 people like this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
26 Jan 09
Oh yeah, like that NEVER happens ;~D
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
26 Jan 09
This is one ball he should have. And the reason he did not was because he was afraid someone would kill him. It sounds like you Americans are going to have a rough four years with a president who expects someone to want to assassinate him and the only reason someone would feel that way is because they plan to implement some laws that are anti-American, extremely socialist, and will take away much of your freedoms.
Oh the other reason is he wants to be honored by his minions, the media, movie and tv star Obamamites who elected him. I guess the fighting men and women who have kept America free do not count.
@HeavenUnaware (1757)
• United States
26 Jan 09
Interesting. Chalk this up as something else that really doesn't surprise me about this man. I wonder what those in attendance felt about him skipping out on this Ball. I do not think I've ever disliked a President as much as I'm disliking this one. He does't care about this country, he cares about his own popularity.
1 person likes this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
26 Jan 09
Seems so, but only time will really tell.
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@RockCollector59 (325)
• United States
26 Jan 09
I had the honor of sevice to our poeple in the navy. I retired 13 year ago. If i typed what this makes me fill like i would be put off this web site before i have stop typing. Mr president you work for use. your people,the people of these united states, get your head out of your butt
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