Mark Steyn takes note of Obama’s words about Daniel Pearl:
“Obviously, the loss of Daniel Pearl was one of those moments that captured the world’s imagination because it reminded us of how valuable a free press is.”
Now Obama’s off the prompter, when his silver-tongued rhetoric invariably turns to sludge. But he’s talking about a dead man here, a guy murdered in public for all the world to see. Furthermore, the deceased’s family is standing all around him. And, even for a busy president, it’s the work of moments to come up with a sentence that would be respectful, moving and true. Indeed, for Obama, it’s the work of seconds, because he has a taxpayer-funded staff sitting around all day with nothing to do but provide him with that sentence.
I know that even a lot of my fellow conservatives are still working on the “smart guy Obama” theme, but it simply isn’t true. Yes, I know he attended elite universities, edited the law review and got elected President. But, sorry, he’s dumb as a box of rocks.
There is no one with an IQ above room temperature who would make such a bloodless statement regarding the memorial to a man brutally murdered by wicked men. So weak was the statement that it works out as an insult to the memory of Daniel Pearl – he and his family wound up just a prop in an Obama signing ceremony. A chance for Obama to be on TV in a positive light, nothing more.
Its not like Obama had to get up there and preach a crusade – but some statement along the lines of, “the shocking murder of Daniel Pearl reminded us, once again, that those who search for truth are endangered by those who live by lies”, or some words to that effect. Didn’t have to mention Islam; didn’t have to use the word “terrorism” (though, of course, it was all about that) – a thousand ways present themselves to make a statement which has a bit of vigor, does honor to the fallen and yet goes with whatever is passing for American foreign policy at the moment.
So, as I said, anyone with any sense at all would have immediately seen that the statement prepared was hideous. Obama could not fail to see it unless he’s some sort of mindless puppet who has skated through life. Someone who simply likes to be the center of attention and is happy to let others call the shots. Its either that or he simply must be the most insensitive man alive.
Stupid or mentally deranged, your pick – but its one or the other for Obama.
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