We even have the same colors in our flag! WE KITTIES ARE CHARLIE.
Our government has acknowledged its mistake in not sending an important representative immediately.
But as a staunch supporter of our President (even if he does have a doggie, not one of US), I was deeply disturbed by his choice to remain at home instead of being at the rally in France for Charlie Hebdo, along with the following leaders:
Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Union President Donald Tusk, Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas, Queen Rania and King Abdullah II of Jordan, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov
There was no Putin or Le Pen.
Perhaps we will understand what he was thinking when we consider all the very specific and careful planning that must be made before the President attends any event, large or small. On hearing of the attack, he did go immediately to the French embassy to sign the condolence book, and Holland has publicly said that there is no slight taken and that he is very aware of the United States’ support for the French and France and understood the absence of Obama. Kerry is on his way to Paris now from a trip to Asia, which could not be cancelled as it had been planned for months.
But this kitty has been reading emails from many online and there is another possible thought to be entertained: He is very far away, unlike Merkel, Renzi and others in the EU; he is also trying to run a country in the midst of many different crises–immigration and health care reform, battles with Republicans and others who wish to halt his progress in being a responsible president to name a few; he was most likely already backed up with previous appointments he had to keep, or he simply felt that our Attorney General would be more helpful to Charlie Hebdo.
Perhaps it really was anxiety over security? Surely all of those heads of state attending must have also thought of that. They were in a public street, standing together, not in a protected, closed and secure space, and that alone could cause doubts, especially when the President requires a large area for visits, which would have prohibited the presence of the public crowds who marched in Paris. They could not possibly have accommodated the President’s security requirements.
Let us hope that there was a good reason for not being there, because it is so unlike the President NOT to join other leaders at such a world event. If you have any comments on this, please do let me know, because this kitty is very sad and disappointed that our country was not immediately represented by a more distinguished member of our government. But I’m sure Mr. Kerry will make amends.
I’m also curious about the fact that Marianne Le Pen was not there, even if her tenets are against immigrants, Islam and just about anything else you can think of that would benefit her country!!! But she is not known for thinking outside the box…
Now I’m going to read more about why he did not go and I’ll let you know what I find…
Okay, okay, I’ll read later. I’m exhausted researching this thing!
i love you! I vote Loulou for prez!
Well, I’m sure he had some excuse but I think just being president with all his troubles would be one reason to stay home. Thank you.
Yes, we can attest to the fact that research is exhausting. We’ve been helping Jan search for information today and we’re ready to hit the sack. Jan, however, insists she needs to wash dishes first.
Hey, Jan, just put those dishes DOWN on the floor and let those bad doggies and kitties WASH them for you!!!