Deaths, funerals and politicians

[becxx]

Has there ever been a death of a more or less pubic figure that did not cause a stir of activity among politicians? Photo ops associated with deaths abound and politicians love to schedule interviews, preferably on TV, to discuss the dear department one. Politicians of both parties are remiss if they pass up an opportunity for mourning (in front of cameras, of course).

Darcy Pohland's death is sad but it is ever sadder to see the politicians line up in front of cameras to carry on. Franken seems to be doing a good job of refraining from this posturing but Amy Klobuchar already has her interview scheduled on WCCO.

[dflprincess]

1. I think sometimes it's posturing; other times a genuine feeling of sadness and the need to talk

about the person who has died and pay tribute to them.

I get the impression that Darcy Pohland was well liked and admired by everyone who met her. Years ago I exchanged a few pleasantries with her at some DFL event and I can't explain what a nice feeling I got from her. Other than that, only saw her on the news and can't in anyway say I knew her, but I really liked her reports and I feel awfully bad about her death. In this case, I'm not going second guess anyone's motives.

Now, if you want to talk about posturing over someone's death, let's all remember Normie Coleman managing to get himself in front of every camera in the country in the first few days after Wellstone was killed so he could explain how he had "suspended" his campaign out of "respect".

[Brickbat]

2. Meh, the press itself pushes it a lot, too.

Having worked in newspapers and run meetings about who to interview when someone dies, I can assure you that reporters will call just about everyone to add to a death story -- especially people they know will talk, such as politicians. Have you even made a post not mentioning Klobuchar?

[becxx]

3. Klobuchar and Pawlenty - the causes of suffering and pain

This only person who comes close to causing as much pain and misery in Minnesota as Klobuchar is Pawlenty. If Klobuchar were not helping cause so much misery with her non-action on health care reform and the jobs, jobs, jobs issue, I would not bother directing my ire at her. The 400,000 without health insurance in Minnesota are suffering greatly thanks to politicians like Sen. Cruella Klobuchar. And if 241,096 were not unemployed in Minnesota, I would not be so angry at Sen. Cruella. Politicians such as Cruella came up with $700 billion for bankers and financiers--$0 for public service employment for the middle class.

The only person who comes close to Sen. Cruella in negative impact is Tim Pawlenty. His dismantling of GAMC and cuts in things like dental services for the poor are causing great suffering--even the final days of many. Many, usually older poorer women, are filled with pain because of the lack of needed dental care. For a video that realistically shows the pain caused by Klobuchar and Pawlenty, see the following video prepared by the Minnesota Dental Association, a fairly conservative group, on the impact of Pawlenty's changes: http://www.mndental.org/dentist_home/member_services/legislative_issues/impact_of_dental_budget_cuts_video/ .

Please help us promote viewing of this dental association video. What is happening to the poor and unemployed in our state is heart breaking and morally wrong. No person of conscience can accept the impact of Klobuchar's and Pawlenty's policy stances.

[glinda]

4. I think it is hard not to talk about Darcy's passing. She seemed a beaming ball

of light really. Franken did a good job on saying he was sorry about her passing and I did not watch Amy but she ought to hold her tongue if she is against Single Payer or anything major that will help people. I mean, look at Darcy.... did she not go to the doctor because she was afraid of missing work or because of cost or why?????? Our Country has made people sick by driving them into the ground in the workforce and by other stresses.
I am tired of MN. being held up in regards to health care as it is sorely lacking in dental help at all levels and expertise and access and BCBS rates are through the roof.
It is a joke.