Tucson Memorial Service

[camlace]

Anyone watching?...can someone explain why the audience is treating this like a pep rally I understand celebrating life and all that, but really, is cheering, hooting and hollering appropriate/necessary at a memorial service?

Thoughts and prayers to all those affected by this tragedy

 

[Chernabog#1fan]

I turned it off, but I thought the same thing. I am sorry but as much as a person should respect the POTUS, I am not sure the amount of cheering was appropriate for the mood. I would not want to be cheering for anyone at a memorial service. Just my opinion though....

I really am sickened over what happened to her and in the forum that it happened. I know we can not talk politics, so I hope this is not being political, but she seems like a very true person and was only wanting to do right by her district. I am glad she is recovering and pray for her continued progress as well as for the families of the victims.

 

[Kae]

Oh Gosh. Thank you I thought I was the only one who felt it was weird.

Kae

 

[camlace]

to clarify...I in no way mean for this to be a political conversation.

I was just stunned how the audience was reacting and now after watching it more how it has turned into a presidential rally

 

[Cat0727]

Thoughts and prayers to all those affected by this tragedy

I am really getting sad watching this

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Not watching that--but it would put me off. This isn't a 9/11, but it is the closest thing to make me reflect in that manner since.

I'm wondering if there was some sort of pre-determined behavior...or something. Not sure how to say it. Like perhaps--Tuscon was directed as a population to move forward and not let the creep get to them.

I don't know. That is all I can think of that would justify being jubilant in the face of tragedy.

 

[JessicaR]

When the president opened with Gabby opened her eyes for the first time and reiterated it three times that set the mood. (I am thrilled to hear that BTW!)

I had the same thoughts you all did. Just don't feel the atmosphere was appropriate to show respect. Maybe we would have to be there to understand.

 

[Kim&Chris]

I had to turn it off as well. Completely, totally inappropriate & disrespectful on so many levels. It was more like a rock concert than a memorial service.

 

[GoldenGate2]

Wasn't it held at a college campus? Probably explains the behavior. I bet most of the audience just wanted to see and hear the President.

 

[Minnie]

I was disgusted and saddened at the response to the speech

It was a memorial service and should have been treated as such

 

[camlace]

I had to turn it off as well. Completely, totally inappropriate & disrespectful on so many levels. It was more like a rock concert than a memorial service.

bolded by me and couldn't agree more! I walked away as well, it was not a memorial service by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[JessicaR]

Wasn't it held at a college campus? Probably explains the behavior. I bet most of the audience just wanted to see and hear the President.

Yes exactly. The audience sets the tone. But like I said before - we werent there and they may have needed this.

 

[DisneyMissy318]

I'm glad I'm not alone - I thought the cheering and clapping was over the top inappropriate...



I can remember the memorial for the Oklahoma City - and I remember a very somber - respectful, reflection of the victims lives... this was more like a party... very sad

Question: Does anyone know who the young couple is who the camera focused on when they spoke about little Christina? I have seen her parents on TV and am pretty sure that was not them... maybe family reps - I can't imagine that I would be up to something like this event so soon after losing a child.

 

[Kirby]

I didn't watch but listened to most of it as I was cleaning up after dinner. The President sounded a lot like a minister to me which was odd to me. He never has before. But I agree with everyone about the cheering and clapping. The focus seemed more on the President than on the people the memorial was actually for.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I don't believe there is a right or wrong way to mourn. The fact that you are used to something doesn't make it wrong.

 

[Jennasis]

There is nothing wrong with bringing people together. I would hope that those who died would be glad that their tragic deaths may have served to unite people in a positive way somehow.

 

[DeluxePrincess]

I didn't mind the cheering after Obama gave his speech or after he announced that Gifford opened her eyes. There were a few woo hoos when the President first started speaking that struck me as inappropriate. When he mentioned Arizona and a small portion of the crowd cheered, it definitely reminded me of a rock concert.

 

[emma'smom]

I don't think so...it's a University of Arizona rally!

to clarify...I in no way mean for this to be a political conversation.

I was just stunned how the audience was reacting and now after watching it more how it has turned into a presidential rally

 

[Auntie Sherry]

I thought it was just me. It did not feel right. I like your discription of a pep ralley it discribes what I saw. If those were my family members I can't help but think it would bother me. I know I can't know how they feel but that did not say memorial service in any way. It bothered me. It felt like the crowd and media were making a spectacle out of a horrible sad situation. I hope it helped people. Everyone is different and maybe it did for some.

 

[DebbieW]

I thought there were some very typical memorial service kind of moments -- the opening blessing and the scripture readings, for example. I think, though, that the people of Tucson needed to also thank those who stepped up and saved lives. Applause would have been more my style, but for whatever reason, we are a nation of hooters and hollerers.

I hope the people who were there left feeling a little better about things. They seemed grateful for and inspired by the experience, and if it helped them in the healing process, then I'm okay with it.