(TheIndependentStar.com) – August 26, 2021, was a dark day for Americans. Thirteen US service members lost their lives at Kabul’s international airport following ISIS-K suicide bombing attacks.
These were the first deaths of any US personnel since February 2020 and the first under the Biden administration. The incident didn’t play well for the president, who was already under fire for his handling of the situation in Afghanistan.
Now, the president is digging himself an even deeper hole. A video from this week caught him doing something many called out as disrespectful while he attended the dignified transfer of the fallen soldiers.
A Solemn Ritual
On August 29, President Joe Biden attended the dignified transfer for the soldiers. The process of bringing home a fallen soldier and transferring the body to the care of a mortuary is not a ceremony. It is a somber event showing respect for the dead and their families.
The president met with the families and watched as the casket transfers occurred at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. During the ritual, he appeared to look at his wristwatch, a move that sparked anger among veterans and conservatives.
A Huge Misstep
Doing anything other than standing still and silent to show respect for the men and women who gave their lives for the country is unacceptable. Many people criticized Biden as disrespectful, inconsiderate, and selfish for pulling up his sleeve and looking at his watch.
Army veteran Samuel Williams said the move made it seem like Biden was “inconvenienced” by being there.
Even more alarming is the fact that this is not the first sign the president is not taking the losses in Afghanistan as seriously as he should be. Prior to the bombings, people called him out for smirking at reporters asking him about the situation in the country.
Media Attempts to Twist
Some media sources appear to be attempting to forgive the president and make excuses for his actions. While there is clear video evidence showing what he did, some commentators are suggesting he was simply straightening his sleeve.
It's true. Joe Biden checked his watch during the dignified transfer of the servicemembers killing in Afghanistan at the airport. You can see him jerk his left hand to pull the watch out from under his sleeve, then look down at it. pic.twitter.com/M3QVzJbTIm
— Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) August 29, 2021
To be honest, it really doesn’t matter what he was doing. The President of the United States should be able to stand through this process without moving and fidgeting. He is the leader of this country and the man who sent these military operatives to their deaths. The least he should do is show some respect for the sacrifices they and their families made.
Copyright 2021, TheIndependentStar.com
