D-Day Veteran Refuses To Meet Obama
Hatred of President Obama extends to an 89-year-old veteran who declined an invitation to meet with him during D-Day festivities in France, according to John Fund.
[George Ciampa] landed in Normandy as a soldier assigned to the 84th Graves Registration Unit. “I spent the next few years going from France to Germany helping to bury people,” he told me. He was involved in setting up the temporary military cemeteries in Normandy that have now become stirring memorials to our fallen dead…
This week, George received a call from the White House, who said they knew he would be over in France during D-Day, and wondered if he would attend a private meeting the White House was arranging for veterans with President Obama.
George thought about it for awhile and concluded he just couldn’t. “I have so many issues with the president’s policies, including the most recent ones,” he told me ruefully. “I just couldn’t convince myself to do it.”
maximuscaligula June 6th, 2014 at 1:19 pm
I applaud the veteran’s character to refuse to meet with that treasonous ass-clown.
arc99 June 6th, 2014 at 1:36 pm
The veteran did not refuse to meet with a treasonous ass-clown, there was no invitation to meet with Ted Nugent or Cliven Bundy.
he was invited to meet with the President of the United States.
ignorant right wing ass-clowns should learn the difference
granpa.usthai June 6th, 2014 at 5:30 pm
tread with care, arc, seems like our host doesn’t like a clown’s ass that much.
kurtsteinbach June 7th, 2014 at 1:53 am
How about I call this particular hate filled veteran, a jackass. From one veteran to another. Because that’s what he made of himself….
mea_mark June 6th, 2014 at 6:11 pm
We should be trying to take the high road and not get sucked down to the low road where the trolls dwell. The three ring circus of derrieres has enough clowns and trolls. We certainly don’t need to be joining them. It is much more fun to watch them, than it is to participate anyways.
TiredOfThemAll June 6th, 2014 at 1:38 pm
Funny.
That’s EXACTLY how my elderly neighbor, a WW2 vet felt about the treasonous ass-clown, Bush.
So what?
Alan June 6th, 2014 at 3:30 pm
and calling Bush an “ass-clown” is just as offensive. Please do so elsewhere.
TiredOfThemAll June 6th, 2014 at 3:42 pm
Alan, I simply quote the other person as an attempt to show them that their language and contempt is not unique or special to this time or to this president.
I never speak of people in that way on my own, only as a means to point out that the opposition says that and have ALWAYS said similar things about every president, to people who seem to think that NO ONE has EVER held ANY other president in such low esteem.
Alan June 6th, 2014 at 5:19 pm
got it, thanks
TiredOfThemAll June 6th, 2014 at 5:47 pm
No problem.
granpa.usthai June 6th, 2014 at 5:27 pm
Is it wrong to point out that a lot of Mitt Romney’s wealth in offshore banks was made by creating human misery in the USA, and exploiting human misery in China?
jasperjava June 7th, 2014 at 3:49 am
Other folks can say what they like, I would never call B*sh an an ass-clown, personally.
“War criminal” is a far more accurate description.
EnuffBull June 6th, 2014 at 1:53 pm
You invited him to your pity party?
Alan June 6th, 2014 at 3:29 pm
Disagreeing with a president’s policies is fine. Calling him an “ass-clown” says more about you than about him. If you wish to comment in this fashion, please do so elsewhere.
Oblowz June 6th, 2014 at 3:34 pm
Just because the man disagrees with Obama’s policies does not justify using the word hatred in the opening sentence. Or is that the norm here?
Alan June 6th, 2014 at 5:19 pm
Refusing to meet with your president when asked to me signifies hatred.
granpa.usthai June 6th, 2014 at 5:39 pm
what does refusing to fill US in on a daily basis as to what kind of shoes Amy’s got on signify? (Hatred of shoe lovers [aka -perverts]?).
TheVelvetkitten June 6th, 2014 at 6:02 pm
Seriously? How so? He gave you a perfectly reasonable explanation and it is YOU who decided it was hatred.Nothing in what he said pointed to that. What you claim is not factual..that is opinion. But hey,nothing like publically shaming an 89 year old,a vet at that..Must make you feel like a big person.
Alan June 6th, 2014 at 6:19 pm
I am giving an opinion and don’t claim otherwise. And don’t be ageist. His age has nothing to do with my reaction.
thevelvetkitten June 6th, 2014 at 6:28 pm
Ageist? Seriously…Hahahaha. You folks have labels for everything. Whitewash it however it helps you sleep at night…but you still shamed an elderly vet with your mere bigoted opinion. Bravo.
Alan June 6th, 2014 at 6:32 pm
So, because I have a different opinion than you it’s “bigoted”? Ridiculous.
thevelvetkitten June 6th, 2014 at 6:36 pm
So he has a different opinion from you and it is hatred,right?
mea_mark June 6th, 2014 at 7:32 pm
Too show such an extreme lack of respect for the leader of the nation that you live in would indicate extremely strong feelings. Maybe not the best word, but “hate” pretty much sums it up. I would throw in a good dose of partisanship and ignorance also, but that is just me. I would not presume to have more information available about what is really happening about all things going on in the world than the president. I simply don’t have many thousands of people helping me make decisions.
Oblowz June 6th, 2014 at 8:14 pm
You might want to check Mr. Ciampa’s resume. Pretty impressive from what I read. I don’t think he is as ignorant as you claim.
mea_mark June 6th, 2014 at 8:41 pm
Unless he is privy to classified information that the president and his advisers has then …
TruthWFree June 7th, 2014 at 1:03 am
I also have negative strong feelings about this man in OUR White House. He is supposed to be acting within the Constitution and instead he is acting as a dictator. He released 5 nasty enemies for this one guy who appears to be a deserter without Congressional approval as required by law. He only enforces those laws he agrees with. He went into Libya without Congressional approval. He threatens Congress that if they don’t do what he wants, he’ll go around them with executive orders…more EO’s than any other POTUS. He is arrogant and he is a LIAR. I also would not meet with him because I’d give him a piece of my mind, and I know it would do no good. He does not listen to the people or the opposition in Congress. He has his own agenda, power is his god, and he panders only to those that worship him. He may have been elected twice, but that speaks poorly to the makeup of the voters of this nation who elected him. He is destroying America and people (that voted for him) are too ignorant to understand that.
jasperjava June 7th, 2014 at 3:16 am
“more EO’s than any other POTUS. He is arrogant and he is a LIAR”
Who’s being the liar, here?
http://www.alan.com/2014/01/31/imperial-obama-fewest-executive-orders-in-100-years/#vf-2423800000199
jasperjava June 7th, 2014 at 3:17 am
“OUR White House.”
You’re saying that it’s called the WHITE House, so it belongs only to White people?
jasperjava June 7th, 2014 at 3:18 am
” He is destroying America”
If he is destroying YOUR version of a white supremacist, ultra-far-Right fascist America, that would be a good thing.
jasperjava June 7th, 2014 at 3:34 am
“He went into Libya without Congressional approval.”
1) Conservatives were criticizing Obama for NOT attacking Gaddafi
2) Obama sends US assistance to a multinational effort to oust Gaddafi
3) Conservatives criticize Obama for attacking Gaddafi.
Rinse, repeat. The hypocrisy is astounding.
fahvel June 7th, 2014 at 3:48 am
you are a dope – simply that.
Donna Johnson June 7th, 2014 at 4:29 am
If you’re able to read, try this link. Even Ulysses Grant had more executive orders…217 to Obama’s 168. What is it about you people? A mental block, a mental illness, stupidity or just plain racism?
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/data/orders.php
wsayscoupgood June 7th, 2014 at 10:47 am
Convenient, deliberate, lazyness that conforms to their beliefs is what their problem is. They are blissful in their stupidity! Do not annoy them with the facts.
fancypants June 6th, 2014 at 6:46 pm
I like reading stories like this one alan.
http://www.today.com/news/wwii-vet-missing-nursing-home-turns-france-d-day-anniversary-2D79768139
Donna Johnson June 7th, 2014 at 4:21 am
I doubt if that elderly vet gives one iota about being shamed…I’ve never heard that associated with racists.
Thevelvetkitten June 7th, 2014 at 9:56 am
Are you making this claim based on his above reasons( disagreeing with his policies) or his skin color? Hint- Neither one prove racism.. So prove your claims,How is this man racist?
TruthWFree June 7th, 2014 at 12:24 am
As long as this illegal in the White House blocks his personal records, he is not legal to be in OUR White House. The preponderance of evidence available leans toward his illegality rather than his legality under the Constitution. We need a law that requires all people running for office to open their personal public records to WE THE PEOPLE, especially the President and VP and leaders of both Houses. Obama has something to hide by blocking his records and you gloss over it. The many actions this man has done in office would have gotten him impeached if he was a white man. What is it that make you liberals love this poor excuse for a White House Occupant? This latest law breaking trade is just one of many issues the man needs to be held accountable. Non enforcement of the border; invoking executive privilege on Fast and Furious; stonewalling on the Benghazi investigation…what was Stevens doing there?; sending our military to bomb Libya without Congressional approval….I could go on and on. I get the impression that if Obama said he is disbanding Congress and s, you liberal supporters with your Obama messiah complex would see nothing wrong with that. What is it that makes you blindly worship at Obama’s altar?
jasperjava June 7th, 2014 at 3:08 am
“OUR White House”
C’mon, say it, you know you want to:
“They don’t call it the WHITE House for nothing!”
jasperjava June 7th, 2014 at 3:28 am
“The many actions this man has done in office would have gotten him impeached if he was a white man”
No racial resentment to see here, no sireeeee…
fahvel June 7th, 2014 at 3:46 am
now it’s my turn – Alan, why do you post these idiots? I know, freedom and all that but you see, I read LL in the am and some of what cretins thinks can ruin a lovely day. 🙂
mea_mark June 7th, 2014 at 8:28 am
He’s gone. Too much garbage and false info. We really don’t need to be refuting false info and suppositions all the time.
Donna Johnson June 7th, 2014 at 4:16 am
Same old talking points from an ignorant racist…it’s getting really tiresome. It seems that all you people do is dig your hole a little deeper…right now, I’m just going to call it “our Black House” and really get this out in the open!
oaklanddog June 8th, 2014 at 10:35 am
What the hell are you on? Did you take too much of your medicine?
Chicquila Cox June 10th, 2014 at 1:26 am
Agree to disagree on that one. You don’t have to hate someone to disagree with their actions. It’s also called choice for a reason. One has the right to choose as they deem fit for themselves.
oaklanddog June 8th, 2014 at 10:34 am
Oh, it’s the norm hear by the right. I’ve heard ‘monkey man” and “Sambo” to name a few.
FieryLocks June 6th, 2014 at 4:44 pm
Y A W N !
granpa.usthai June 6th, 2014 at 5:15 pm
Look to the person to your left. Look to the person to your right. (other left).
You may have just seen the traitor that’ll bring the walls of your white Aryan Compound down, just like the 3rd Reich was brought down.
fahvel June 7th, 2014 at 3:44 am
putain de merde!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oaklanddog June 8th, 2014 at 10:31 am
Would you meet with the treasonous ass-clown Bush or Reagan?
Diana Presutti Benson June 6th, 2014 at 2:30 pm
Which policy did he disagree with? Was it the POTUS steadfast psh for Veterans benefits and funding? The thousands of Vets he’s helped get employed on their return? Or was it FLOTUS and Jill Biden’s work with the military families? Guess he’s good with the GOP voting NO on the Veteran bills. His problem is lack of facts and his own bigotry.
granpa.usthai June 6th, 2014 at 5:20 pm
the policy of wearing a black skin while being the twice popularly voted POTUS and all subsequent duties performed as such, no doubt.
GMA213 June 6th, 2014 at 6:50 pm
Could be the policy of treason.
Diana Presutti Benson June 6th, 2014 at 10:42 pm
Oh please share what policy or act of treason?
jasperjava June 7th, 2014 at 3:04 am
The word “reason” doesn’t begin with a silent “t”, just so you know.
oaklanddog June 8th, 2014 at 10:29 am
And what policy is that? Could it be getting us into a war with fake information? Or could it be trading arms for hostages as Reagan did? Is that the policy of treason you refer too? Or could be it that this is a President who happens not to look like the two previous treasonous presidents. Which one?
Kathy Mayo June 6th, 2014 at 3:11 pm
Well, It’s this guy that is missing out on meeting one of the most intelligent & dignified men of our country. Sucks for him he’s just to ignorant to know.
BillBissenas June 6th, 2014 at 6:46 pm
lol
Michael Lee McRoy June 6th, 2014 at 4:33 pm
so when is he gonna be on Hannity?
tapermaker June 6th, 2014 at 4:35 pm
Here is an email I sent to him with my thoughts
Hello sir, After reading about your snub of our President, I thought for
awhile .What possible motive could have caused someone to disrespect the
commander and chief the way you did.I get why fox news trashes this president
for every move he makes. It`s their business model. when someone who has
obviously lived through more bull shit than most , I expect a certain level of
understanding.I don’t understand how someone of high character can simply put
out there ” I disagree with his policies , so I am going to do everything I can
to embarrass him on a world stage . You stating policy differences without any
follow up details as your motive makes me wonder why you enlisted( or you may
have been drafted, but you went anyways) , There was a Democrat in charge
during your service who was so far to the left ,He made President Obama look
like Barry Goldwater in comparison , Yet you served at risk of death.My position
is you showed more character at the beginning of your adulthood , Fighting even
though there was a devout socialist running things, than you do now after 70
yrs. of life`s travails.
That seems to leave only a few deeply seated Beliefs that might be so
deeply ingrained that they would make you OK with the most left president in
history(FDR) ,but not with the black guy with the Muslim sounding name. Now
Granted I don’t know you personally , But I sense there are issues that has
effected how you normally would act in this case. I am close to 60 yrs old and
I am also a veteran of a foreign conflict. If lets say ,President Bush asked me
in a cordial manner to attend a ceremony dealing with my service, I would not
hesitate to oblige I WOULD BE HONORED, even though I was adamantly against the
ham handed neocon war mongering . Even though I have voted Democrat since Jimmy
Carter.I feel I am as patriotic about this country as anyone. I feel your
patriotism also. Why is it that you cant put aside politics in order to
highlight you greatest achievements.The civil/political discourse surrounding
this time makes me sick. It makes people act in ugly ways. I want to believe
Your not so swept up in politics to Hate our President. Unfortunetly It seems
the members of the greatest Generation in this case are not as great As I
envisioned .
respectful of your service, D….s S…., 2nd class petty officer USN.
1977- 1983
FieryLocks June 6th, 2014 at 4:43 pm
Hey Mr Ciampa, these are the people you should have issues with…
Republicans Voted Against 7 Bills That Would Help Veterans
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/05/16/1091597/-GOP-Voted-Against-7-Bills-to-Help-Veterans
GOP Cuts In SNAP Would Kick 170,000 Vets Out Of The Program
http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2013/11/veterans-food-stamp-cuts-republicans-snap
But go ahead and disagree with the wrong people all you want…your loss sir.
TiredOfThemAll June 6th, 2014 at 8:03 pm
Meanwhile, from the Daily Beast;
What the D-Day Veteran Told Obama at the 70th
Anniversary Commemoration
Before
the president delivered his long speech and finally talked to Putin in
Normandy, he was stopped on live television by a bent old soldier who gave
Obama a piece of his mind.
COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France — After the speeches
were over at the American cemetery above the Normandy beaches on Friday
morning, U.S. President
Barack Obama and French President François Hollande walked in front
of the scores of surviving American D-Day veterans to lay a wreath. But one of
them—pale and bent beneath his baseball cap as if it weighed him down—stepped
forward and took Obama’s hand, and would not let him go until he had said his
piece.
When the ceremony was over, I made my way through
the arrays of marble crosses to the stage and to the man in the blue hat who
had taken Obama’s hand.
His name, it turns out, is Irving Smolens, and he
was only 19 when he took part in the Normandy landing. Afterward he spent much
of his life as a buyer of women’s and children’s clothing in Massachusetts,
leading a quiet, peaceful life with his family.
“What did you say to Obama?” I asked him.
“I thanked him for keeping us out of war,” said
Smolens.
granpa.usthai June 6th, 2014 at 11:05 pm
Swabbies always have had a confusing way of saying FU2.
As the anchor part of the eagle and globe it’s understandable
what with all the up and down wave hopping inside a tin boat
it’s bound to have an effect on English eloquence.
jasperjava June 7th, 2014 at 3:39 am
The sad thing is that Obama’s own grandfather was a member of that Greatest Generation who helped liberate Europe.
The President has a strong personal connection with the brave men who fought fascism. It’s a shame that right-wing neo-fascism is creeping into the conservative movement in the United States, and poisoning their minds.
Shades June 7th, 2014 at 7:34 am
No biggie. If offered the opportunity, I’d refused to meet with Bush, though I’d do so politely. If offered the opportunity to meet Cheney, not so polite.
jasperjava June 7th, 2014 at 1:19 pm
I would have spent some time researching “citizen’s arrest”.
Lawrence Dalton June 7th, 2014 at 9:41 am
Well… tapermaker… After reading your insulting remarks to a genuine hero and American veteran, I thought for a while and concluded that you have no concept of what Our Constitution is or the individual freedoms it recognizes for American citizens.. We are not “subjects of the realm” ruled over by an omnipotent king, sultan, potentate emir, emperor, premier, etc., as you seem to think obama is. Our president is a temporary elected official limited to a maximum of election to two 4 years terms of office. The 1st Amendment gives citizens the right Mr Ciampa exercised and no leftist shill like yourself has the right to impune his character for using free will to choose who he associates with and why.
Carla Akins June 7th, 2014 at 10:10 am
It’s unfortunate he didn’t see this as an opportunity to voice his concerns over these policy concerns.
mea_mark June 7th, 2014 at 10:56 am
Apparently his concerns are driven by what he has been hearing from the far-right. How could you voice those kinds of concerns to the president without looking like an idiot. As someone who makes films, he was probably aware of what he would look like, so he decided to abstain.
Carla Akins June 7th, 2014 at 11:00 am
Agreed, if it were truly policy concerns, I could not imagine a better opportunity – not if you were serious about your own firmly held beliefs.
Sonia June 8th, 2014 at 2:17 pm
Are you insulting this elderly hero by insinuating that he isn’t smart enough to figure things out himself?
Obviously, you are implying that he is too stupid to know what is going on all my himself. And that anyone who doesn’t listen to the left wing commie media can’t possibly know anything?
What an arrogant asshole!
mea_mark June 8th, 2014 at 2:34 pm
You seem to be the one making lots of suppositions.
Carla Akins June 8th, 2014 at 2:55 pm
She’s on a roll with those suppositions.
Breanda Mc Cabe June 8th, 2014 at 10:11 pm
I can not believe what I am reading here, after giving it consideration, he chose not to meet with him, and every one wants to make assumptions and character assassinations. ? For heavens sake it is his choice….Let it go…..He went through things that none of us could imagine. Let HIM spend that day the way he wants to. How judgement ugggg…this disgusts me ……He has every right to his opinion. He certainly earned it.
Sonia June 8th, 2014 at 2:12 pm
Has it occurred to you that Obama doesn’t give a damn about anyone’s concerns?
He only honors soldiers who sympathize with our enemy or those who provide photo ops for him.
Obama just wanted to use D-Day veterans opportunistically. He doesn’t honor or respect them.
Carla Akins June 8th, 2014 at 2:55 pm
You must not get your news from reliable sources. However, we’ll never know but he didn’t have the courage of his convictions to ask the twice elected President.
lucybeckettmartinez June 8th, 2014 at 3:55 pm
Please site an example of this. I have read nothing which indicates what you charge.
Native June 9th, 2014 at 8:22 am
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA………………….your ridiculous comment is nothing short of ignorant. Keep right on drinking your Kool-aid, and let the conversation be between adults.
arc99 June 9th, 2014 at 7:14 pm
of course if the President had not attended the ceremony, I have no doubt you would say the exact same thing
Calvinius June 16th, 2014 at 5:07 am
Has it occurred to you that you’re a blithering idiot?
thomas235699 June 7th, 2014 at 9:59 pm
Wow… So many White Guilt ridden Liberals in here….
Hint White Liberals…. We can’t stand your Monkey Boy Messiah, he is a blemish on our nation….
You worship and defend Savages that would NEVER do the same for you, in fact they would rape your loved ones before killing you….
But yet for Savages you knock your own kind, truly sad.
Sonia June 8th, 2014 at 2:21 pm
As I heard someone else say, “it’s like going to your high school reunion after your teacher burned your diploma.
Tim June 9th, 2014 at 12:27 pm
Good for him he stood with his convictions and denied the poser good press because of meeting with him.
arc99 June 9th, 2014 at 12:50 pm
Like it or not, Barack Obama is the twice-elected President of the United States. The only “posers” are the ideologues who refuse to accept that reality.
Here is another D-Day veteran also stood by his convictions.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/06/what-the-d-day-veteran-told-obama-at-the-70th-anniversary-commemoration.html
When the ceremony was over, I made my way through the arrays of marble crosses to the stage and to the man in the blue hat who had taken Obama’s hand.
His name, it turns out, is Irving Smolens, and he was only 19 when he took part in the Normandy landing. Afterward he spent much of his life as a buyer of women’s and children’s clothing in Massachusetts, leading a quiet, peaceful life with his family.
“What did you say to Obama?” I asked him.
“I thanked him for keeping us out of war,” said Smolens.
Tim July 8th, 2014 at 6:45 am
well the poser has not kept us out of war he has only expanded the size of our war and now denies our men and women in uniform any decent rules of engagement allowing them to be picked off by the enemy. Y’all are drinking too much kool aid. Yes he was twice elected first by making people think they were being racist if they didn’t vote for him and then by promising a bunch of free stuff to thee people who are too lazy to work for what they want.
Obewon July 8th, 2014 at 7:04 am
LOl! Medication time… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9MjWBInGZ0&feature=kp
Tim July 8th, 2014 at 11:14 am
obewon yes those vets returned but now the poser has expanded the theater of operation into new countries the the kool aid drinking liberals seem to be missing. Throw the kool aid out and maybe you will be able to see what your messiah is doing.
norinco June 9th, 2014 at 6:01 pm
GIVE him the “MEDAL OF HONOR”…he honors all the veterans…
Chicquila Cox June 10th, 2014 at 1:34 am
Some of you folks are REALLY hilarious and quite far fetched in your perceptions of this vet. It’s his ” right” to decline, and I don’t see anywhere where he stated anything to assume hatred or anything of the sort. I see a lot of soap boxes here blowing a lot of bubbles out from beneath their bums lol. Live and let live. If you want to meet the President then go right on ahead, if and when the opportunity presents itself to you. I’ll respect that just as I respect his decision to decline.
hownow June 29th, 2014 at 1:12 pm
Watch the 4 documentaries by Mr. Ciampa. Especially note the time and attentiongiven to the history of 11 black American soldiers murdered by the Nazis.