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WP: Many no-shows for Ford's service - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com

As with any country, the US has its fair share of faults.  We are not perfect.  We don't have all of the answers to the world's problems.  Just like everyone else, we make mistakes.

However, after reading the above article I am more ashamed of our political leaders than I have been in a long time.  Few of our political leaders bothered to attend former President Ford's funeral.  Yes, as the article states, it is a holiday weekend.  Yes, there are many football games going on (I can't believe someone wanted to know the score of a game!).  Yes, Sadam Hussein was put to death.  Yes, many of them were on vacation.  Did the Supreme Court REALLY need to take a vote to decide if any or all of them would attend?  Is that legislative body so incapable of independent thinking they can't make their own decisions?

But the worst of all is that our living former Presidents and CURRENT President could not be bothered to attend.  People who have read various postings of mine know that I am not a fan of President George W. Bush, but even I was stunned that he felt the need to "clear cedar" on his ranch than to return to Washington for the funeral.  It’s not like he has to pay the airfare - he has his own plane!  On top of that he is quoted as saying about President Ford "He always put the needs of his country before his own."  I find that ironic that Bush, who has a complete staff to take care of his ranch, felt that clearing cedar was more important than the needs of his own country.  Mr. Bush (honorific intentionally left out) you should think about living up to your statements about others.

I fully admit that I was young enough when Ford became President, that I don't remember a great deal of what he did while in office.  But I do know that he didn't ask for the position, he became president through succession during the ending of the Nixon (Watergate) scandal.  But he stepped up to the plate and did his job. 

Regardless of my personal opinion about a specific political leader in any country, one who does their job ethically, humanitarily, and to the best of their ability should be treated with dignity by their country's leaders upon their death.  Not a "phone in eulogy" as Bush did.  Not attending secondary services, and certainly not doing unnecessary yard work on their ranch. 

Everyday people drop what they are doing, travel thousands of miles, and often go to extremes to attend the services of a deceased family member.  While politicians are in a "profession" they are also an exclusive group - much like a family.  They certainly can make the same efforts.  Sorry, but it comes with the job you choose. 

Mr. Bush, ask yourself.  How will you feel if the current President stays home and does yard work when your funeral comes around.  Not a pleasant thought is it?