Capitol ceremony for WWI vet blocked by Speaker Boehner

[^_^ 5,021]

WASHINGTON (AP) — West Virginia's two Democratic senators blamed House Speaker John Boehner on Thursday after their hopes of having the remains of World War I veteran Frank Buckles honored in the Capitol Rotunda were dashed, at least for now.

Sens. Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin III both released statements saying the Ohio Republican had blocked the Capitol honor.

...

Buckles died Sunday on his farm in Charles Town, W.Va., at the age of 110. He had been the last surviving American veteran of World War I.

The episode turned what West Virginia lawmakers had hoped would be easy approval for the rare honor for Buckles into a finger-pointing dispute with partisan overtones.

...

The honor requires a congressional resolution or the approval of congressional leaders, according to the office of the architect of the Capitol.

...

Members of both parties of West Virginia's congressional delegation had introduced resolutions to permit Buckles' casket to be honored in the Capitol. The House version was sponsored by Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.

In his statement, Rockefeller called the dispute "a big disappointment and a surprising decision by the speaker."

Manchin said, "I urge Speaker Boehner to reconsider this ill-advised decision. After all, there won't be another request like this.

...

President Barack Obama has ordered that flags on U.S. government buildings fly at half staff on the day Buckles is buried. His family has said they plan to inter him at Arlington, just across the Potomac River from the capital.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jaOA-oPedxN3eQ-nLTllUxzIyXeg?docId=1f337ed92c39408d889705bec14e66d8

[luckytxn 2,265]

Bohner is probably still crying.

[Pooky 3,825]

Probably no money in it for Sunburn Boehner

The lack of respect on show is disappointing, but unsurprising.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Asked if that were true, Boehner spokesman Mike Steel said the speaker and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., would seek Defense Department permission for a ceremony for Buckles at Arlington National Cemetery.

t was unclear late Thursday how the disagreement would end. Asked whether Boehner would be supportive if the Senate approved a resolution allowing Buckles' remains to lie in the Rotunda, Steel said, "We'll see what the Senate does."

Steel said Boehner and Reid will ask Defense Secretary Robert Gates to allow a memorial service for Buckles at Arlington National Cemetery in nearby Arlington, Va., "surrounded by honored veterans of every American war."

Reid spokesman Jon Summers said Reid and Boehner were "discussing alternatives." Summers would provide no additional detail.

And, that my friends, is the rest of the story.

[웃 910]

Bohner is probably still crying.

Does anyone pronounce his name as "BAYNER" in your head while reading?

Anytime I read his name I pronounce it as #######

[one...two...tree 2,762]

And, that my friends, is the rest of the story.

Yep... this is just petty, partisan nonsense.