Many in America, in fact, around the world took time out to celebrate Easter Sunday with members of their faith community, family and friends. I hope you truly enjoyed a joyous day honoring the holiday and filled with laughter, memories and good food.
Meanwhile, on Day 82 we learn there is no such thing as rest for the weary in Obamaland. What began as big news in a fluffy kind of way, evolved into a heroic and joyful day for one family – and millions around the world who followed the events on the high seas.
First Family Attends Easter Worship
President Obama & the First Family joined other worshipers at St. John's Church, the Episcopal sanctuary located across the street from the White House. The church has enjoyed a long history with Presidents, in fact they have a reserved pew.
According to the pool report published by Time, Rev. Luis Leon welcomed all to the Easter Service in his sermon by stating:
"I'm not here to dampen the enthusiasm of those of you who can believe 100 percent of the time. I'm not here to mount any guilt on any of you who are skeptics. I'm not here to add any discomfort to any of you, who may be here for whatever reason drew you to this church today. To all of you, I say welcome, regardless of where you are in your journey of faith."
"Easter is available to believers as well as to doubters alike," he said.
One of the interesting notes from the pool report was the fact the First Family did not drink from the communal cup during the communion service. Instead they dipped their wafer in the wine. Reading that I wondered if it was an element of security or a cultural decision, perhaps that not being a part of their religious experience.
The President looked rather dashing in his dark gray suit with silver pin stripes. First Lady Michelle wore an understated floral dress, her trademark pearls and white cardigan. (AP Photo)
Reading various reports online I realized how much those of faith need to keep the President and his family in prayer. Someone mentioned little children in their new Easter frocks with their arms outstretched as they were waned and passed through a medal detector. I saw the picture of the woman, on her way to worship God undergoing the same treatment.
I considered how easy it would be to simply decide, I do not want to inconvenience and impose upon those wanting to celebrate their faith. To, even in a small way, contribute to the opening of the door to irritation in their hearts before entering the sanctuary.
Keith Battle, pastor of Zion Church in Largo, said it best:
"I think it would be nice if he could go to church with his wife and children and it not be published and he can just worship ... At the end of the day, he may be the most prominent person in the world, but he is still a man who has a wife and children and like all of us, he needs spiritual direction." (Source: Washington Post)
First Puppy Reporting for Duty ~ Tuesday
Early in the day it seemed the big “news” of the day would be the fact TMZ and the Washington Post were on the job and through their investigative reporting they were able to disclose the identity and photo of the new First Dog – Bo Obama.
Bo, named by the First Daughters, is a 6-month old Portuguese water dog, is a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy. Bo was originally given to another family, but for undisclosed reasons it was not a good fit and he was returned to the breeder.
Bo actually was introduced to the First Family and made an excellent first impression before being whisked off for training by the Kennedy dog trainers. Bo seen below in photos taken during that visit by the official White House photographer Pete Souza, looks adorable.
Free at Last, Free at Last
In what was surely the best news of the day for the family and friends of merchant ship Captain Richard Phillips’ the world learned mid-day that the U.S. Navy Seals rescued the captain after five long days as a hostage.
In what sounds like a climatic moment from a blockbuster film, Capt. Phillips was freed when the U.S. Navy Seals simultaneously shot three of the four Somali’s holding him hostage. The fourth hostage taker surrendered moments before the shooting. Reportedly only sixteen, he will likely be the first person to stand trial for piracy in America in over two hundred years.
Vice Adm. William Gortney at an afternoon press conference said the decision to shoot was in accordance with orders from Commander in Chief, President Obama, to take all action needed if the Captain’s life was deemed in imminent danger. In fact, President Obama issued the order initially on Friday and then a second, expanded order was issued on Saturday.
In the US Navy April 12, 2009 handout photo above Captain Richard Phillips (R) master of the cargo ship Maersk-Alabama, stands alongside U.S. Navy Cmdr. Frank Castellano, commanding officer of USS Bainbridge after being rescued by U.S Naval Forces off the coast of Somalia.
Gortney said the sharp shooters were given the greenlight after the negotiations were became “heated” and they observed a gun being pointed at the back of Captain Phillips.
While we should celebrate the safe release of Captain Phillips, the world should brace itself for the fact this weekend puts this piracy issue at a crossroads. Another pirate was killed earlier by the French in an attempt to save a hostage, other pirates reportedly attempted to sail out and help the four holding Phillips hostage. As a result of these four deaths, those who have engaged in this lucrative endeavor, securing multi-million dollar ransoms, there is a high risk they will now be far more likely to treat their hostages with more brutality and possible have a quicker trigger finger. To date no hostages have been killed. Somali pirates are already pledging revenge.
I plan to post more on the piracy issue this week.