King's Memorial Service Gets Political

Unable to keep their tongues tied when restraint is most expected, two of the speakers at Coretta Scott King's Memorial Service couldn't resist the opportunity to criticize President George W. Bush, even while he was present to pay respects. It doesn't seem like it got as out of hand as at the late Senator Paul Wellstone's memorial service, but any bit of politicking at such a gathering is not only disrespectful and distasteful, but reveals the utter lack of self-restraint of some politicians. I'm referring to former President Jimmy Carter and Rev. Joseph Lowery, co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Their comments don't deserve any more ink, so you'll have to find them elsewhere.

I used to respect former President Carter, even if I didn't agree with his politics. He's unearned that respect. He ought to go back to building houses.

And the Reverend ought to live up to his name and stick to offering people the hope of eternal life in Christ and leave the politics to the politicians. Well, he's probably more of a politician than a preacher anyway. As such he's sold his birthright for a mess of porridge.

Can the Democrats bury one of their leaders in a respectful and dignified way? Lately, it doesn't seem so.