"She extended Martin's message against poverty, racism and war. She deplored the terror inflicted by our smart bombs on missions way afar. We know now that there were no weapons of mass destruction over there," Lowery said.
The mostly black crowd applauded, then rose to its feet and cheered in a two-minute-long standing ovation.
A closed-circuit television in the mega-church outside Atlanta showed the president smiling uncomfortably.
"But Coretta knew, and we know," Lowery continued, "That there are weapons of misdirection right down here," he said, nodding his head toward the row of presidents past and present. "For war, billions more, but no more for the poor!" The crowd again cheered wildly.
Former President Jimmy Carter later swung at Bush as well, not once but twice. As he talked about the Kings, he said: "It was difficult for them then personally with the civil liberties of both husband and wife violated as they became the target of secret government wiretaps." The crowd cheered as Bush, under fire for a secret wiretapping program he ordered after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, again smiled weakly.
How do you guys feel about politics being brought up? Im not shocked at all to be honest. That was her life and they brought up the things she fought for. When my family members pass or even people from my Church its an even were we celebrate that person, we dont come simply to be sad and mourn.
Bush knew that this was likely and went to the funeral anyway; he shouldn't be surprised if a speaker brings up the fact that the Kings were adamantly anti-war. (I'm sure that he wasn't surprised). They held those stances when Democrats were running a war in Vietnam, and neither of them would have been in favor of the War in Iraq.
And, I would opine, why not let that be fair game? If Bush is doing the right thing then there's nothing to be ashamed of. . .but hopefully this funeral will help to unsettle him a little bit.
I dont think a lot of people who Ive seen upset in other forums know about how for lack of a better word "black" funerals are held. Well at least the ones Ive been too. Whenever someone at my church or family dies we dont go their to mourn we go their to celebrate their life and what they stood for. I haven't listened to a recording of the funeral yet but I am not at all surprised that the things she stood up for were brought up.
Im almost glad that he got some unfiltered opinion from the people.
Additionally, this is one of the few chances those in opposition to the war have to make their voices heard, say what you like about this administration but candidness is not their calling card
