Redstate

Especially next year, during the mid-term election campaigns, every military funeral should have a 285-lb bouncer to keep out all the left-wing political riff-raff that just discovered recently (from tracking polls) that the military is not principally made up of murderers and torturers. They're actually heroes.

People like Ms. Knoll are prime examples of how a once-obscure Yiddish word, "chutzpah," has become part of regular English discourse.  In all seriousness, what she did was beyond classless, even by the standards of politicians.  At very least she must offer a public apology, along with Governor Rendell.  But the right thing to do would be to resign.

I do hope she sticks around for a little bit and pulls a Durbin. This will give the story a chance to hit the national spotlight, so everyone can see just how low the Dems have sunk.

By my accounting, the Democratic party has been averaging one or two of these idiotic moves per month. By next election, there will be so many horror stories about that party, that only moon bats will be proud to admit they are Dems.

Durbinization... coming to a town near you.

Her actions are completely indefensible and she needs to be held accountable for shameless, political behavior.  I hope, if substantiated, that Gov Rendell does the right thing here.

As a Pennsylvanian, I'm embarassed today that this woman holds office in my state. I'm gonna do everything I can come 2006 to kick her to the curb.

it is true.

Is this corroborated by reliable sources?

This is so off-the-wall I find it hard to believe that this occurred.  Do you have sources.?

Knoll spokesman Sean Pendrak would not comment specifically on the Goodrich family's allegations.

"Obviously, the lieutenant governor extends her most sincere condolences to all families who have lost loved ones in the fighting," Pendrak said. "She also wants to convey her support of all of our fine young men and women in uniform." Link

I think it is beyond distasteful for anyone to show up at a funeral to pass out business cards, the place to play politics on the war.

She should be ashamed.

After reading Ms. Malkin's piece, I don't see any evidence that the LT Governor came to the funeral, attempting to grandstand.  She may just be inept in her interpersonal skills and woefully deficient in her ability to determine what to say--and NOT to say--at a sensitive moment in a family's life.

BEFORE Redstate calls for the LT Governor's head, on the grounds of her being an insensitive cad, let's be sure the evidence is clear and convincing.  Redstate's reputation of being fair demands it.

Is it possible that she was handing out her card so people would know who she was, have her contact info if they needed it, and have tangible proof that a member of Pennsylvania's government thought enough of the SGT's (and his family's) sacrifice to pay their respects personally?

As for the comment that her government is against the war--I guess that means she speaks for GOV Rendell on this matter then?--is it possible she just thoughtlessly uttered that while talking to a family member?

It's not clear from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's article:

What really upset the family, Goodrich said, is that Knoll said, 'I want you to know our government is against this war,' " Goodrich said.

Okay; let's proceed with caution here.  Did Mrs. Goodrich hear this herself? I doubt it, or the article would have said so.  So, she probably heard this from a mourner at the funeral, and then related her understanding of the incident to the Post-Gazette reporter.

If true, the LT Governor is certainly guilty of poor judgement.  But Mrs. Goodrich accuses the LT Governor of campaigning .  WE DON'T KNOW THAT!  The LT Governor might have meant well, but totally botched her handling of the situation.

As I see it, I don't see clear and convincing evidence that the LT GOV is a showboating, insensitive cad.  She might just be clumsy, and not too bright.  Not something I'd like to see in my LT Governor, but it's not the figurative equivalent of draping a Marine's coffin with campaign stickers.

Until we're sure, we shouldn't paint it as such.

pass out business cards at a funeral.

All she had to do was go to the family and say "Hi on behalf of the State of PA, I would like to offer our condolences" and sign the guest register.

That would have been the way to behave.  Handing out your card is just tacky, tacky, tacky.  Ms Manners would be appalled.

... of the extremism of the Bush administration driving normal people to do strange things. There can be no doubt that Rove is behind this plot to embarrass the legitimate government of Pennsylvania.

Now that I've got that out of my system, several things come to mind. First is that she needs to be shown the door. She must apologize to the family and resign. If she fails to resign she must be impeached by the Pennsylvania legislature. Now the chances of any of this happening is so close to zero as to be unmeasurable. She is a Democrat, Rendell is a Democrat, the legislature is controlled by the Democrats ...

Second, Governor Rendell should answer a simple question: since when does the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania get to have its own foreign policy? She said "our government" is opposed to this war. As an elected state official it is fair to assume that when she says "our government" she speaks officially on behalf of the Commonwealth.

Could someone please explain to me what it is with the left? It has to be more that mere "Bush Derangement Syndrome." Dropping in at a soldier's funeral and telling the attendees that "our government" opposes the war? Just when you think that you have seen some loon on the left commit the ultimate act of stupidity, along comes another one and lowers the bar even more.  

My personal theory is that Democrats have come to believe that they, and only they, are naturally entitled to lead the nation. Any other outcome is an aberation caused by rampant temporary voter insanity.

My personal theory is that Democrats have come to believe that they, and only they, are naturally entitled to lead the nation. Any other outcome is an aberation caused by rampant temporary voter insanity.

But I would add "or voter fraud/suppression by the gop" to the last sentence.

Either the voters are stupid or the GOP stole the election.

 I agree with above. This is some of the stupidest thing I have ever heard about. That, combined with being so Chutzpah (Excactly the word) and so inappropriate. I simply cannot believe this happening outside a Balkan Family funeral for mafia...

 I agre, liberals are some of the stupidest people that exist. I don't know if it attracts people without logic, or if it dumbens them while they're in it (probably both).

It's reported in two local papers.  You've got to figure they talked with the family members involved.  

This was reported in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and in the Pittsburgh Post Gazett.

Quite a few words came to mine.  "Chutzpah" is one of the more polite ones.

As one family member of the fallen Marine pointed out, there would have been no story if Ms. Knoll had attended the funeral, expressed her condolences, and then simply said "Here's my card.  Please call my office if there's anything we can do to help."

is the assumption that anyone who has lost a loved one in the war is now against it.

Sure there are probably some family members who feel that way-but it is presumptuious to assume all or even half of them do.

"Our government." lol. Unbelievable.

Now, I do believe that this woman is legitimately a fool. But she still should resign.

You must live in that place that Walgreens uses in it's advertisements: "Perfect, where only liberal politicians pander."

As a Republican, I am eternally vigilant against politicians who try to use our party's reputation to get a free ride on military issues. VA benefits are one such example.

If you want to support the troops make sure that they have the necessary care and support after they return from service. Make sure your congressman, regardless of his party affiliation, pushes for adequate benefits for veterans and aggresive enforcement of existing laws that protect the jobs and financial welfare of active duty and reserve personnel serving our country.

Use your money to send a few letters to DC and stop buying all those useless ribbons and bumperstickers.

An impolitic observation: So many male gubernatorial candidates feel the need to appeal to women voters and otherwise balance their tickets that they will pick unqualified women to be their running mates. A tactical decision leads to strategic mishaps.

Republicans are the greater offenders, I presume because they feel more vunerable on the gender gap.

For example, just off the top of my head

Celluci's lieutenant governor, Jane Swift, in Massachusetts, a horrible failure as a politician, but the helicopter rides were nice.

Pataki's LG, Betsy McCaughey Ross, that academician and partisan ne'er do well.

Mike Leavitt's lieutenant governor, Olene Walker served as governor, but finished third in the party convention when she sought the office in her own right.

And rememember Montana's governor, Judy Martz, who was Racicot's lieutenant governor? She served a terrible term as governor, leading to the Democrats picking up the office with Brian Schweitzer.

Non-Republicans make the same mistake. The anti-politician, Jesse Ventura, was politician enough to pick a female teacher to be his LG. Mae Schunk was a fine woman who contributed much to society but as a serious statewide office holder, potential governor had Ventura died from a sleeper hold or exploding ego?

So I'm glad to see Democrats messing up, as well. Knoll is just another affirmative-action gender candidate, i.e., a dolt and holder of a political tin ear. May Rendell and Knoll suffer the consequences.

Fact is stranger than fiction.

She should resign.

We do not need political hacks pimping funerals at the expense of disrespecting our soldiers.

"spunk" or "guts".  Going to a funeral uninvited and passing out ANY type of a business card/solicitation is just an exercise in being a classless parasite.

Who is "our government"?  It sure isn't the United States of America.  Does she mean the government of Pennsylvania?  What is this, a secret Pennsylvania conspiracy against keeping armed forces in Iraq?

She ought to at least apologize for being a cad.  If she doesn't, I hope she gets RUN from office next year for being the dumb oaf that the media always portrayed Dan Quayle as being.

Is it possible that this is just normal behavior for her? Did she go around to funerals passing out business cards before she became a politician? Maybe she was one of those "call me if you need me" types who drop by your car accident to hand you a card before rushing off to the next meeting.

"Chutzpah" can also imply one has nerve, as in, "She has some nerve, walking into a funeral and handing out her business card for political purposes."

But "spunk" and "guts" are valid definitions as well.

I checked the update, with the Google search on Rhonda Goodrich.  Her own political activism does add a twist to the story.  However, if indeed she is the sister-in-law of the Marine who was killed in Iraq, and Lt. Gov. Knoll really did what was alleged, then Knoll is by no means exonerated.  Time will tell as the story unfolds.

OK, I don't have a problem with the idea that Knoll is a typical left-liberal anti-war Bush-hater.  But, she was a canny enough politician to get elected to the state treasurer office three times.  She would have have at least some idea of what the average person would think.  Even if she were a Howard Dean nut, she hid it well enough to get reelected.  Is it simply BDS in action?

Where has it happened in recent years that a Republican politician has crashed a military funeral uninvited? If it's ever happened, I'd be interested to hear about it. I understand that in some cases the family of the heroes killed in combat are Michael Moore fans, and Republicans aren't welcome, but they needn't worry because Republicans don't show up uninvited.

Yes I forgot rampant GOP voter fraud such as was committed in Cleveland, or Milwaukee or .. oops, those are Democrat controlled venues.

coupled with the hubris that the "little people" will be impressed with Big.Name.Politician taking some time to come press the flesh.

Remember John Kerry during the campaign spotting a couple of Marines at a Wendy's and interrupting THEIR lunch? Or Teddy Kennedy's reception on his recent tour of Gitmo?

Why should Knoll need an invitation? Isn't she "Lt Gov" of the state? [insert trumpet flourish here] Why wouldn't the Marine's family be thrilled she took time from her Important and Busy Schedule(tm) to honor them with her presence?

And hey, why shouldn't she expect that one dead Marine might translate into a few anti-war converts from the family? It isn't like concepts of "duty, honor, pride in serving" have anything to do with troops and their families.

I honestly don't know about Pennsylvania, but the office of treasurer varies in importance from one state to another. And winning statewide election is no assurance of political commonsense, especially in states/offices dominated by a particular party or powerbase.

Is Budd Dwyer, who committed suicide at a news conference in 1986. Which argues against his political competence.

I think the relevant question is: when has any politician, left or right, displayed such a spectacular lack of judgement?

I'm sure there is an answer to this. Given the craven nature of politicians through the years, I'm sure that some Federalist, Republican, Whig, Democrat, Free Soil, or Populist politician has inserted his or (more recently) her foot deep into their own mouths.

January 22nd, 1987

A casualty of the politics of personal destruction. Most likely innocent of the corruption charge for which he was convicted -- how else to explain his not mounting any sort of defense, his declining an offer of a 1 year plea bargain, and his suicide in front of the cameras?

Frankly, he was the sort of Republican of which we could use more. Very sad.

Rendell and Knoll are Democrats, but the Legislature has a slim GOP majority.

However, I challenge anyone to defend her after reading this

http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:ztD2r6TWOyUJ:www.mcall.com/news/nat...
world/state/all-a1_5cbknov21,0,3433497.story%3Fcoll%3Dall-statenews-hed+%22
baker+knoll%22+and+%22same+stage%22&hl=en

text wrapping and link did not work

It's accepted practice in our society to, if you want someone to be able to contact you, give them your business card.  I don't recall it being accepted practice to write one's office phone and e-mail address in the guest register at a funeral.

It might turn out that the LT Gov is indeed a cad.  But, again, I don't see clear and compelling evidence yet.  As I said earlier, she might just be dumb, and not cunning.

I'm concerned that conservatives will burn this woman at the stake prematurely.  If we turn out to be wrong, our reputation--and the reputation of this site--suffers.  We're leaping on this situation, when we haven't really looked yet.

. . .worked for me on the link.

Sounds like Rendell is going to have to suck it up and perform the Sister Souljah maneuver to get rid of the old loon.  I wouldn't be surprised if his staff is investigating this incident to confirm it actually happened as the stories suggested.  If they confirm it, he'll have to decide whether to attack her directly or just let her twist in the wind.  Assuming the story is true, Rendell will almost certainly get political points for doing the right thing and cutting Knoll loose--it's a shame that doesn't happen more in politics.

than "spunk" or "guts."

Encarta says:  "boldness coupled with SUPREME self-confidence" and "impudent rudeness or lack of respect."

Entry number two fits this example best.

The implication of the update is that it may have been fabricated by Goodrich.  Has the Lt. Gov's office denied it?

this has got to be one of the tackiest demonstrations of playing politics in a while.

until Monday morning to find out more.

I too, live in Southeast PA.

Pennsylvania Democrats were looking for a reason to dump her anyway.  It was by a fluke that she became Lt. Gov.  I would argue that in 2002, she didn't even know she was running with Ed Rendell.  

BUT the office of governor of PA is only a cheesteak...err...a heartbeat...away.  And as much as I am pro-life I don't want Knoll as my Governor if she crashes funerals to campaign.

Rendell will apologize for Knoll's funeral faux pas...acording to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that is, a partisan outlet.

Written apologies will be sent to a fallen Marine's relatives angered by Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll's uninvited appearance at the soldier's funeral and her criticism of the war in Iraq, Gov. Ed Rendell said Sunday.

Rendell said he will send a personal letter to the family of the late Marine Staff Sgt. Joseph Goodrich, of Westwood, and will ask Knoll to do the same. Goodrich, 32, a police officer and infantry unit leader, died July 10 in a mortar attack in Hit, Iraq.

Rendell's post-mayoral career has something of the Peter Principle about it, but he did a good job as mayor, and for someone climbing out of the bowels of the Philadelphia political system, he seems to be a fairly decent guy. I'm glad.

Is that our electoral system encourages repulsive winner-take-all behavior on both sides.

Apparently Rendell and Knoll plan to try and apologize their way out of this.  

http://strata-sphere.com/blog/index.php/archives/418

I for one am not satisfied.

of utter political correctness?  Resign, because of words?  Because you didn't fit the right mold? Say the right thing? Play the right part?  Conform?

When did conservatives become wussy liberals?

Remember the Paul Wellstone funeral, and how the Dems hijacked it to stage a highly embarrasing political rally? Ironically, that stunt probably cost the Dems Wellstone's seat in the following election.

I hope this disgraceful act will have the same effect, but it's a long way to election day and memories are short......

 

Clearly smacks of inept and tacky, and could be worse than that ... worthy of watching and keeping track of but not necessarily the immoral / unethical activity some want to believe.  We should be honest about this ---  google the key source and we'll probably agree that she is more conservative than many who frequent this site ...  

On the other hand, let us grant the LtGov the benefit of the doubt for a moment.  Should there not be the slightest credit given for making the effort to attend the funeral.  Maybe she really did hand the card with simply "give me a call if I can help" ... While she might be new to trying to treat servicemembers' families well, should give her at least a bit of credit for trying, no?

"Should there not be the slightest credit given for making the effort to attend the funeral."

If she wanted to attend the funeral to even just say "thanks and sorry for your loss", she should have asked first. That's the biggest problem I have with this. Is it OK to crash a funeral?

that people do 'crash' funerals that are publicly announced ... There were honor guards, etc ... with, it seems, many people in attendance who were not specifically "invited".  This was not a small family event.

She -- it seems -- acted poorly at the event.  That she attended is NOT the impropriety.