The shameful spectacle of funerals transmogrifying into Democrat pep rallies has apparently become de rigueur.

We initially witnessed such partisan excesses at the memorial service for Minnesota Sen. Paul Wellstone. The senator, his wife, daughter and staffers, died in a plane crash in 2002. Rather than gathering to honor his memory and celebrate lives tragically cut short, it became a visceral display as Republican attendees were booed when their images were shown on the closed- circuit screen at the service. The governor of Minnesota and his wife walked out during a tribute that rapidly disintegrated into a frenetic chanting of “Fritz! Fritz! Fritz!” for the desired heir apparent, Fritz Mondale. Shortly before this partisan circus took place, Wellstone’s surviving son won the lack-of-etiquette award as he “uninvited” Vice President Cheney to the service.

Similar demonstrations occurred at the memorial for Coretta Scott King. Rev. Joseph Lowery, civil rights advocate and co-founder of Southern Christian Leadership Conference, used the occasion to castigate President Bush and his Iraq policies as the crowd roared; standing for a two minute ovation. "We know now there were no weapons of mass destruction over there. But Coretta knew and we knew that there are weapons of misdirection right down here. Millions without health insurance. Poverty abounds. For war billions more but no more for the poor," Lowery bellowed.

Four US Presidents attended the service for the 78 year-old widow of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King. Former President Jimmy Carter used his platform to lob cheap shots and further assail President Bush, accusing him of imprudently instituting electronic surveillance programs on terror suspects in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Carter attempted to draw a parallel with the scrutiny of King. “It was difficult for them personally, they became the targets of secret government wiretapping and other surveillance,” he stated. He carefully omitted references to the fact that the wiretaps of King were authorized by then US Attorney General, Bobby Kennedy with the consent of his brother, President John F. Kennedy .

Carter’s political tirade was intended to provoke the mostly Black crowd, telling them that Hurricane Katrina showed that there are “not yet equal opportunities for all in America.” Parts of his speech were rendered inaudible due to thunderous applause.

Bill Clinton seized the opportunity to reconnect with the audience, many of whom had regarded him warmly as the “nation’s first Black president.” It was with that introduction he was honored at the 2001 Congressional Black Caucus Awards Dinner in Washington DC.

Clinton coyly introduced his smiling wife, Hillary, making veiled references to her anticipated presidential bid. "I'm honored to be here with my president and my former presidents and …" his voice ebbed as he gestured in her direction to encouraging applause.

In contrast, President Bush saw the event as a means of extending comfort and solace to the grieving family and the thousands of assembled mourners:
"I've come today to offer the sympathy of our entire nation at the passing of a woman who worked to make our nation whole. Having loved a leader she became a leader. And when she spoke, Americans listened closely, because her voice carried the wisdom and goodness of a life well-lived," President Bush said. “In that life, Coretta Scott King knew danger, injustice and terrible grief. She also knew her Redeemer lives. She trusted in that name above every other name. And today, we trust that our sister Coretta is on the other shore–at peace, at rest, at home. May God bless you and may God bless our country.”

President George W. Bush, not known for gifted oratory, shone as the most eloquent speaker with his respectful tribute at Mrs. King’s memorial service. By invoking the Lord’s promise and warmly commemorating the life of the deceased, President Bush inspired. In bending to extend comfort to the bereaved, he stood tall.