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SHANKSVILLE, PA -- Of all Joe Biden's political skills and foibles, perhaps his most powerful asset was on display in Shanksville, PA on Tuesday: Compassion in the face of others' grief.
Biden, who lost his wife and daughter in a 1972 car accident, commemorated 9/11 victims at the site of the Flight 93 crash and described with heavy emotion the grief he knows their families felt in the aftermath of the terror attacks.
Jeff Swensen / Getty Images
Vice President Joseph Biden speaks at the Flight 93 National Memorial during observances commemorating the eleventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, in Shanksville, Pa, on September 11, 2012.
"No matter how many anniversaries you experience, for at least an instant, the terror of that moment returns, the lingering echo of that phone call, that sense of total disbelief that envelops you," he said. "You feel like you're being sucked into a black hole in the middle of your chest."
"My hope for you all is that as every year passes, the depth of your pain recedes," he continued. "And you find comfort - as I have - genuine comfort in recalling his smile, her laugh, their touch."
The ceremony, which included a reading of each of the 40 passengers and crew members' names, took place at the still-incomplete memorial in the small Pennsylvania town where the hijacked plane crashed.
Vice President Joe Biden says, "Like all of the families, I wish we weren't here. I wish we didn't have to be here," at a 9/11 memorial service in Shanksvilla, Pa.
Offering comfort on a sparkling morning not unlike the one of the terror attacks, Biden said the nation has not forgotten the heroes' sacrifice.
"They’ve not forgotten the heroism of your husbands, wives, sons daughters, mothers, fathers," he said. "And that what they did for this country is still etched in the minds of not only you, but millions of Americans forever."
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The passengers on board Flight 93 are true hero's who made the ultimate sacrifice!
We will never know how many lives they saved by offering their own!
May their families & friends find solace knowing they will never be forgotten...
Thank You VP Joe, for such reassuring and comforting words...
I initially thought the events of that Tuesday morning were pictures from a country far, far away, until I saw the second plane behind Katie Couric. The towers mortally wounded with the people inside..
My heart sank into doom as I watched the coverage for days until I was consumed with fear, sorrow and then anger...The skies overhead quiet.
Remember, yes......but we cannot and should not wallow in the horror of that day. Hatred on any level cannot be explained away.
Joe is sincere and true.
Sorry to say, that Mr. Vulture capitalism and Mr. Voucher Medicare are so steeped in lies and reversals, that the same can never be said about them.
RomneyRyan relinquished that possiblity - by telling so many insulting and damaging lies in person, in ads, and robocaling across the country.
Joe Biden put it beautifully and spoke as only someone who has experienced such loss could.
Thank you Mr. Vice President for your caring and recognition of those who lost their lives.
Where are they today? Either one or both of them making any speeches?
No, not today.
Because in the RomneyRyanAdelson party of very small, select Government, there are only a few hundred people at the very top of the Income tree.
And when they look out at the vast horizon - whether it be at the Twin Towers or wherever they permit their limited gaze to fall - they see only Themselves.
RomneyRyan have not, do not and will not play fair.
Do not assume that, at this moment, they are playing fair.
Democrats have given GOP/Koch tons and miles of rope for the past 4 years. And some of us, so unthinkably, have LEARNED.
Yes, -on this day of mourning for me too - I am angry about what these two self-centered soandso's are planning to do to the good people of this country. The ones that are alive today.
Backhouse, don't be a jackass. I may not agree with VP Biden on his political platform but I can respect a man's personal loss and his ability to connect with others in the same situation as him. Your complete lack of respect is a testimony to the callousness of politics and the minions that follow without firing any synapses of their own.
Obviously 9/11 didn't effect you in the slightest, but to many of us it did. Go crawl back into your swamp for the rest of the day and let the airbreathers have some time to think. Tomorrow you can spew your party's line for all to hear.
Backhouse
telling of the hard lefties. Bob in a previous thread said something as equally stupid as this and was chastised. Navy comes in and gets 6 voted for this. Maybe Ryan and Romney choose not to make this political.
LOL man if you guys weren't such blatant hypocrites, it would be sad. Cuz im sure you and Navy there have such LOVE for Romney Ryan.
9/11 affects me personally - and everyone else in their own ways.
It reminds me that those who would like to lead the United States of America in the form of RomneyRyan ~ have zero integrity. They do NOT represent what the good folks on the plane eleven years ago, gave their lives for!
And I will not pretend otherwise today, or tomorrow, or the next day.
Now give me your weekly lecture about 'free speech'.
According to the polls, the American people have no real love for Etch-A-Sketch and his prevaricating sidekick, Lyin' Ryan, either. Only the desperate and certifiably insane right wing lunatic fringe are still clinging to the fading hope of a Romney win in November. It's sad, really.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/us/general_election_romney_vs_obama-1171.html
President Obama in November! He is clearly our only rational choice!
For once, I agree totally with Feisty! Thx for posting!
Backhouse, FWIW, there are an estimated 5.1 million millionaires in the US, not merely a "few hundred", as you seem to believe. If you're talking about billionaires (Romney is not even close), there are about 425 in the US. But be careful at whom you throw stones - those at the very top of the income scale, Gates and Buffett, for example (consistently the top two), openly support Obama and his failed economic policies.
Regarding Biden, I'm a little disheartened that he somehow feels that 9/11 is about him. My heart goes out to him for the tragedy he and his family had to endure, but this date is about somebody else. He should have shown a bit more class.
no one stopped you, chilled or Sallycat from posting your 'free speech' merely pointing out you're two bit hypocrites sacks of crap. bob on a previous thread posted some stupid garbage similar to this and not one you spineless can call out your own.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/us/general_election_romney_vs_obama-1171.html
spare me, tell me why the polls are oversampling democrats? keep sucking up that wifi at starbucks sallycat.
Simple. Pollsters shun the trailer parks and fenced neo-fascist militia compounds where your ilk resides, Caesar. Sheesh...
I mean, if your only answer to the FACT that the American people are turning away from your loser of a candidate is that it has to be a huge conspiracy then obviously your grip on reality is tenuous to say the least. Rational is a word that has never been used to describe your kind, though, right Caesar?
Roman Emperors - lots of tyranny and persecution.
Looks like this lifetime, you wound up in yore favorite kind of boys' club.
that's it? Well backhouse you're living proof that ignorance knows no bounds
the facists sh*theads i see are people like you and your thinking. I'm sorry i dont agree with Obama's policies, guess that makes me a Neo Nazi. Seriously Sally Cant Dance, all you had to say was I dont know instead of some silly diatribe off the beaten path, trying to paint yourself smarter than you are.
Not so.
The top income 400 Families Own Half of America's Wealth.
Hence their sense of entitlement: Folks like megabillionaire Adelson want to handpick our government with their secret unlimited dollars - with the goal of creating only the government that best suits THEIR needs.
Theirs is not a government for the middle class. They are not interested in YOU.
Romney is nowhere near the top 400, though a number of prominent Obama supporters are. What's your point?
Perhaps you do not know.
Mitt Romney's income is on the cusp of the top one-tenth of 1%.
Paul Ryan's income is on the cusp of the top 1%.
Your lower lip is trembling, Caesar. I just thought you might like to know.
Paul Ryan's net worth is lower than Obama's. Again, what's your point?
true, trying not to laugh at the wet mark in the crotch area of your skirt LOL
Mike9998 Backhouse is a partisan hack and is just another 'four legs good, two legs better'.
Holy crap. How did this story become a political debate... again. Can't you guys give it a rest just for a few minutes?
Really, Caesar? Is that the best you have? Your arguments are as weak as your feeble intellect and you have been reduced to making juvenile, junior high school insults to defend your position, such as it is. It's just another sign you are here to embarrass yourself, not to make a rational point.
Poor Caesar.
Paul Ryan inherited a road, rail, highway construction company from his grandfather that started up in the 1880's.
Ryan and his wife are also invested in Oil. They are very wealthy family.
.......................................
The President made his cash from selling his books.
......................................
Zero comparison.
I do not understand how anyone could stand and listen to this fool flap his gums.
Did you know that Paul Ryan lives in a mansion that is on the National Register - in Wisconsin of course?
I can see that you folks haven't even begun to do your homework.
Why not?
Barack and Michelle's net worth is estimated at $11 million. Ryan's is estimated at $1.1 million (that borders on middle class, according to the President). The point is, the filthiest richest billionaires in the country are Obama supporters. Romney, whose net worth is less than 1% of theirs, is the one who is out of touch with the middle class because of his wealth. Ryan, whose net worth is 90% lower than the President's, is also out of touch with the middle class because of his wealth.
Biden is making a heartfelt memorial speech in honor of victims of the 9/11 attacks. You are obviously unmoved by the sacrifice of the heroes of Flight 93, rukidding. Your simpering ravings say much more about you than they do about anything else, sad to say.
Shame.
mike9998 - Regarding Biden, I'm a little disheartened that he somehow feels that 9/11 is about him. My heart goes out to him for the tragedy he and his family had to endure, but this date is about somebody else. He should have shown a bit more class.
What an IGNORANT AND DISGUSTING post. It's called EMPATHY! I guarantee the people he was speaking to understood it perfectly and respected his words. The fact that you are so filled with unbridled hatred for this man is YOUR problem. GROW UP! Joe Biden has more class in his little finger than you have or will have your entire life!
Obama/Biden 2012
Paul "Voucher" Ryan is being hounded as we speak, for his cruel and "immoral" budget - by nuns, priests and bishops of the Catholic church.
Ryan is a very wealthy guy, who has spent his life in politics, and who has zero knowledge of the middle class or less fortunate.
wait what point did you make that I didnt counter again? I didnt think so either but I'm sure in your warped little pompous world you think you one-uped me. Sure, you win LOL. Coffee house libs, all theory no substance and full of hot air.
SeekingSanity: Empathy has no place in a commemoration of a tragic event that affected the entire civilized world. It's like going to a wake and assuming that the bereaved family will draw comfort from your loss of thirty years earlier. Particularly when you're trying to score points with people watching you on TV.
Backhouse: you really have no idea what you're talking about, do you?
mike9998 - Empathy has EVERY place when the VP is speaking to survivors of victims. Your stupidity is overwhelming but understandable - you're a good Republican. You are total filth and it shows over and over - but more today. You clearly have no soul and believe me - we all see that!
Backhouse - the moron mike9998 isn't worth your time. He has no integrity and clearly no intelligence!
Obama/Biden 2012
Seeking S, As a famous archaeologist once said:
"They're OK people, they just don't do any research".
Nothing that wasn't done in your typically immature and intellectually challenged fashion, Caesar. A battle of wits with you is a decidedly one-sided fight, and if you don't believe me, ask your mother. Really.
Sailcat-2064101
stopping at "nothing" would be sufficient.
I agree, it was in my favor and really Sally it was like beating an unarmed man, hardly a fair fight. I am ashamed. So assume the fetal position and rock yourself to sleep.
Enjoy your delusions, Caesar. You're fooling no one here.
Thank you, Mr. Vice- President. Your words are comforting.
Job1, I agree. Joe Biden was speaking from the heart about something these people understand all too well. I lost a daughter five years ago, I don't know about this "time heals all wounds" stuff, I don't see how it ever will. Mike9998, rukidding47, I won't call you names or insult you, for you have never been in these peoples shoes. If you had you would not have posted what you did. God bless all the family members of those lost on 09/11/01
Comforting words and well said, Mr. Vice President. Only if one has endured personal grief, can one truely understand the empty place at the table. We can cry, we can sympathize, we can mourn, we can remember, we can reassure but we cannot feel the overwhelming grief of loss unless we have experienced it.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom and heart, Jody.
And thanks to VP Biden for representing us all in Shanksville today.
Steeler fan how about those Bronco's and Peyton Manning. Boy did Peyton play mind games with Polamalu in the 2nd half. And then we could just count on worthlessburger to throw a pick when they didn't need one.
Well said, Mr Vice President.
Agreed, Bob.
Thank you Vice-President Biden! Losing a love one is very hard! Bless you!
I am not a fan of Joe. But I didn't realize he lost his wife and daughter in an accident. My heart goes out to him. That loss has to be huge.
plsthink90 - he lost his wife and daughter after his first election as Senator. His wife's car was broadsided by a tractor trailer and she and their 13 month old daughter were killed. Both sons were hurt - one with serious leg injuries and the other head injuries.
He almost didn't go through with becoming Senator. He had to be talked into it. That is the reason he never moved his family to Washington - he commuted back and forth each day. He didn't want to disrupt his sons lives any more than they already had been.
People make fun of him but he is probably the most genuine politician serving today.
thanks for the info. Really sorry for his loss.
bill bob - yep. And I hear if you sat next to him he talked sports and daily events - just like the rest of the commuters!
plsthink90 -
I myself am a huge fan of Joe Biden, having personally been on the receiving end of his compassion and empathy twice in recent years. The first time was when I got to speak with him very briefly at a rally in 2008. We talked about the pains associated with losing your job - aside from the obvious financial ones - and when he took both my hands in his and said "God bless you", it didn't feel like I was talking to a politician, just a warm, caring person who really understood what I was saying. He totally "got it". The second time was in 2010 when he learned through a relative that my step-mother - who had worked for the United Farm Workers for a number of years - was dying of lung cancer and he personally called to speak with her and wish her well and thank her for her work on their behalf. It was easily the highlight of her last few weeks. I hope that the people he spoke to in Shanksville were able to get even half the comfort today that he brought to her.
Anyway, just wanted to thank you - and everyone else on this thread who was able to put politics aside for a moment today - for your words. In return, I'll just add that while I was never a fan of Ronald Reagan, I never admired him more than the day he spoke at the services for the Challenger astronauts and took so much time to comfort their families. It was sincere and heartfelt, and as with 9/11, a tragedy that transcended politics. I'll also admit that I cried - a lot - watching Reagan's funeral on tv - maybe because he physically reminded me of my father, who had just died a few months earlier, or maybe just because whatever my political differences with him, he had a family who loved him and would miss him terribly.
So again - thanks to all on this thread - and any others I may have missed today - who were able to put politics aside for a moment. I was beginning to think we'd completely forgotten how to be Americans first, so I appreciate seeing that so many still remember.
you know it is funny you say that. I wish sometimes we all could get together and make decisions for our country versus DC. I feel we all can some how meet on middle ground, some politicians could learn from us. Most of us all want better for our kids, I feel we all have the same goal. Anyways thanks for the comment. A lot of us repubs, do have a heart.
plsthink90 - A lot of us repubs, do have a heart. You showed that today!
A democrat saying "God bless you" ? Isn't that against all you people believe itn?
@J.C.-1016889
You being a DumbA$$ is what democrats believe in!
What this MSNBC story doesn't say is that Biden called the memory of 9/11 "bittersweet". How is the memory "bittersweet"? There is nothing "sweet" about it. Unless he was referring to the memory of his wife and child but the way he said it, it wasn't clear.
One other thing about Old Joe. Biden is a crook, a lier and a thief. In the 80's he was censured in congress for plagiarism, stealing another politicians speech and claiming it as his own. He also created a "Company" in his home state of Delaware, funneled tax payer money to this "Company" that was staffed with relatives and friends who had high paying jobs with bonuses in this "Company". After 2 years and millions of dollars given to this fat cat company by Biden, the "Company" declared bankruptcy but the executives made millions. It's a fact. Look it up.
The 'Patriots' of Shanksville......No 'R's, or D's, just 'Americans'......
"My New Lyrics"
"Angels flying too close to the ground" by Willie Nelson.
(plug into your browser & remove 5 spaces)
http : // www. youtube .com/watch?v=4S21S4bMR8A&NR=1
If you had not have acted
Then we would not have known you
Angels flying too close to the ground
And in your action, you saved many others
Knowing you'd be gone in awhileYour love kept our spirits up
As we laid you down
We know someday,will meet again
For love's the greatest memory, to be found
You ask us to remember, the lesson that you left us
Angels flying too close to the ground
(Instrumental Solo)
Fly on, fly on past the speed of soundWe'd rather see you up,
We won't let you down
You left us cause you had to
We will still remember,the lesson that you taught us
Angels flying too close to the ground
You left us cause you had to
We will still remember,the lesson that you left us
Angels flying too close to the ground
gramps...
The 'Patriots' of Shanksville......No 'R's, or D's, just 'Americans'......
"My New Lyrics"
"Angels flying too close to the ground" by Willie Nelson.
(plug into your browser & remove 5 spaces)
http : // www. youtube .com/watch?v=4S21S4bMR8A&NR=1
If you had not have acted
Then we would not have known you
Angels flying too close to the ground
And in your action, you saved many others
Knowing you'd be gone in awhileYour love kept our spirits up
As we laid you down
We know someday,will meet again
For love's the greatest memory, to be found
You ask us to remember, the lesson that you left us
Angels flying too close to the ground
(Instrumental Solo)
Fly on, fly on past the speed of soundWe'd rather see you up,
We won't let you down
You left us cause you had to
We will still remember,the lesson that you taught us
Angels flying too close to the ground
You left us cause you had to
We will still remember,the lesson that you left us
Angels flying too close to the ground
gramps...
A incredible man Joe. Biden. God bless him.
The 'Patriots' of Shanksville......No 'R's, or D's, just 'Americans'......
"My New Lyrics"
"Angels flying too close to the ground" by Willie Nelson.
(plug into your browser & remove 5 spaces)
http : // www. youtube .com/watch?v=4S21S4bMR8A&NR=1
If you had not have acted
Then we would not have known you
Angels flying too close to the ground
And in your action, you saved many others
Knowing you'd be gone in awhileYour love kept our spirits up
As we laid you down
We know someday,will meet again
For love's the greatest memory, to be found
You ask us to remember, the lesson that you left us
Angels flying too close to the ground
(Instrumental Solo)
Fly on, fly on past the speed of soundWe'd rather see you up,
We won't let you down
You left us cause you had to
We will still remember,the lesson that you taught us
Angels flying too close to the ground
You left us cause you had to
We will still remember,the lesson that you left us
Angels flying too close to the ground
gramps...
To everyone that always said Joe Biden always puts his foot in is mouth. He might stumble some times, but his heart is always Golden. And I would like to say that to all the people that lost love ones on that sad day just one day behind my birthday. I hope you all know who it was that avenged the your Loved ones, and Got OBL. No President Obama didn't pull the triger on OBL, But when Little Bush stopped trying to get OBL even when we had him cornered in Tora Bora and could have killed him right then and there, Bush let him go. Little Bush and Cheney needed OBL alive and well, he was there buggy man. As long as OBL was alive, he struck fear into the Americans hearts. That was just what Bush/ Cheney wanted, was for us to be scared. And besides that Bush/ Cheney hadn't went into Iraq yet, and Killing OBL would have stopped that dead in it tracks. As long as we were afraid they got there way with everything they wanted to do. And Bush dis spaded the Team that was hunting for OBL. He didn't want him found.
So I want to say out load. Thank you President OBAMA for reinstating That team and for taking the chance and putting so much faith in Seal Team 6 and for making sure they had that extra Chopper so they could steel get out of there after they Killed OBL. Your steady hand and Courage, to take that change that it might not have worked, Going against your closes advisers, and unleashing Hell down onto OBL, He got better then he deserved for sure. But the Killing of OBL brought closure to thousands of family's. God Bless President Obama and all the people of the United State of America. Even the ones that hate President Obama and Hate those of us that voted President Obama into office.
Chuck, your spelling needs some work but your sentiment is, otherwise, very well expressed.
I know my spelling Sucks. Has for 57 years now. When your parents are from the South where they still don't speak English, Its hard to learn to spell when your a little guy.
Thanks Joe...
I'll never forget. Let's roll.
Could you imaging dastardly Dick Cheney giving such a touching address? His black heart and sneer would have been focused, not on the victims and their heroism but on fear mongering. If Romney or Ryan feel it is to their advantage we will get a comment out of them but they seem kind of busy walikng back lies and may not have much time for commenting on 9/11.
Great message Mr. Vice President on this anniversary, now let's move forward making sure nothing like that ever happens again.
Only if he had enlisted the aid of his colleagues at Halliburton to move through the crowd and pick the mourners' pockets.
While not a fan of Biden's policies, his words today are appropriate.
A reminder that no matter how evil we seek to paint the politicians they are human and some have hearts that feel pain.
I have always liked Biden because of his "regular guy" image, and the fact he is a passionate supporter of better passenger rail service. His appalling personal loss in 1972 is something we would not wish on anyone.
There is something else that should be said about the man: he nearly died in 1988 when struck down by a sudden brain aneurysm. It might have happened during his own campaign for president during the primary season. He needed emergency brain surgery and did not know if he would survive the night into the next morning. He told his sons who were by his side this, and offered private words to them before the risky surgery that evening, in the chance he was no longer with them the following day.
Good speech Joe! Our nation of free citizens will never forget this day. God Bless America!
-0-
Thank-you VP Biden for your kind words from the heart..
We will never forget those brave hero's of flight 93, who gave their lives to save others.
Let's roll!
May the passengers of flight #93 be forever enshrined in our hearts as their ultimate sacrifice saved many lives and reflected the true meaning of patriotism.
Joe Thomas-6624551
Where were all these LEADERS, when the economy was plunging into the ravine before 2009? Did you notice, at the RNC, that Mr. Ryan never once mentioned his voting record, for or against this Healthcare reform? Did you notice he was not transparent, when it came to his vote FOR the Iraq war? They ALL had a hand in where we are, today, and for Boehner, to say he LACKS CONFIDENCE, is a sure sign they are not ready to LEAD!
For once, we need to hold all their feet to the fire, and demand that they do the job we sent them to Washington, to do. They owe their allegiance to the People who voted them into office, NOT to those who funded their campaigns! When they develop a prosperous Nation again, they will have satisfied their duties, to everyone, including those who backed them, financially.
Unless they begin to be more transparent, unseal Presidential records, and report to those who put them where they are, all of this nonsense will continue, to the end of time. No one, who is employed in any job, has the right to SEAL their employment records, from their employer, why then, is is excusesable, for a President, to have that privilege? Instead of playing "tit for tat" on the Hill, it's high time they put their shoulder to the wheel, and everyone pulled together.
While I have your attention, it is high time their paychecks were frozen, for the next four years, their healthcare benefits matched those that the average person in this Country has to live with, and if they need supplemental insurance, they too should pay for it, out of their OWN pocket, and not steal it from the tax dollars we pay for the more critical issues. A Congressional job, is an honor, and it should be appreciated, and service, to the American Voter should be their priority, and those who don't have that mindset, who are lining their pockets, and having a grand time "posturing" need to leave. With all the unemployment in this Country, I'm certain there are thousands who would jump into their job, and probably appreciate it much more than they obviously don't.
Time to wipe the slate clean, and look to moving FORWARD, not backward.
VP Joe Biden is very real and understanding. He is right, it does not matter how long it has been since this awful attack, one will always remember. It is very hard in losing a loved one and the grounds of America being attacked by terrorist. America is the greatest country in the world even through difficult times. We must not let our eyes off the enemy. We must continue to show our dominance and let the world know make no mistake if you attack America we will get you.
This is a day for rememberance,,,a day when all the hearts in this country feel the tragic loss of so many of our citizens,,,,,
This is a day for prayers and coming together in our grief,,,,This is not a day for politics!!!!
Please pray for all the lost souls and for the family and friends that have been living every day with their loss,,,
God bless us all, and God bless america,,,
It has been 11 years since this tragedy, and it still hurts like it was yesterday. At least now we can take comfort in the fact that the monster responsible is gone.