by David Nitkin
It may be the cushiest part of their trip.
For those who have never ventured on to the South Lawn of the White House, it's worth noting that the jogging path installed by Bill Clinton is both discreet and of extremely high quality. It adds a surprising spring to the step as one treads on it to view, say, a Marine One departure or the Boston Red Sox greet the ruler of the free world.
Today, Wounded Warrior cyclists will get to ride on that track (and the adjacent driveway) for a lap and a quarter before heading on a three-day, 65 mile bicycle ride that will take them to Baltimore and Annapolis.
The event has its roots in a 2004 coast-to-coast ride by Chris Carney of New York to support wounded soldiers. The event was expanded to include injured veterans -- many of whom ride in recumbent cycles. Last year, the format was changed to encompass seven regional rides. The White House-to-Annapolis segment kicking off today is this year's first.
President Bush is an avid cyclist, and while he's kicking off the race in front of an assembled crowd of hundreds, he has no plans to ride, according to details of the South Lawn event released by the White House.
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Comments
Who, pray tell, is "the ruler of the free world"? We don't even have "rulers" in this country. Elected officials are servants, not rulers. The People are the rulers.
Besides, even if we assumed that someone around these parts was a "ruler," the rest of the world sure-'nuff doesn't listen to him or her. The leadership in this country vacillates between the laughingstock and the "bad guys" to everyone else.
Posted by: John W. | April 24, 2008 2:38 PM
I wonder if the Republican Draftdodger in Chief will tell these wounded warrior's how many military funerals he has attended since he started his pre-emptive war on Iraq?....ZERO!!!!
Posted by: John E | April 24, 2008 2:45 PM
Excellent point John W! The US Government should fear us. Instead it is the other way around. Something needs to change.
Posted by: jethro | April 24, 2008 3:12 PM
We should join him. With the cost of gas we'll all be on bikes soon.
Posted by: bill r. | April 24, 2008 3:18 PM
Instead of the bike ride, it's too bad President Bush couldn't have done more at the Veterans Administration, instead of cutting funds, staff and privatizing it. The veterans deserve a lot more than a bike ride. Ah, what the heck, he got his and after his term, he'll get a whole lot more.!!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | April 24, 2008 3:28 PM
Every veteran in attendance should demand this president apologize for lying about and smearing decorated war heros in 2000 and 2004. And for cutting benefits for veterans. And for lying over 900 times to start a war.
Posted by: Paul | April 24, 2008 3:32 PM
"TROOPS STUCK IN IRAQ SPEAK"
I REFUSE TO RIDE A BIKE BACK TO THE UNITED STATES.
I REFUSE TO RIDE A BIKE THROUGH BAGHDAD!
I REFUSE TO RIDE A BIKE THROUGH RAHMADI IN ORDER TO GET HOME.
PLEASE SEND PLANES, TRAINS BUT NO BIKES.
WE REFUSE TO RIDE BIKES ACROSS THE SAND BOWLING ALLEYS OF SAUDI ARABIA TO GET HOME. PLEASE SEND A PLANE, A TRAIN.
WE REFUSE TO RIDE BIKES ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST TO "ISRAEL" TO GET HOME.
WE REFUSE TO SIT HERE IN YOUR "AUGMENTATED QUAGMIRE" WAITING FOR THE "GREAT RACE" TO FIND A WINNER.
WE REFUSE TO SIT HERE IN A "SECULAR" CIVIL WAR, ON BIKES PUSHING AND PUSHING FOR A COUNTRY TO ACCEPT YOUR "OIL RECONCILIATION" OR DOOM FOR US ALL.
PLEASE SEND A PLANE, A TRAIN, JUST NOT A BIKE!
WE WANT TO COME HOME, NOT GO "BIKE RIDING" TO CAMP CRAWFORD!
Posted by: Roger Morris | April 24, 2008 3:41 PM