We Can All Learn A Little Something From Barack Obama Skipping Nancy Reagan's Funeral To Speak At SXSW

COS-  President Barack Obama has opted to attend South by Southwest over the funeral for former first lady Nancy Reagan, reports The Washington Post.

As previously reported, President Obama is scheduled to give a keynote speechduring SXSW Interactive on Friday, March 11th, the same day Reagan will be laid to rest in Simi Valley, California.

First lady Michelle Obama will attend the funeral on her husband’s behalf, as will Democratic presidential candidate and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton.

The first lady is also scheduled to appear at SXSW, as she’ll give a keynote speech during the festival’s music portion on March 16th. Their appearance marks the first time a sitting president and first lady have ever attend the Austin-based music, film, and interactive conference.



You see, it's shit like this that proves Obama's Presidency has been a success. Forget about the tax reform and your thoughts on the current foreign policy. Disregard your feelings on healthcare or his handling of countless racially charged incidents. Judging the progress made during a President's term isn't about looking at what he accomplished - or failed to accomplish - on a day-to-day basis, it's about what we learned during his time in office. Barack Obama just taught us the all too important lesson that we shouldn't feel obligated to attend the funerals of those who we never really gave a shit about, and that - my friends - is a lesson that pays lifelong dividends. 

If a friend in need is a pest then I don't even know what a dead acquaintance is, but I know I shouldn't have to be present following his/her extermination to find out. It's not like attending a wedding where you can use the all-you-can-eat appetizers and endless booze to pretend that you care about the people being celebrated. Those being honored at funerals don't even know you are there and their loved ones certainly don't do anything to alter the mood of those who are for the better. I have a question for everyone that's criticizing Barack Obama for not going to Nancy Reagan's funeral, and I want you to answer honestly. How many of you have ever gone to someone's wake simply because their spouse used to hold your job title?

Last time I checked, Barack Obama is the President of The United States of America. That means he has obligations and a strict schedule he must adhere to. Nancy Reagan was the First Lady. She should know what being POTUS entails. If she wanted him to be there to see her put in the ground then she should have been more timely about her demise. Barack Obama is supposed to recognize the life of a former President's wife when she won't even recognize the importance of the President's word? It's not his fault he committed to a film and music festival, but I'll be damned if I am not glad that he did. With all the shit he's been taking from everyone for the last 8 years he deserves a little time to relax. I hope someone buys him a beer or six and even passes him the blunt from time to time. He's earned the chance to leave his wife behind and forget all about the old, dead white people that have come before him. ​