Wire: Obama Finally Issues Statement on Recruiter Shootings

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2009 -- Days after what some are calling a domestic terror attack by a "vengeful Muslim convert jihadi," the White House finally got around to releasing a statement on the shooting of soldiers at the Little Rock, Arkansas military recruitment center.

Here is the text of entire statement, which was made available only to the press and only upon request:

"I am deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence against two brave young soldiers who were doing their part to strengthen our armed forces and keep our country safe. I would like to wish Quinton Ezeagwula a speedy recovery, and to offer my condolences and prayers to William Long’s family as they mourn the loss of their son."

Contrast this with President Obama's statement on the Tiller murder, issued just hours after the shooting:

"I am shocked and outraged by the murder of Dr. George Tiller as he attended church services this morning. However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence."

Perhaps the statement on the recruiter shootings is simply keeping with the administration's passive language such as the euphemisms "overseas contingency operation" or "man-caused disaster" because the President's statement on the murder of Pvt. William A. Long is just as passive in voice and blame

In any event, the president finally issued a statement, even if, as of this writing, it hasn't been posted on the White House Web site.

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