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Joshua Dubois: What the President secretly did at Sandy Hook Elementary School

Below is an excerpt from The President’s Devotional by Joshua Dubois, the former head of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. He’s recounting events that occurred Sunday, December 16, 2012 — two days after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, when 20-year-old Adam Lanza fatally shot 20 children and 6 adult staff members. Dubois had gotten word the day before that the President wanted to meet with the families of the victims:

I left early to help the advance team—the hardworking folks who handle logistics for every event—set things up, and I arrived at the local high school where the meetings and memorial service would take place. We prepared seven or eight classrooms for the families of the slain children and teachers, two or three families to a classroom, placing water and tissues and snacks in each one. Honestly, we didn’t know how to prepare; it was the best we could think of.

The families came in and gathered together, room by room. Many struggled to offer a weak smile when we whispered, “The president will be here soon.” A few were visibly angry—so understandable that it barely needs to be said—and were looking for someone, anyone, to blame. Mostly they sat in silence.

I went downstairs to greet President Obama when he arrived, and I provided an overview of the situation. “Two families per classroom . . . The first is . . . and their child was . . . The second is . . . and their child was . . . We’ll tell you the rest as you go.”

The president took a deep breath and steeled himself, and went into the first classroom. And what happened next I’ll never forget.

Person after person received an engulfing hug from our commander in chief. He’d say, “Tell me about your son. . . . Tell me about your daughter,” and then hold pictures of the lost beloved as their parents described favorite foods, television shows, and the sound of their laughter. For the younger siblings of those who had passed away—many of them two, three, or four years old, too young to understand it all—the president would grab them and toss them, laughing, up into the air, and then hand them a box of White House M&M’s, which were always kept close at hand. In each room, I saw his eyes water, but he did not break.

And then the entire scene would repeat—for hours. Over and over and over again, through well over a hundred relatives of the fallen, each one equally broken, wrecked by the loss. After each classroom, we would go back into those fluorescent hallways and walk through the names of the coming families, and then the president would dive back in, like a soldier returning to a tour of duty in a worthy but wearing war. We spent what felt like a lifetime in those classrooms, and every single person received the same tender treatment. The same hugs. The same looks, directly in their eyes. The same sincere offer of support and prayer.

The staff did the preparation work, but the comfort and healing were all on President Obama. I remember worrying about the toll it was taking on him. And of course, even a president’s comfort was woefully inadequate for these families in the face of this particularly unspeakable loss. But it became some small measure of love, on a weekend when evil reigned.

From The President’s Devotional. Copyright 2013 Joshua Dubois.

school-shooting-5-600

Children waiting outside the school after the shooting. [photo: Michelle McLoughlin]


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1,550 comments on “Joshua Dubois: What the President secretly did at Sandy Hook Elementary School

  1. Lisa Foster
    December 17, 2016
    Lisa Foster's avatar

    President Obama is one of the BEST presidents we’ve ever had!!! He will truly be missed😢
    My prayers go out to all the family’s that lost a child on this horrible day!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Linda
    December 17, 2016
    Linda's avatar

    As a teacher and a mother I can only imagine the horrors of that day but I am sure President Obama felt almost as much pain as those parents and loved ones did that day. I have such admiration and respect for him.i don’t know if we will ever see another president with such compassion again.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Donna McAlpine
    December 17, 2016
    Donna McAlpine's avatar

    I will miss him. Such a compassionate, intelligent man. We were so lucky to have him as our president.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Ben miralia
    December 17, 2016
    Ben miralia's avatar

    Jesus I’m going to miss him.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Rik Brittain (@TexasBirder56)
    December 17, 2016
    Rik Brittain (@TexasBirder56)'s avatar

    What a touching gesture.
    I wish he felt the same way about the children in the Middle East that our country is either directly or indirectly killing. Perhaps one day we will elect such a person.

    Like

    • Winnie
      December 17, 2016
      Winnie's avatar

      What a left-handed compliment! Can’t you give a well-earned compliment without adding a “but…..”!

      Liked by 1 person

    • Carol Boudreau
      December 17, 2016
      Carol Boudreau's avatar

      You need to put a slight to this? He’s a good man. He cares about all children, in our country and others. You need to learn another way to think about things. He did not put us in the middle East,.he’s doing his best to make civilian casualties as little as possible.

      Like

      • Biff Malibu
        December 17, 2016
        Biff Malibu's avatar

        Obama is a piece of shit.

        Like

        • Grandmother Teacher
          December 17, 2016
          Grandmother Teacher's avatar

          Great sentiment-I thought especially in this season of the year one could be kind or silent!

          Liked by 2 people

        • Miguel
          December 17, 2016
          Miguel's avatar

          No. He is a black democrat and the POTUS. I imagine that the 1st two descriptions have more to do with your ignorant comment than the latter.

          Like

        • Pete
          December 17, 2016
          Pete's avatar

          Give me. Reason why

          Like

        • Marie
          December 17, 2016
          Marie's avatar

          And you’re an ass… probably supports Trump.. crawl back under your rock and stay there!!

          Like

          • Marie
            December 17, 2016
            Marie's avatar

            That was to Biff Malibu

            Like

        • Noreen Simak
          December 17, 2016
          Noreen Simak's avatar

          you are hateful. I am sorry for you.

          Like

        • Lisa Foster
          December 17, 2016
          Lisa Foster's avatar

          Why would come on this website and post such a negative comment??? This is about children that lost their lives!!! Omg you are the piece of shit Biff Malibu… is that your real name 😂😂😂😂👎🏻

          Like

          • Jerry
            December 17, 2016
            Jerry's avatar

            Re: “Bill Malibu.”

            This is not likely his real name. These badass, chest thumping jerks are almost always too cowardly to use there real names

            Liked by 1 person

        • Christine
          December 17, 2016
          Christine's avatar

          No sir, actually you are a piece of shit.

          Like

        • Chuck Perego
          December 17, 2016
          Chuck Perego's avatar

          Donald? Is that you?

          Like

        • Allyson
          December 17, 2016
          Allyson's avatar

          As are you apparently

          Like

        • Stephen P Newton
          December 17, 2016
          Stephen P Newton's avatar

          Because what you just read is diametrically opposed to what you value?

          Like

    • rmcjlsRobert C
      December 17, 2016
      rmcjlsRobert C's avatar

      Why do you think he doesn’t feel the same way? International politics and diplomacy are complicated. Just because he wants to stop the violence doesn’t mean he has the power to. Especially when people in your state keep sending idiots to Congress to stop him.

      Like

    • Elaine Allen
      December 17, 2016
      Elaine Allen's avatar

      His explanation of the issues at hand with Syria were poignant yesterday at his press conference. He explained the heartache involved for him and of course us. He aches nightly for the horror. He is as compassionate as they come …

      Liked by 1 person

    • K
      December 17, 2016
      K's avatar

      Is he the President of our country or the president of a middle eastern country? Get a grip

      Like

  6. scott
    December 17, 2016
    scott's avatar

    The definition of character!

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Vangie Kuzio
    December 17, 2016
    Vangie Kuzio's avatar

    He is an awesome person. ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

  8. Mary Reese
    December 17, 2016
    Mary Reese's avatar

    Thank you President Obama for all you have done and all you will do! May GOD continue to bless you and your family!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Vox Populi
      December 17, 2016
      Vox Populi's avatar

      As a wise man once said, we are all just walking each other home.

      Like

  9. Linda
    December 17, 2016
    Linda's avatar

    Thank you Mr President🎄🎅🏻☃🌴

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Yasaman
    December 17, 2016
    Yasaman's avatar

    This man avoided war , avoided sending our children to be killed in the countries that were messed up by other politicians . Only a few appreciate that .
    Thank you president Obama .

    Like

    • Biff Dipstick
      December 17, 2016
      Biff Dipstick's avatar

      Are you delusional?

      “By the time Obama hit the dais at Oslo to accept the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009, our 44th president had already launched more drone strikes than “43” carried out during two full terms. Since then, he’s launched two undeclared wars, and—as Obama bragged in a speech last year defending the Iran deal—bombed no fewer than seven countries.”

      http://time.com/4317122/president-obamas-war-legacy/

      Like

  11. Jane
    December 17, 2016
    Jane's avatar

    Love this man. What an example of integrity.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Anne Torres
    December 17, 2016
    Anne Torres's avatar

    it must have been so hard for him to have to do this, but he is such a compassionate person & even when I am sure he wanted to break down, he stayed strong for these families. I am proud to call him my President. God Bless all these families that lost their loved ones, & God bless the President Obama.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. A. Radkins
    December 17, 2016
    A. Radkins's avatar

    Thank you for sharing…… it is a shame that so many people are willing to sling mud at him. He and his family have made me proud to be American. Thank you President Obama.

    Liked by 2 people

  14. Max Veale
    December 17, 2016
    Max Veale's avatar

    Like so many others, I am so proud to call Obama my president. We owe him for his compassionate and professional care in times of great concern.

    Liked by 2 people

  15. Carole
    December 17, 2016
    Carole's avatar

    I love President OBAMA and I have so much respect for him and Michele both. Reading this article doesn’t surprise me on how engaging and heart felt this Commander and Chief would be in tragic times. I just don’t understand how anyone could feel hate/disrespect towards him.
    I would gladly vote him in for a third term if I could. I feel nothing but anxiety and worry with Trump coming in to fill some big shoes. Peace and Prayers for AMERICA!

    Liked by 2 people

  16. Kathleen Richard
    December 17, 2016
    Kathleen Richard's avatar

    Thank you Mr. President. You have been horribly disresecret during your tenure as CIC. I am very sorry about that, because you have the class that very few will ever understand. I thank you for going to Sandy Hook and all of the other honerable things you have done. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for a job well done. You will be sadly missed.

    Liked by 3 people

  17. kire8181
    December 16, 2016
    kire8181's avatar

    Not a secret. I remember reading about this. But great all the same.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Jonathon shockley
    December 16, 2016
    Jonathon shockley's avatar

    What has happened to this country
    20 children murdered in a school
    People saying it didn’t happen
    They were actors…really..
    the president visits the family’s of
    The victims..president moved to tears.
    President was mocked
    said he cried alligator tears…
    People saying it was a false flag
    When did we slide off the cliff
    Into the abyss
    Hate , lies and filth cover all truth like sewage
    It’s getting darker
    NO one seems to see what’s happening
    evil itself has taken over…
    And now you have a president that has a golden toilet…and no morals
    IT IS GOING TO BE HORRIBLE
    HE IS THE ANTICHRIST
    AMERICA IS NO MORE

    Liked by 5 people

    • True American
      December 17, 2016
      True American's avatar

      Get a grip loser. Crawl into your safe space and stroke your therapy dog. When you come out in 4 years you will see that Trump and the real Americans with backbone,have made America great again. So maybe you should move to another country with all the celebrities who are leaving. Oh yeah! That’s right just like you they are full of shit and lies. And going nowhere

      Like

      • MsLynn
        December 17, 2016
        MsLynn's avatar

        “True American” my ass… You are a sad little man, with a sad, lonely little soul. I will pray for you – not because you deserve it, but because you need it and it’s the right thing to do as a compassionate human being. Perhaps some of it will crack through your hatred….

        Liked by 1 person

      • EBL
        December 17, 2016
        EBL's avatar

        Whew! You are such an angry, mean-spirited human being. Very sad for you

        Liked by 1 person

    • Pete
      December 17, 2016
      Pete's avatar

      Were did you get this info

      Like

  19. Ronna Christopherson
    December 16, 2016
    Ronna Christopherson's avatar

    Obama has one thing that Donald Trump will never have….CLASS.

    Liked by 4 people

  20. Worrell, b
    December 16, 2016
    Worrell, b's avatar

    I don’t want to even acknowledge Kevin. I want to say thank you to say thank you to mg President for the honor and dignity he displayed to hear families. My heart still breaks for them and am so saddened that we, the American public, let it slide and no new laws regarding gun regulations. But fortunately we had a president who was there, and one we can be so proud off for dignity and compassion.

    Liked by 2 people

  21. Deborah Berk
    December 16, 2016
    Deborah Berk's avatar

    I could not wish for a more good and moral leader.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Kevin
    December 16, 2016
    Kevin's avatar

    You know what they say don’t let a good tragedy go to waste LOL exactly what he was doing there! He was there to push his radical anti-gun garbage period! He was doing what all good liberals do, pretend like they care about you! Phony tears and the works, it makes me sick.

    Like

    • Bonnie Rose
      December 16, 2016
      Bonnie Rose's avatar

      This is not the place for your comments.

      Like

      • Eli Hess
        December 16, 2016
        Eli Hess's avatar

        So right, Bonnie Rose! Thanks for saying it.

        Like

      • giovanna paponetti
        December 16, 2016
        giovanna paponetti's avatar

        YOU make me sick, Kevin. Obviously you don’t understand the concept of compassion that many people have including Presiden Obama.

        Like

      • Jagan
        December 16, 2016
        Jagan's avatar

        Shame on you Kevin … no one knew about this you ass!

        Like

      • True American
        December 17, 2016
        True American's avatar

        Fuck you

        Like

        • martinjones212
          December 17, 2016
          martinjones212's avatar

          Wow, Such class and intellect. If you are an example of what makes America great, we are truly screwed.

          Like

    • Barbara
      December 16, 2016
      Barbara's avatar

      How would you ever know there were phony tears? You think parents whose child was murdered by a mentally ill young man are crying phony tears? You apparently possess no empathy for the parents in this situation, so you project your dark heart onto the parents and Obama. Take a good long look at yourself.

      Like

    • colcool007
      December 16, 2016
      colcool007's avatar

      Tell you what Kevin. Let me come around to your next family gathering and let me shoot 80% of your relatives and then tell me it was a good tragedy?

      I bet you pretend to be Christian too and bewail how badly so many are treated too. You don’t make me sick. You just make me wonder why JC bothered.

      Like

    • Kathleen Snyder
      December 16, 2016
      Kathleen Snyder's avatar

      please just go away, please…

      Like

    • C Radunzel
      December 16, 2016
      C Radunzel's avatar

      What a disturbed, cynical person you are!

      Like

    • Derek
      December 16, 2016
      Derek's avatar

      Hi Kevin. Take a hard look at yourself. You’re a horrible person. Seek help.

      Like

    • Lou
      December 16, 2016
      Lou's avatar

      Why is it seemingly impossible for you to oppose Barrack Obama’s proposals for gun control without also impugning his humanity? Sad to say, I don’t think it was anything he did that made you sick. That happened long before.

      Liked by 2 people

    • Pat
      December 16, 2016
      Pat's avatar

      You sound like a tragedy…why don’t you go to waste!

      Like

    • Jerry
      December 16, 2016
      Jerry's avatar

      Yes. Sick is exactly how I would describe you.

      Like

    • Cate
      December 16, 2016
      Cate's avatar

      Whereas Kevin you show a very clear and shameless lack of empathy and total lack of decency.For parents whose innocent young children were SHOT in a MASS MURDER!! What is wrong with you–what do you have to be so angry about? Your stupid guns or your stupid job? Life is that unfair to you? It’s unfair to everyone, deal with it. Go get a shrink, you need help.

      Like

    • Lyn
      December 16, 2016
      Lyn's avatar

      And you make me sick. I suppose you’d rather have that idiot Trump do it. He could get out there and make fun of the kids like he did that reporter on TV. Arrogant fool.

      Like

    • Rosemary Lavan
      December 16, 2016
      Rosemary Lavan's avatar

      You are a disgrace Kevin. These are the actions of a kind man. How dare you! Has no one ever shown you a kindness out of goodness? For shame!

      Like

    • Nancy
      December 16, 2016
      Nancy's avatar

      God I am so glad I don’t have your crappy attitude. Never giving this guy a break. What do you do that even compares to that? You dont know what people go through when losing a child otherwise you would know there is no way to push anything on these people. They lost a child get real….

      Like

    • Don
      December 16, 2016
      Don's avatar

      You are an ass. No one knew about this. No publicity, no agenda. You make me sick,

      Like

    • Frank Carlson
      December 16, 2016
      Frank Carlson's avatar

      Such a pinched and mean-spirited reaction. If Obama’s motive had been as you fantasize, you would have heard of him doing this before now. Instead four years have passed and this has been kept secret. So foolish.

      Like

    • Mike
      December 16, 2016
      Mike's avatar

      I hope you get some asshole cancer and die you piece of shit!

      Like

      • Stephen P Newton
        December 17, 2016
        Stephen P Newton's avatar

        High road?

        Like

    • Jagan
      December 16, 2016
      Jagan's avatar

      Shame on you

      Like

    • Lou
      December 16, 2016
      Lou's avatar

      Kevin, you not only disrespect the office of the presidency with your remarks, but more importantly, you disrespect the parents and their murdered children. These parents were present to see the concern and compassion the President was, not you. This was not about politics. I truly feel sorry for your ignorance.

      Like

    • Linda posell
      December 16, 2016
      Linda posell's avatar

      You make me sick

      Like

      • Linda posell
        December 16, 2016
        Linda posell's avatar

        This is for Kevin

        Like

    • rafaelrobyns
      December 16, 2016
      rafaelrobyns's avatar

      Get help before you hurt more people than you likely already have.

      Like

    • Jonathon shockley
      December 16, 2016
      Jonathon shockley's avatar

      Make no mistake…Your a peice of shit.

      Like

    • Diane
      December 16, 2016
      Diane's avatar

      What a cold hearted reply!

      Like

    • Dave M Ross
      December 16, 2016
      Dave M Ross's avatar

      May God touch your heart and fill that cold place of yours with love and compassion. I pity you and those like you.

      Like

    • cashaww | BigHead Photos
      December 16, 2016
      cashaww | BigHead Photos's avatar

      Does it not say, the President did this secretly? So, there were no broadcast, etc..

      Like

    • MSU Alum
      December 16, 2016
      MSU Alum's avatar

      Kevin, you are an idiot. Crawl back in the hole you came out of!

      Like

      • peter
        December 17, 2016
        peter's avatar

        For all those rightly offended by Kevin’s comments remember this; there are many Kevins out there. Hate and anger will not bring them aroung and maybe some will never change. What we have to do is continue in disciplined love and compassion for all; tough when it needs to be, but always respectful. This I know from the experience of treating sex offenders for over 20 years and working with the families of those harmed. Never, never give up your tough love; you may only help one to change, but one is a beginning.

        Liked by 1 person

    • nechakotess
      December 16, 2016
      nechakotess's avatar

      you need to grow a brain and a heart.

      Like

    • Sonia Larsen
      December 16, 2016
      Sonia Larsen's avatar

      Please review your thoughts for a week or 2 before plastering the page with nasty. I’ve been watching my mid for ≥ 50 years, and shades of less, when it is a well formed thought.

      Like

    • peter
      December 17, 2016
      peter's avatar

      Very sad you cannot see the integrity present; stop and think again. There is a wonderful world out there when we drop cynacism and turn to each other in genuine compassion. Also, not wise to judge somone until you have walked a mile in their shoes. I wish you a more hopeful life.

      Liked by 1 person

    • An Skinner
      December 17, 2016
      An Skinner's avatar

      You make me sick. Clearly you only believe what is fed to you on fox news, and don’t know how to think on your own. You are what is wrong with our country.

      Like

    • sue killgore
      December 17, 2016
      sue killgore's avatar

      How very pitiful you are. I hope someday you can have the privilege of being around real humans and see and understand how that works. President Obama genuinely cares about those families and has a very difficult time understanding people like you. As a matter of fact, so do most of us.

      Like

    • Debra Gehringer
      December 17, 2016
      Debra Gehringer's avatar

      Kevin, he did what we all do for someone in deep despair. He reminded them that we all grieved for their children and the teachers who tried so hard to protect them by loving them and laying down their lives for those children. He went there to share their grief to make their load lighter. Even though we couldn’t be there with those families, we all shared their grief to help carry their load. That’s what compassion does, it reminds people deep in despair that we all love and care for each other in the worst of times. Those moments when we share grief are the moments when we are truly doing God’s work for Him. And when we finally get it ‘right’ in this world. I’m sorry that you don’t know that.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Anita G. Alston
      December 17, 2016
      Anita G. Alston's avatar

      My wonderful president. He will truly be missed. So much class and wisdom. Thank you President Obama for all you have done and all you tried to do.

      Liked by 2 people

    • Caz Russell
      December 17, 2016
      Caz Russell's avatar

      You’re a complete souless asshole Kevin. May you rot in hell, if i were there when you made these comments i would’ve kicked your ass just for saying something so stupid. When it happens again i hope it’s someone you love on the recieving end.

      Like

    • Jane McConkey
      December 17, 2016
      Jane McConkey's avatar

      You make me sick

      Like

    • Denise
      December 17, 2016
      Denise's avatar

      What if it had been your Child Kevin? Would you feel the same.. BE ASHAMED of yourself.. I am ashamed of YOU !

      Like

    • Kate Reininger-Severin
      December 17, 2016
      Kate Reininger-Severin's avatar

      Kevin….you live in a deluded world.
      There are many good people out there that aren’t looking for things in return for being kind. Yes, there are bad people out there, but if we are so pessimistic about the world without trying for peace, we might as well give up. The founders of our nation wanted people to be able to live life, work hard, worship whom we wanted to worship, and loved and be loved by friends and family. What else is life for? We live in a country so stressed out that we have lost sight of the wonderful things we have.
      Kate

      Liked by 1 person

    • CT Teacher
      December 17, 2016
      CT Teacher's avatar

      Anybody who thinks tears are fake at the deaths of 20 innocent children and 6 people who gave their lives for them is heartless himself or to be more exact a psychopath w no empathy for others.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Zawadzki
      December 17, 2016
      Zawadzki's avatar

      What the hell is wrong with you?

      Like

    • Winnie
      December 17, 2016
      Winnie's avatar

      WRONG! If he were doing it for political purposes, he would have made sure this story was immediately plastered all over the media. and would have been sure to have cameras following him from room to room broadcasting his interactions. That’s exactly what Trump would have done.

      Like

    • Rick Fernandez
      December 17, 2016
      Rick Fernandez's avatar

      Hey, Kevin … kiss off …choke on #groperdonald for whatever time he manages to stay in office B4 his own party moves to impeach him …#putinsbitch

      Joshua Dubois: What the President secretly did at Sandy Hook Elementary School

      Like

    • Carlos
      December 17, 2016
      Carlos's avatar

      I wish someday your kids or relatives will get shot like this.

      Like

    • Pete
      December 17, 2016
      Pete's avatar

      Are you for guns?

      Like

    • Chuck Perego
      December 17, 2016
      Chuck Perego's avatar

      You are, of course, mistaken. Proven, easily, by the fact that this story is coming out now. Four years later. And as he is about to leave office. So, no photo ops. No cover of Time Magazine with the families. None of that. But please don’t let facts get in the way of a good smear.

      Like

  23. Sarie Doverspike
    December 16, 2016
    Sarie Doverspike's avatar

    Thank you so very much for sharing this. Love is love and our dear President Barack Obama has changed us and we will never see the likes of this man who has left the legacy of true kindness and compassion the likes of which we may never experience in a President for generations to come.❤❤❤❤❤

    Liked by 3 people

  24. Jean Heath
    December 16, 2016
    Jean Heath's avatar

    I always knew this strong solid man would make us proud. I admire his ability to show how much he loves this country even through the unbelievable treatment he has received while in office. Truly a stand up citizen…

    Liked by 2 people

    • Cathleen Lemire
      December 16, 2016
      Cathleen Lemire's avatar

      All I know is he has the toughest job in the world and he deserves respect. If the next President can do a better job that would be a miracle.!

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Anita westley
    December 16, 2016
    Anita westley's avatar

    How come this is never published for everyone to see. If the donald had to even be at a sadifferent event such as Sandy Hook. I would hide my head in shame. He can’t even show emotion other than hate

    Liked by 1 person

    • Mark Levy
      December 16, 2016
      Mark Levy's avatar

      Instead Donald Trump lauds a man (Alex Jones) who thinks Sandy Hook was a myth

      Like

    • Tom
      December 16, 2016
      Tom's avatar

      The only reason obama went there was because the golf course was closed. Otherwise he wouldn’t have gone. Look at the hurricane this past year in LA. Golf was more important. Trump was the only one that did ANYTHING. Sent food and water and toys for the kids while Hillary hid and obama played golf. Looks like we have a REAL president coming into office

      Like

      • Dana
        December 16, 2016
        Dana's avatar

        He was asked not to volunteer sit the hurricane devastation because it would have diverted people from helping victims to managing traffic. Trump couldn’t be bothered to do what the local folks asked for. One of the hardest things anyone ever does is suffer the loss of a child. I’ve helped families through that as their pastor. It is really hard. It would be unbelievably hard to go through that with families that are complete strangers, family by family. He did this because it was the right thing to do,not as a publicity stunt, like Trump at a he hurricane site.

        Liked by 3 people

      • Bonnie Rose
        December 16, 2016
        Bonnie Rose's avatar

        Trump spent 4 minutes shuffling Silly Putty for a photo op. He’s real ok. Real POS, not POTUS.

        Like

      • Lou
        December 16, 2016
        Lou's avatar

        Tom, Sure, Trump was so concerned that he passed out Play Dou and water for a FEW minutes THAT DIDN’T BELONG TO HIM, just for photographs. He caused workers to stop their important work just to cater to his very brief visit. Everyone except you, Tom, knew Trump was told not to go there. Yep, Putin’s puppet will never be a REAL president.

        Liked by 1 person

      • NOYB
        December 16, 2016
        NOYB's avatar

        Trump only showed up in LA for publicity (begging for votes, which he didn’t get over 50% of). He is a sad example of a human being (i don’t think he is human). You all will here from us for the next four years, or until Trump quits because he can’t handle the pressure (he is TOO WEAK).

        Like

      • Human
        December 16, 2016
        Human's avatar

        You sick sad person. Get help or take one of your American guns and do the world a favour and shoot yourself

        Like

      • nechakotess
        December 16, 2016
        nechakotess's avatar

        Real president – are you crazy? He doesn’t even want to live in the White House and you will have to pay him for the 2 floors in his hotel where his protective services will have to live to protect him. And that symbolizes everything wrong with him. You now have someone who will find the angle where he can scam a few books and who will only do the things he finds fun – like attending masturbatory rallies and avoiding intelligence briefings. Good luck USA, its the fall of the republic.

        Like

      • Pete
        December 17, 2016
        Pete's avatar

        Keep on dreaming

        Like

  26. Judith Capelli
    December 16, 2016
    Judith Capelli's avatar

    The loss of this man as our leader will be felt so much more severely thinking what is coming next ~~|We will not see this behavior again for a long, long time!
    God bless President Obama and God help the United States is America!

    Liked by 2 people

  27. Diane
    December 16, 2016
    Diane's avatar

    There will never another like President Barack Obama!

    Liked by 3 people

    • armond simmons
      December 17, 2016
      armond simmons's avatar

      THANK GOD !!

      Like

      • Jerry
        December 17, 2016
        Jerry's avatar

        Seeing how conservatives have complained about Obama over the last eight years, and now praise Trump, in spite of the fact that he falls far short of Obama on almost every measure, can we drop the charade now and admit that your real problem was the color of his skin?

        Liked by 1 person

  28. Valerie Milot
    December 16, 2016
    Valerie Milot's avatar

    I am once again engulfed in sadness and pride in how our President showed so much kindness and genuine sympathy and empathy to these families.

    Liked by 2 people

  29. Anton Delgado
    December 16, 2016
    Anton Delgado's avatar

    This is an extraordinary man. He will be missed. I blessed him every day he was in charge of the difficult job of leading us. He deserved better.

    Liked by 4 people

  30. Cec
    December 16, 2016
    Cec's avatar

    Touching story & comments …but some of them really scare me…perhaps indicative of facing the civil execution of a trump presidency 😱

    Liked by 1 person

  31. Ellen
    December 16, 2016
    Ellen's avatar

    He served this country with grace, dignity, and compassion. His strength, intelligence and focus on what is best for our country will be missed. I wish him and his family well.

    Liked by 4 people

  32. Marguerite Stahley
    December 15, 2016
    Marguerite Stahley's avatar

    He will always be my President. God bless him. Always.

    Liked by 5 people

  33. CSB
    December 15, 2016
    CSB's avatar

    Sandy hook was a hoax, and nothing but a drill, the people were all actors, and it was to further his gun grab. The obit on The perp, went live the day before it happened. The POS in our white house is a fraud.

    Like

    • Francine Wilkins
      December 16, 2016
      Francine Wilkins's avatar

      You are delusional.

      Liked by 3 people

    • Jeanette Dumouchel
      December 16, 2016
      Jeanette Dumouchel's avatar

      If this happened to you, you would be really upset if someone said it was a hoax. You should be ashamed of yourself, you have no humanity for those who lost their children. You’re as bad as that shooter! Stop spreading lie and get your head out of the sand!!!

      Liked by 4 people

    • mpp12013
      December 16, 2016
      mpp12013's avatar

      You need mental health help. How do you function in the world? I hope you have no children to distort.

      Liked by 4 people

    • Ned
      December 16, 2016
      Ned's avatar

      Fake news..grow up reality is worth knowing

      Liked by 1 person

    • Jim Taylor
      December 16, 2016
      Jim Taylor's avatar

      You know, I believe you might be right. I was looking the other day, and I saw those numbers. You know, about how many guns have been taken, in the last 8 years. You know. I can’t seem to find them now. Would you please share YOUR information? Also, could you share your copies of the speeches where he was advocating taking peoples guns away from them?
      Since you are opposed to gun control, AND I 100% agree with you, please share you address, so I can get your child/grandchild an Uzi for Christmas. Perhaps a nice Sig Sauer, would be sweet. 😉

      Liked by 4 people

    • Victoria Thewes
      December 16, 2016
      Victoria Thewes's avatar

      You’re an ignorant ass!

      Like

      • Jerry
        December 16, 2016
        Jerry's avatar

        Think what you like, but yours is a hardition totain:l

        (1) no credible evidence supports your account

        (2) one of to great right wing complaints about Obama is that he is incompetent. How he could pull off one of the greatest hoaxes of all time is a mystery, isn’t it?

        (3) if it was such a such a great success, how come you still have your guns? Did Obama just forget about the “gun grab” part?

        (4) Occams Razor — the most elegant and parsimonious explanation is usually the correct one. Note the tremendous amount of straightforward evidence that supports the fact that it happened.

        Liked by 1 person

    • L. C
      December 16, 2016
      L. C's avatar

      I personally know more than one first responder from Sandy Hook, it haunts them to this day, for you to say it was a hoax is unbelievably ignorant…instead of listening to garbage like infowars, do your own research….

      Liked by 2 people

      • Jerry
        December 16, 2016
        Jerry's avatar

        Thank you. There are so many first hand accounts, and so much physical evidence, it just boggles the mind that there are people who think it was a “false flag incedent.”

        Liked by 2 people

    • Elizabeth Van Auken
      December 16, 2016
      Unknown's avatar

      Wow… let me guess? You’re wearing a tinfoil hat right now so your thoughts can’t be read by the government, right? Oh, wait. You have to have a brain to have thoughts, which in this instance, you clearly do not possess.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Kevin Kurgan Johnson
      December 16, 2016
      Kevin Kurgan Johnson's avatar

      how many of your guns were taken away and by who ?

      Liked by 1 person

    • Shai Pina
      December 16, 2016
      Shai Pina's avatar

      If a hoax, where are the children and teachers? Their families would like them to return to them.

      Liked by 3 people

    • Diane Calvert
      December 16, 2016
      Diane Calvert's avatar

      I wondered if I would ever connect with one of you hoax people. Yesterday was the sad anniversary and CNN showed pictures of each and everyone of those killed. Most were 6 years old. I am Canadian and one of the victims was a little one from Alberta whose parents had moved due to a job transfer. A man who had moved to Florida said he was still receiving death threats for “lying” about Sandy Hook. Please tell us why you think this. It cannot be the gun stuff. He has been in power for 8 years and you still have your guns more than ever. I do not know how you can kick these poor people while they are down. Clearly you do not have anyone in your life that you love or that loves you. Your actions are like going to the funeral and spoiling the gravesite while those families are forced to look on. Someday Karma will catch up with you and when it does, I hope you think of those survivors of Sandy Hook and the empty space at their table again this Christmas.

      Liked by 3 people

      • Jerry
        December 16, 2016
        Jerry's avatar

        Thanks. Someone had to say it, and you said it beautifully.

        Liked by 1 person

    • Steve Cousineau
      December 16, 2016
      Steve Cousineau's avatar

      Parents of the victims are receiving death threats because people like you believe hoaxes…I know one of the parent victims. You are despicable.

      Liked by 2 people

      • Vox Populi
        December 16, 2016
        Vox Populi's avatar

        I agree, Steve. To try to make political points by harassing grieving parents is truly horrible.

        Like

    • Kerry Burns
      December 16, 2016
      Kerry Burns's avatar

      what a totally soul-less response, do your homework and do some research you poS, probaly still living in your parents basement.

      Liked by 1 person

    • cantilever
      December 16, 2016
      cantilever's avatar

      Shai (comment below), I wish CSB would address your question. Where indeed are the fake victims today? Not with their heart-broken parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, friends. Are they living in the basement of the White House? CSB must be delighted that the hoax failed to initiate confiscation of every gun in America. I know for a fact it failed, because two years after the murders at Sandy Hook, the enterprise of slaughter-by-hellfire continues unabated. With that in mind, I don’t understand why CSB has his/her panties in a twist. C’mon CSB, cheer up! Your dream of living in Trump’s parallel universe in which facts, truth, honesty, and courage have been replaced by conspiracy theories, paranoia, mean-spiritedness, and run-of-the-mill bullshit, is the new norm. We’re all very sad that you’re so unhappy. Bless your heart!

      Liked by 2 people

    • Don
      December 16, 2016
      Don's avatar

      You are an idiot

      Liked by 1 person

    • Mike
      December 16, 2016
      Mike's avatar

      There were errors in reporting. There were occasional lapses of ethics in how the tragedy was used in argument. Some ingredients of the tragedy were deeply negligent at least. So if some persons feel the evidence supports a whole hoax, it’s just another category. Wherever 100s of millions of persons are involved, some variations will occur that surprise us, such as opinions which are very different from our own. I have a sinking feeling that the children were indeed lost in this tragedy — I wish it were not so — lost to themselves, to their parents, and to the world, though not lost to God. And I think some of the deniers are your best friends in this regard. They wish very intensely that it were not so.

      Like

    • Ivanka Trump
      December 16, 2016
      Ivanka Trump's avatar

      Then I hope the same exact “hoax” happens to everyone in your family. As, surely, they are as DEVOID of empathy as YOU are. Disgusting.

      Like

    • Jean Heath
      December 16, 2016
      Jean Heath's avatar

      OMG. You are an absolute idiot. What a disgraceful thing to perpetuate.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Kathryn Swift-Stringer
      December 16, 2016
      Kathryn Swift-Stringer's avatar

      It was no drill. I have relatives who live there. Believe me, it was no drill.

      Liked by 3 people

    • Paul Doherty
      December 16, 2016
      Paul Doherty's avatar

      You truly are a sick human being to believe this nonsense…shame on you!

      Liked by 1 person

    • Colin Noble
      December 16, 2016
      Colin Noble's avatar

      CSB, you truly are bereft of the humanity that is your birthright. I know you not but I weep for you.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Cathleen Lemire
      December 16, 2016
      Cathleen Lemire's avatar

      who ever you are you are a total IDIOT, precious children were slaughtered that day by a mentally disturbed person. Kinda like the person I am commenting about here!!!

      Liked by 1 person

    • Corinne
      December 16, 2016
      Corinne's avatar

      You need help

      Like

    • Kathleen Snyder
      December 16, 2016
      Kathleen Snyder's avatar

      A couple in my town in upstate Ny lost their grandson at Sandy Hook. Please just stop and go away.

      Like

    • Derek
      December 16, 2016
      Derek's avatar

      Seek help.

      Like

    • Dorothy Martin
      December 16, 2016
      Dorothy Martin's avatar

      What an absolutely disgraceful remark. There must be incredible evil in your heart to say such a thing. SHAME on you. You

      Like

    • rafaelrobyns
      December 17, 2016
      rafaelrobyns's avatar

      If you believe what you wrote, get the help you need. Seriously.

      Like

    • Pete
      December 17, 2016
      Pete's avatar

      Where do you guys live in caves?

      Like

  34. Robert Tarantino
    December 15, 2016
    Robert Tarantino's avatar

    Love is his legacy. No one could ask for more. He will be missed.

    Liked by 4 people

  35. P
    December 15, 2016
    P's avatar

    Sorry to remind you, but Obama wasn’t the President when the shootings occurred; George W Bush was. Remember, he was being filmed at a school reading to children that morning when he was told about Sandy Hook.
    I’m sure Obama would have done what this article says if he had been president at the time, but he was not.

    Like

    • P
      December 15, 2016
      P's avatar

      Oops sorry wrong crisis!!! 😱😱😱 That was 9/11 DUH!!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Keith F Smith
        December 15, 2016
        Keith F Smith's avatar

        No Shit!

        Liked by 1 person

      • You have to remember that those fools who think that Sandy Hook was a hoax also think that 9/11 was, I think this guy was being sarcastic to let those conspiracy theorists know that Obama couldn’t have manufactured both events as he was not President on 9/11, that was Bush. Sarcasm is sometimes hard to pick up 😛 and I think he/she is fully aware that his first post was wrong 😛

        Liked by 1 person

      • Dorothy Martin
        December 16, 2016
        Dorothy Martin's avatar

        Thanks for the correction.

        Like

    • DLS
      December 15, 2016
      DLS's avatar

      What ?!?!?! I believe you are a bit confused. Your recollection of GWB reading to children is from 9/11/2001. Barack Obama has been president since his inauguration January 20, 2009. The Sandy Hook shootings in 2012.

      Liked by 2 people

      • Pete
        December 17, 2016
        Pete's avatar

        Some people confuse dates and then blame Obama , there are such a bunch of morons

        Like

    • LB
      December 15, 2016
      LB's avatar

      you are confusing Sandy Hook with 9/11

      Liked by 1 person

    • AB
      December 15, 2016
      AB's avatar

      You are getting mixed up with 9/11. George W. Was reading to schoolchildren when he heard about the news of the planes. Sandy Hook happened four years ago when Obama was president.

      Liked by 1 person

    • holly Robinson
      December 15, 2016
      holly Robinson's avatar

      of course he was!!!

      Liked by 1 person

    • Cherie Hoyt
      December 15, 2016
      Cherie Hoyt's avatar

      President Bush was president when 9/11 occurred. President Obama was president when Sandy Hook occurred 4 years ago — December 2012.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Len Woelfel
        December 16, 2016
        Len Woelfel's avatar

        You’re all wrong. Neither Bush or Obama was president and never have been. JFK is still president until the alien invasion takes place in 2031. He’s being kept alive by the Illuminati in a jar in the Denver airport. Not his body, just his head. He gives orders and all the “presidents” after him were nothing more than androids who are remotely controlled by the same Illuminati. [/sarcasm]

        Liked by 2 people

        • Jerry
          December 16, 2016
          Jerry's avatar

          Oh great one! I am a seeker of truth, and you clearly have it.

          Liked by 2 people

        • Nancy
          December 16, 2016
          Nancy's avatar

          Go take your pills…..

          Like

    • Elizabeth Chiappetta
      December 16, 2016
      Elizabeth Chiappetta's avatar

      No he wasn’t. The shootings happened in 2012. Obama was very much the President.

      Liked by 2 people

    • Carol
      December 16, 2016
      Carol's avatar

      In what world do you live? Bush was reading to children on 9-11 when he was told about the planes hitting the World Trade Center. Obama was president when Sandy Hook occurred 4 years ago.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Kathy
      December 16, 2016
      Kathy's avatar

      No, that was 9/11 when he was reading in the elementary school.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Jeanette Dumouchel
      December 16, 2016
      Jeanette Dumouchel's avatar

      No, you have your terrorist attacks mixed up! That was 9/11 when GW Bush was reading to children and was told about the world trade center being attacked. Obama was president when SandyHook happened. Sandyhook happened on Dec. 14, 2012. Obama took office Jan. 20, 2012.
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Hook_Elementary_School_shooting

      Liked by 1 person

    • mpp12013
      December 16, 2016
      mpp12013's avatar

      Another example of Republicans making up untrue facts to fit their narrative.

      Liked by 2 people

    • Jim Taylor
      December 16, 2016
      Jim Taylor's avatar

      WOW! Did you get that from Fox News?
      Bush was reading when he was told that those buildings in New York went down, in 2001. Sandy Hook was in 2014.
      Bright REALLY isn’t your strong point, is it?

      Like

    • Jerry
      December 16, 2016
      Jerry's avatar

      Obama was, indeed, the president at the time of the Sandy Hook shootings. You seem to have it confused with 9/11.

      We have so damn many shootings that it’s easy to get them mixed up,

      Liked by 1 person

    • DWS
      December 16, 2016
      DWS's avatar

      Sandy Hook occurred in 2012. Obama certainly was the President. Perhaps you are confused with 9/11 when Bush was President.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Joan McInnes
      December 16, 2016
      Joan McInnes's avatar

      Check your dates. That was 9/11 2001 when George Bush was reading to children.

      Like

    • Keo Thompson
      December 16, 2016
      Keo Thompson's avatar

      When Bush was reading to the children it was on 9/11. Keep your facts straight!

      Like

    • rafaelrobyns
      December 17, 2016
      rafaelrobyns's avatar

      My advice is to make sure your fingers check in with your brain.

      Like

    • Winnie
      December 17, 2016
      Winnie's avatar

      Is this intended to be satire? Bush was reading to the kids when 9/11 happened, not Sandy Hook. He showed no response and went right on with his photo op as if all he had been told was that it started raining!

      Like

  36. kravenmorekids
    December 15, 2016
    kravenmorekids's avatar

    A wonderful, compassionate human being. I’m afraid he probably did this all over our country during his term. Way too often. Thank you Mr. President, Thank You

    Liked by 3 people

  37. Colin chessman
    December 15, 2016
    Colin chessman's avatar

    God bless president Obama. A truly great man and his beautiful family

    Liked by 3 people

  38. Janeen Rubino Brumm
    December 15, 2016
    Janeen Rubino Brumm's avatar

    So eternally grateful for President Obama’s leadership over the last 8 years. He is grace, class and integrity, personified. I will miss him dearly.

    Liked by 2 people

  39. jeff fleagle
    December 15, 2016
    jeff fleagle's avatar

    You will never catch a president Trump doing such difficult and meaningful things.

    Liked by 2 people

  40. Marie Rayho
    December 15, 2016
    Marie Rayho's avatar

    Money but class just stuff people with class are raised right.

    Liked by 2 people

  41. Julia Spinelli
    December 15, 2016
    Julia Spinelli's avatar

    He asked the question that most people wouldn’t have. Although I know for a
    fact that was the best question he could have asked. When you lose someone
    you love, you want people to ask about them, you want to tell them how much
    you loved them, and what kind of person they were. That was the perfect thing
    to say, and also to listen, to actually look right at them and listen.

    Liked by 2 people

  42. April
    December 15, 2016
    April's avatar

    What a truly honorable man. ♡

    Liked by 3 people

  43. Pingback: ” What the President secretly did at Sandy Hook Elementary School” | AnnaLeah & Mary

  44. Bobbie Perez
    December 15, 2016
    Bobbie Perez's avatar

    What a wonderful human being he will be missed.

    Liked by 4 people

  45. Cheryl piper
    December 15, 2016
    Cheryl piper's avatar

    I love this man. What a great president and warm and loving human being. This story brought tears to my eyes. He will be greatly missed.

    Liked by 4 people

  46. Sheri thomas
    December 14, 2016
    Sheri thomas's avatar

    Thank you! This was amazing to read and exactly what I thought had probably happened–

    Liked by 2 people

  47. Jan Grady Galvin
    December 14, 2016
    Jan Grady Galvin's avatar

    What a beautiful thing to read!! Thank you for this. Jan Galvin

    Liked by 1 person

  48. Shirley Given
    December 13, 2016
    Shirley Given's avatar

    This man and his humanity has been a blessing we shall never forget and probably not see again in this position for many years

    Liked by 3 people

  49. Pingback: Tear Chasm | Doctor of Thinkology

  50. Pingback: 24 Things We’ll Miss About The Obamas

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