President Barack Obama was buried under a tidal wave of criticism this week for omitting the Uvalde school massacre in his speech to commemorate George Floyd.
The second anniversary of Floyd’s death arrived one day after an 18-year-old boy opened fire inside an elementary school in Texas, killing 19 children and two teachers.
As a result, President Obama proposed that Americans take a pause in grieving to commemorate the anniversary of Floyd’s death.
“Today, as we mourn the children of Uvalde, we should recall that two years have passed since George Floyd’s murder at the hands of a police officer. His death continues to haunt us today, especially those who knew him,” Obama added.
During his remarks, the president also recognized “the new generation of activists” that rose up in response to Floyd’s death and “raise awareness of structural racism and the need for criminal justice and police reform.”
What were people’s responses?
Obama’s message elicited tens of thousands of replies, the vast majority of which were critical. After all, the specifics of the Uvalde tragedy are still being sorted out, but families are only just beginning their journey of sorrow.
“It’s terrible those kids died, but George Floyd comes to mind. — I’m still thinking about George Floyd!” Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon mocked.
“Children, shmildren. Yes, those children died, but let’s praise Floyd, a BLM hero. You are my president for eternity and I’m from Canada. Your ability to remain silent in such a polished tone is amazing. Thank you very much,” Gad Saad mocked.
“What? I will be the first to admit that expressing our sorrow over this tragedy is difficult. But now is the time to offer support and encouragement to these families. This tweet was a reminder of your presidency, more division,” Nikki Haley scolded him. “Stop it already! This isn’t the time.”
“Let’s put George Floyd in the place where the horrible shooting took place. This is one of the most horrendous tweets ever,” commentator Jason Whitlock harshly criticized.
In the aftermath of the Uvalde violence, President Obama urged for “any kind of action,” but he did not provide any practical suggestions regarding how to prevent a future mass murder.
