Here are two statements issued by President Obama. One is about Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu, the two NYPD officers executed in New York City on December 20th and the other is about ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott, who succombed to cancer this weekend.
The Ramos/Liu statement:
“I unconditionally condemn today\’s murder of two police officers in New York City. Two brave men won\’t be going home to their loved ones tonight, and for that, there is no justification. The officers who serve and protect our communities risk their own safety for ours every single day – and they deserve our respect and gratitude every single day. Tonight I ask people to reject violence and words that harm, and turn to words that heal – prayer, patient dialogue, and sympathy for the friends and family of the fallen.”
The Scott statement:
“Iwill miss Stuart Scott. Twenty years ago, Stu helped usher in a newway to talk about our favorite teams and the day\’s best plays. Formuch of those twenty years, public service and campaigns have kept mefrom my family — but wherever I went, I could flip on the TV andStu and his colleagues on SportsCenter were there. Over the years, heentertained us, and in the end, he inspired us – with courage andlove. Michelle and I offer our thoughts and prayers to his family,friends, and colleagues.”
The Ramos/Liu statement is 89 words long and did not mention either officer by name. There is no mention that Mr. Obama and his wife offer their personal thoughts and prayers.
The Scott statement is 96 words long and Mentions Mr. Scott three different times. There is a specific mention that Mr. Obama and his wife offer their personal thoughts and prayers.
Make of it what you will.
