It Really IS All About Image
![sorry_bush_cant_be_seen_at_iraqi_kia_](//itdontexist.net/bushatfuneral.gif)
as the nation readies itself for the pomp of former president reagan's state funeral, you'll see lots of pictures of president bush paying his respects. regardless of his sincerity (and i don't for a minute question his grief or sympathy for the reagan family), bush will, of course, benefit by association with the event--especially through poignant images that show bush in close proximity to the casket.
the image that's not visible above the text is bush paying the same respect to those killed in action in iraq. their caskets are deliberately kept out of the media and bush has made a concerted effort not to be photographed or videotaped with or near their caskets or at their memorial services.