the funeral

Some blogs are reporting that President Carter was passed
over for the official delegation to PJP's funeral. But
Reuters reports that he was invited:

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush will join President Bush's delegation to the funeral of Pope John Paul II, the White House said on Tuesday.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will also be part of the official U.S. delegation to Friday's funeral.

Former President Jimmy Carter was asked to join the delegation, but he will not do so, White House spokesman Trent Duffy said. The White House declined to explain the reason.

The president and first lady plan to leave for Rome on Wednesday.

Hmmm. Wonder what really happened? President Jemmy had, and has, a lot of bad
ideas and I imagine he wouldn't be the funnest guy to travel with, but I've
always admired him just a little. I mean, he *is* a sincere guy. I say: if you
don't want him to go, just invite him but tell him the wrong airport. "Oh Jimmy, we
waited and waited, but the plane couldn't stay on the runway forever."