In a move that has become typical of his reign Presidency, Barack H. Obama will skip the funeral service for Nancy Davis Reagan. The late Mrs. Reagan was the wife of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Wilson Reagan. Mrs. Michelle Obama, the wife of the 44th President of the United States of America will fill in for her husband and will attend the funeral at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

Of course, in keeping with appearances, Mr. Obama released a statement at the WhiteHouse.gov site that said (mostly) the right things, after Mrs. Reagan’s death was announced.

Nancy Reagan once wrote that nothing could prepare you for living in the White House. She was right, of course. But we had a head start, because we were fortunate to benefit from her proud example, and her warm and generous advice.

Our former First Lady redefined the role in her time here. Later, in her long goodbye with President Reagan, she became a voice on behalf of millions of families going through the depleting, aching reality of Alzheimer’s, and took on a new role, as advocate, on behalf of treatments that hold the potential and the promise to improve and save lives.

We offer our sincere condolences to their children, Patti, Ron, and Michael, and to their grandchildren. And we remain grateful for Nancy Reagan’s life, thankful for her guidance, and prayerful that she and her beloved husband are together again.

And, in a video, he said the right things:

In 1736, in a work entitled “Melancholy State of Province” the following is found:

Actions speak louder than Words, and are more to be regarded.

What is so pressing? What needs to be done that President Barack H. Obama MUST skip the funeral of a beloved American figure, in her own right, and widow of the 40th President of the United States.

He MUST attend the SXSW or South by Southwest Festival and Conferences. Here, from the SXSW site is a description of SXSW:

The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conferences & Festivals offer the unique convergence of original music, independent films, and emerging technologies. Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW® is the premier destination for discovery.

Year after year, the event is a launching pad for new creative content. New media presentations, music showcases and film screenings provide buzz-generating exposure for creators and compelling entertainment for audiences. Conference panel discussions present a forum for learning, business activity thrives at the Trade Shows and global networking opportunities abound. Intellectual and creative intermingling among industry leaders continues to spark new ideas and carve the path for the future of each ever-evolving field, long after the events’ conclusion.

Or, you can watch the video:

You know that Barack H. Obama has always considered himself to be the hippest, coolest and smartest guy in the room. Where else would he be but at an event that every smart, cool hipster MUST attend. Naturally.

So far, Obama has skipped the funerals of sitting Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, former First Lady Betty Ford, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Navy Seal Chris Kyle and Ambassador Chris Stevens killed in the attack on the Benghazi compound.

Funerals are not fun. Funerals are not hip.

I am very sure that Mrs. Reagan with her beloved Ronnie could not care less. America should care that our current President cannot spare respect for the wife of one of his predecessors.