The Heath Ledger tragedy has impacted the highest echelon of the United States government. President George Bush was slated to make a statement regarding the prevention of prescription drug abuse at the White House today, but canceled in light of the actor's sudden death. White House press secretary Dana Perino said the speech, which was to highlight the fact that lots of young folks are illegally popping pills these days, was postponed in order to avoid the risk of "anyone thinking that we were being opportunistic in highlighting the issue."