The Bush Journeys
Before Bush was President, he spent most of his entire life in the United States and indicated that just like the good ole boys, he didn’t have much interest in visiting those foreign locales. Yet, here he is 5 years later on yet another trip to exotic locales - much like a lot of other two term presidents who found focusing on foreign policy is more fun that sticking around the USA where the public is almost always less appreciative. And *damn* — Bush finally finds a country where the people like him!?!
Geeze, we find that there are places in the world where people are excited and welcoming when Bush comes calling. What a surprise! It makes me think that he should seriously consider emigrating to somewhere where he can get some respect. And finally, Bush has found a place that will give him the adulation that Clinton got so easily and in so many places.
So let’s look at some reactions when Bush comes calling:
USA: big bubble around Bush when he comes to town. Women in their 50s are seen as such a threat that they must be strip searched if they dare attend a Bush rally without being vetted by the RNC. Status: not too many places that Bush can go and get the adulation someone of his stature deserves.
Netherlands: On this trip to Europe to celebrate the 60 year anniversary of the end of WW2, the crowds showed their appreciation for Bush by holding huge protests and asking the Hague to arrest him for war crimes.
Germany: Cities shut down when Bush comes acallin’, but not because the Germans are planning to turn out to celebrate his visit.
Rome: While people celebrated Clinton at the Pope’s funeral, Bush found himself booed.
And today, Juan Cole notes that Bush’s policy has encouraged some Kuwaitis (people who had been liberated from Saddam’s rule by another Bush in the 1990’s) to join al Qaeda. It seems that Bush has not made too many friends in the Arabic world (except perhaps his Saudi friend).
But thank goodness, there are places where Bush can find a cheerful (and a non-prescreened?) crowd! In Georgia, Bush is a superstar. There he finds crowds that are excited by his very presence.
What a relief! Finally there is a place where Bush can go to (and stay) and boy, wouldn’t we would all be happier?
