BUSH TURNS CHICKEN

pritchke · 11-17-2003, 03:06 PM

Hmmm!!! Not sure why he pulled out or if it had to do something with his speech in Australia, but personally I think the president of the US should be able to take criticism like a grown up, smile in the face of it and not cower away from it. Granted the British can be pretty hostile in Parliament but that is the nature of the beast.

By Bob Roberts, Political Correspondent

GEORGE Bush was last night branded chicken for scrapping his speech to Parliament because he feared being heckled by anti-war MPs.

The US president planned to give a joint address to the Commons and Lords during his state visit to Britain.
But senior White House adviser Dr Harlan Ullman said: "They would have loved to do it because it would have been a great photo-opportunity.

"But they were fearful it would to turn into a spectacle with Labour backbenchers walking out."

SCARED: Bush

The decision to abandon the speech came as extraordinary security measures costing £19million placed London under a state of virtual siege ahead of Mr Bush's arrival tomorrow.

Roads in Whitehall were closed with concrete blockades. Overhead, a no-fly zone has been established with the RAF on standby to shoot down unidentified planes. All police leave is cancelled.

The only speech Mr Bush, who will stay with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, is now due to give will be to an "invited audience" at the Banqueting House in Whitehall.

Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn said: "This is yet another slight on this country by the president of the USA.

"The least he could do is subject himself to questions from MPs."

And colleague John McDonnell said: "Bush might be able to run from the protesters, he might be able not to see the banners.

"But he must not be able to hide from the anger felt across the country at this unjustified war."

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/allnews...name_page.html

[ 11-17-2003, 03:07 PM: Message edited by: pritchke ]

Timber Loftis · 11-17-2003, 03:44 PM

[img]graemlins/noevil.gif[/img] If you close your eyes and scream NA NA NA NA NA NA you can sometimes convince yourself everyone thinks you're right.

You know, usually W. has a good attitude toward dissenting views. I remember he flatly said the Dixie Chicks could say whatever they wanted. Of course, as the years wear on, maybe the voices start to annoy you more.

[ 11-17-2003, 03:46 PM: Message edited by: Timber Loftis ]

Rokenn · 11-17-2003, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Timber Loftis: Of course, as the years wear on, maybe the voices start to annoy you more.

Yeah the voices in his head must be getting much worse lately [img]tongue.gif[/img]

pritchke · 11-17-2003, 05:27 PM

I have heard that MPs wouldn't guarantee a standing ovation so if his speech would not be favoured he wasn't going to show. Are all Bush's speeches with cheers and applause rigged? Can anyone find a source for MP's not guaranteeing a standing ovation.

[ 11-17-2003, 05:27 PM: Message edited by: pritchke ]

Spelca · 11-17-2003, 05:39 PM

What's so terrible about a bit of criticism? Are they afraid he'd break down and cry or something? If he can't stand criticism, then why did he chose to be in politics... [img]graemlins/uhoh2.gif[/img]

khazadman · 11-17-2003, 06:58 PM

He probably canceled it because he didn't want to make Blair look bad by having members of his own party walking out on a visiting head of state. Bush should go ahead and make the speech. And when the protesters walk out he should make a remark like; well, we know who it is that wants to keep brutal dictators in power. Which would be true after all.

Timber Loftis · 11-18-2003, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by khazadman:
He probably canceled it because he didn't want to make Blair look bad by having members of his own party walking out on a visiting head of state. Bush should go ahead and make the speech. And when the protesters walk out he should make a remark like; well, we know who it is that wants to keep brutal dictators in power. Which would be true after all.

Well, I agree generally, though I may put different words in his mouth. But, all in all, it's too bad you are not calling the shots on this one and Cheney likely is.

Skunk · 11-18-2003, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by khazadman:
He probably canceled it because he didn't want to make Blair look bad by having members of his own party walking out on a visiting head of state. Bush should go ahead and make the speech. And when the protesters walk out he should make a remark like; well, we know who it is that wants to keep brutal dictators in power. Which would be true after all.

We do, and that's why the MP's would be likely walk out of parliament to avoid being in the same room as that person.

Timber Loftis · 11-18-2003, 03:53 PM

Today's NY Times:

Bush Arrives in London
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: November 18, 2003

Filed at 3:19 p.m. ET

LONDON (AP) -- President Bush brought a forceful defense of the Iraq invasion to skeptical Britons on Tuesday, arguing that history proves war is sometimes necessary when certain values are threatened.

Bush arrived here Tuesday evening for a three-day visit to America's staunchest ally, a trip that promised contrasting pictures of elegant ceremonies at Buckingham Palace and noisy street protests by thousands of anti-war demonstrators. Britain has 9,000 soldiers in Iraq, the largest non-American force in the coalition.

In a speech Wednesday at Whitehall Palace, Bush planned to argue that war is the correct path when all other means have failed, a senior administration official told reporters flying here with Bush on Air Force One. ``History has shown that there are times when countries must use force to defend the peace and to defend values,'' Bush was to say.

But Bush did not plan to define which values he was referring to, nor when, exactly, it is necessary to go to war.

The remarks, billed by White House aides as a major foreign policy address, also were to reiterate Bush's call for countries across the globe, particularly in the Middle East, to embrace democracy.

And Bush planned to strike back at critics who charge he has abandoned global organizations like the United Nations, casting himself as a backer of ``strong international institutions that are effective.''

Bush faced deep opposition here. Organizers of an anti-war demonstration predicted 100,000 people would march Thursday against the Iraq invasion.

One protester used a bullhorn to bark a stream of anti-Bush and anti-Tony Blair invective at Parliament Square Tuesday afternoon, comparing the two leaders to Hitler. ``How can you be bombing babies, Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair? It is not Christian, it is blasphemy!''

Yet a new poll contained good news for Bush.

Forty-three percent of Britons questioned in an ICM survey said Bush should visit the country, while 36 percent said he should not. About 62 percent agreed that America was ``generally speaking, a force for good,'' while 15 percent believed it was ``an evil empire.''

Bush and his aides are fond of saying they do not pay attention to polls, but the senior administration official who addressed reporters on Bush's plane cited the new survey as evidence of strong ties between the two countries.

Bush and his wife, Laura, walked arm in arm from the White House to their helicopter as they departed for London Tuesday morning, and they again clasped hands when they arrived here, greeted on the tarmac at Heathrow Airport by Prince Charles.

The president and first lady shook hands with the prince and were escorted along a red carpet between British troops into a building where they had a private meeting. Then Bush helicoptered to Buckingham Palace for a royal welcome -- and jeers from about 100 protesters. They shouted ``Murderer!'' and ``You are not welcome!'' as the first of the helicopters ferrying Bush's entourage touched down behind the palace.

The official embrace of the American president belies deep suspicions among ordinary Britons about the war in Iraq, and hostility toward Bush.

Some 1 million Britons protested in a single day in February, before the war. Fifty-two Britons have died in Iraq.

Demonstrators plan to pull down a statue of Bush made of papier mache and chicken wire, to parody the toppling of Saddam Hussein's statue in Baghdad.

Bush made plain in a series of interviews with British journalists that he is not backing down, and he will try to remind the British that they have a stake in the war. As part of the effort to court British public opinion, Bush gave a personal guided tour of the Oval Office to British journalists last week.

``I intend to lead our nation, along with others like our close friends in Great Britain, to win this war on terror,'' Bush told the BBC.

Bush is trying to tap into the outpouring of empathy and support that the British displayed after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

A military band played the U.S. national anthem at an unprecedented changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace two days after the attacks, ordered by the queen. Thousands of British supporters stood eight deep at Buckingham Palace's front gates and lined the road to the queen's main residence.

Blair addressed a joint session of Congress in July and gave an impassioned defense of the Iraq war. Bush will not address Parliament during his visit. Such a speech could invite the kind of heckling the president received when he spoke to the Australian Parliament last month.

pritchke · 11-18-2003, 04:36 PM

The Queen is one tough lady.

News reports say Queen Elizabeth II rejected U.S. security agents' requests to strengthen walls and install bullet-proof windows at Buckingham Palace.

http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2003/11/18/bush031118

[ 11-18-2003, 04:37 PM: Message edited by: pritchke ]

11-17-2003, 03:44 PM	#2
Timber Loftis 40th Level Warrior Join Date: July 11, 2002 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 11,916	[img]graemlins/noevil.gif[/img] If you close your eyes and scream NA NA NA NA NA NA you can sometimes convince yourself everyone thinks you're right. You know, usually W. has a good attitude toward dissenting views. I remember he flatly said the Dixie Chicks could say whatever they wanted. Of course, as the years wear on, maybe the voices start to annoy you more. [ 11-17-2003, 03:46 PM: Message edited by: Timber Loftis ] __________________

11-17-2003, 05:39 PM	#5
Spelca Emerald Dragon Join Date: January 3, 2002 Location: From Slovenia, in Sweden Age: 43 Posts: 931	What's so terrible about a bit of criticism? Are they afraid he'd break down and cry or something? If he can't stand criticism, then why did he chose to be in politics... [img]graemlins/uhoh2.gif[/img] __________________ At one time or another there will be a choice: you or the wall. (J. Winterson)

11-18-2003, 03:53 PM	#9
Timber Loftis 40th Level Warrior Join Date: July 11, 2002 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 11,916	Today's NY Times: Bush Arrives in London By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: November 18, 2003 Filed at 3:19 p.m. ET LONDON (AP) -- President Bush brought a forceful defense of the Iraq invasion to skeptical Britons on Tuesday, arguing that history proves war is sometimes necessary when certain values are threatened. Bush arrived here Tuesday evening for a three-day visit to America's staunchest ally, a trip that promised contrasting pictures of elegant ceremonies at Buckingham Palace and noisy street protests by thousands of anti-war demonstrators. Britain has 9,000 soldiers in Iraq, the largest non-American force in the coalition. In a speech Wednesday at Whitehall Palace, Bush planned to argue that war is the correct path when all other means have failed, a senior administration official told reporters flying here with Bush on Air Force One. ``History has shown that there are times when countries must use force to defend the peace and to defend values,'' Bush was to say. But Bush did not plan to define which values he was referring to, nor when, exactly, it is necessary to go to war. The remarks, billed by White House aides as a major foreign policy address, also were to reiterate Bush's call for countries across the globe, particularly in the Middle East, to embrace democracy. And Bush planned to strike back at critics who charge he has abandoned global organizations like the United Nations, casting himself as a backer of ``strong international institutions that are effective.'' Bush faced deep opposition here. Organizers of an anti-war demonstration predicted 100,000 people would march Thursday against the Iraq invasion. One protester used a bullhorn to bark a stream of anti-Bush and anti-Tony Blair invective at Parliament Square Tuesday afternoon, comparing the two leaders to Hitler. ``How can you be bombing babies, Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair? It is not Christian, it is blasphemy!'' Yet a new poll contained good news for Bush. Forty-three percent of Britons questioned in an ICM survey said Bush should visit the country, while 36 percent said he should not. About 62 percent agreed that America was ``generally speaking, a force for good,'' while 15 percent believed it was ``an evil empire.'' Bush and his aides are fond of saying they do not pay attention to polls, but the senior administration official who addressed reporters on Bush's plane cited the new survey as evidence of strong ties between the two countries. Bush and his wife, Laura, walked arm in arm from the White House to their helicopter as they departed for London Tuesday morning, and they again clasped hands when they arrived here, greeted on the tarmac at Heathrow Airport by Prince Charles. The president and first lady shook hands with the prince and were escorted along a red carpet between British troops into a building where they had a private meeting. Then Bush helicoptered to Buckingham Palace for a royal welcome -- and jeers from about 100 protesters. They shouted ``Murderer!'' and ``You are not welcome!'' as the first of the helicopters ferrying Bush's entourage touched down behind the palace. The official embrace of the American president belies deep suspicions among ordinary Britons about the war in Iraq, and hostility toward Bush. Some 1 million Britons protested in a single day in February, before the war. Fifty-two Britons have died in Iraq. Demonstrators plan to pull down a statue of Bush made of papier mache and chicken wire, to parody the toppling of Saddam Hussein's statue in Baghdad. Bush made plain in a series of interviews with British journalists that he is not backing down, and he will try to remind the British that they have a stake in the war. As part of the effort to court British public opinion, Bush gave a personal guided tour of the Oval Office to British journalists last week. ``I intend to lead our nation, along with others like our close friends in Great Britain, to win this war on terror,'' Bush told the BBC. Bush is trying to tap into the outpouring of empathy and support that the British displayed after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. A military band played the U.S. national anthem at an unprecedented changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace two days after the attacks, ordered by the queen. Thousands of British supporters stood eight deep at Buckingham Palace's front gates and lined the road to the queen's main residence. Blair addressed a joint session of Congress in July and gave an impassioned defense of the Iraq war. Bush will not address Parliament during his visit. Such a speech could invite the kind of heckling the president received when he spoke to the Australian Parliament last month. __________________

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Mother turns in $40,000	pritchke	General Discussion	2	12-09-2004 12:46 PM
Sonia Gandhi turns down PM post	dplax	General Discussion	2	05-18-2004 06:57 PM
Johnny Cash turns 71...	quietman1920	General Conversation Archives (11/2000 - 01/2005)	10	02-28-2003 08:21 AM
China Turns it;s back on communism	Eisenschwarz	General Conversation Archives (11/2000 - 01/2005)	45	11-12-2002 09:40 AM
rounds & turns, a general question	Xavier	Baldurs Gate II: Shadows of Amn & Throne of Bhaal	7	05-01-2002 08:15 PM

11-17-2003, 03:06 PM	#1
pritchke Bastet - Egyptian Cat Goddess Join Date: September 5, 2001 Location: Calgary, AB Age: 50 Posts: 3,491	Hmmm!!! Not sure why he pulled out or if it had to do something with his speech in Australia, but personally I think the president of the US should be able to take criticism like a grown up, smile in the face of it and not cower away from it. Granted the British can be pretty hostile in Parliament but that is the nature of the beast. By Bob Roberts, Political Correspondent GEORGE Bush was last night branded chicken for scrapping his speech to Parliament because he feared being heckled by anti-war MPs. The US president planned to give a joint address to the Commons and Lords during his state visit to Britain. But senior White House adviser Dr Harlan Ullman said: "They would have loved to do it because it would have been a great photo-opportunity. "But they were fearful it would to turn into a spectacle with Labour backbenchers walking out." SCARED: Bush The decision to abandon the speech came as extraordinary security measures costing £19million placed London under a state of virtual siege ahead of Mr Bush's arrival tomorrow. Roads in Whitehall were closed with concrete blockades. Overhead, a no-fly zone has been established with the RAF on standby to shoot down unidentified planes. All police leave is cancelled. The only speech Mr Bush, who will stay with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, is now due to give will be to an "invited audience" at the Banqueting House in Whitehall. Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn said: "This is yet another slight on this country by the president of the USA. "The least he could do is subject himself to questions from MPs." And colleague John McDonnell said: "Bush might be able to run from the protesters, he might be able not to see the banners. "But he must not be able to hide from the anger felt across the country at this unjustified war." http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/allnews...name_page.html [ 11-17-2003, 03:07 PM: Message edited by: pritchke ]

11-17-2003, 05:27 PM	#4
pritchke Bastet - Egyptian Cat Goddess Join Date: September 5, 2001 Location: Calgary, AB Age: 50 Posts: 3,491	I have heard that MPs wouldn't guarantee a standing ovation so if his speech would not be favoured he wasn't going to show. Are all Bush's speeches with cheers and applause rigged? Can anyone find a source for MP's not guaranteeing a standing ovation. [ 11-17-2003, 05:27 PM: Message edited by: pritchke ]

11-17-2003, 06:58 PM	#6
khazadman User suspended until [Feb13] Join Date: December 6, 2001 Location: the south side of ol virginny Age: 63 Posts: 1,172	He probably canceled it because he didn't want to make Blair look bad by having members of his own party walking out on a visiting head of state. Bush should go ahead and make the speech. And when the protesters walk out he should make a remark like; well, we know who it is that wants to keep brutal dictators in power. Which would be true after all.

11-18-2003, 04:36 PM	#10
pritchke Bastet - Egyptian Cat Goddess Join Date: September 5, 2001 Location: Calgary, AB Age: 50 Posts: 3,491	The Queen is one tough lady. News reports say Queen Elizabeth II rejected U.S. security agents' requests to strengthen walls and install bullet-proof windows at Buckingham Palace. http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2003/11/18/bush031118 [ 11-18-2003, 04:37 PM: Message edited by: pritchke ]

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)