posted on February 4, 2003 12:47:01 PM new
I don't have a problem with her cancelling the event if that is what she wishes to do. I am just tired of there never being allowed a disenting view anywhere near the White House.
What has always been part of what makes America great is that we are not lemmings .We can speak out if we feel a need to. At least we always could.
Nearthesea, I am happy to hear all views here whether I agree or not.I've always felt it was important for all Americans to understand what others with opposing views are thinking.Of course you can post whatever you want.
Linda? Was the Saabsister remark directed at me? I would like to ask you what that means if it is.
posted on February 4, 2003 01:03:38 PM new
rawbunzel - What has always been part of what makes America great is that we are not lemmings .We can speak out if we feel a need to. At least we always could.
Yes, agreed. But while this is the White House, it is, for the next 2-6 years, the President and Laura's home. They are in no way required to invite anyone into their [temp] home and allow them to make any political statement if they don't want to. To me, this is very different than, say, standing outside protesting. Are you aware of other protestors that have been invited to the White House, as a guest, who has been allowed to insult any President and First Lady?
I'd be surprised.
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Sorry...about the saabsister comment. I made an assumption [that I shouldn't have] that she posted on your board and just wanted you to bring her along with you. Again, sorry.
posted on February 4, 2003 01:12:56 PM new
Linda, Saabsister does post there occasionaly. I just didn't understand what you meant by asking about her.No harm done. I wish she would come here to post too . I always enjoy her viewpoint. Lots of people that I wish would come back to RT.
Agreed that they shouldn't have to take personal insults at the White house. I don't consider disagreeing about a war to be a personal insult. Only a statement about policy. We don't have to agree.
As for the White house being their home? On that I do disagree. The President has clearly stated his dislike of Wash.DC ,he uses the White House because he has to.He has said he would rather move the White House there and work out of Crawford than DC.Indeed he has spent plenty of time at his real home..the ranch in Crawford Texas. I would never expect them to invite anyone who disagrees there..that IS their home.
The poets did not intend to embarrass or insult Laura Bush. She, in my opinion embarrassed the poets and the American people by cancelling the poetry reading and by stating that she would revise the list of those invited next time.
posted on February 4, 2003 01:58:35 PM new In actuality, I think the White House missed a great opportunity here. He could have shown up, handed the book of poems to Mrs. Bush, who could have said "Thank you" and handed them to an aide, who .... end of story. I can even write the White House statement: "We continue our steadfast support for the freedom of expression that makes this country great, and we want to reassure Americans everywhere that we are listening to them even when they disagree with us."
msincognito's answer above is excellent! Now why couldn't Laura and George and the White House consultants, handle the situation as well as misincognito?
posted on February 4, 2003 05:20:56 PM new
Georgie Porgie
Rochelle Ratner
Georgie Porgie pudding and pie
Kissed the girls and made them cry
When the girls come out to play
Georgie Porgie runs away.
Except it isn’t girls, exactly,
But women in veils,
Who without them might look
As old as Mother.
And it’s not the Father
Going after the bully
But the Son setting out
To avenge the Father.
And the oil, of course.
When even Tony Blair
Turns against him,
He pouts.
Damn the UN,
We offer them a home
And this is the thanks we get.
They’re foreigners, all of them,
Not part of this One Nation,
Under God.
posted on February 5, 2003 06:02:44 AM new
Shoulda stuck with Hungry, Hungry Catepillar.
Actually, maybe it was the poets themselves, using words, sentences and meter. Would have been bad publicity to have Georgie standing there, mouth agape, totally amazed at these people mastery of the english language....all without a teleprompter and armies of speech writers.
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Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Firemen, Police. We call them our heroes...but we pay them like chumps
