Comments on: Democracy by Example

By: Kieran Healy

Kieran Healy — Thu, 20 Nov 2003 05:13:36 +0000

Important? Yes. In fact ABC’s on-air report left the impression that Bush wasn’t addressing Parliament (or carriage riding with the Queen) due to security issues — not because he was loath to be booed in public. Insecurity issues, more like. do know the answer to whether you seem to understand what a non sequitur is. Sadly, the only possible answer to that question, is that you don’t. Surely you mean “Sadly, the only possible answer to that question is a banana.”

By: Ellen1910

Ellen1910 — Thu, 20 Nov 2003 04:51:54 +0000

A blog isn’t worth reading if it’s even more careless than the traditional media. Two citations to “ABC” news imply that that network reported the news referred to. In fact it was AP that reported it. Important? Yes. In fact ABC’s on-air report left the impression that Bush wasn’t addressing Parliament (or carriage riding with the Queen) due to security issues—not because he was loath to be booed in public.

By: Norman

Norman — Thu, 20 Nov 2003 03:48:17 +0000

Brian c.b., et al, I despair of guessing the best point to begin answering your questions; but I do know the answer to whether you seem to understand what a non sequitur is. Sadly, the only possible answer to that question, is that you don’t.

By: Brian C.B.

Brian C.B. — Thu, 20 Nov 2003 00:21:51 +0000

Well, obviously. It’s end the damned paragraph. Sorry. (Note to self: Must read closer.)

By: Brian C.B.

Brian C.B. — Thu, 20 Nov 2003 00:20:38 +0000

Is there anyone else here who thinks this ought to put the final lie to “Bring ‘em on!”?

By: Ophelia Benson

Ophelia Benson — Wed, 19 Nov 2003 20:36:58 +0000

“Mr President, we WON the Revolutionary war. There’s really nothing to be afraid of.” Oh but of course there is. Looking – well, foolish, to put it semi-politely.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Wed, 19 Nov 2003 20:25:00 +0000

Why would he address the parliament, which is on record in support of his policy? The ABC article notes that Bush has given interviews to British journalists. Isn’t that an appropriate way to speak to the people of our staunchest ally? Aren’t those British reports capable of talking back?

By: Keith

Keith — Wed, 19 Nov 2003 18:56:12 +0000

I have logged zero hours in a jet fighter, which is precisely the same amount as Bush has logged. Oh I’m sure he sat one a few times before going AWOL but I’ve sat in a jet fighter too. Does that mean I’m qualified to be Commander in Chief? After all, I lived in GTMO for three years*, Bush has not even been to visit the gulag he made. *As a child my family was stationed there as my father, then employed bu the DoD took a job on base. This was back in the mid 80’s when it was still an opporational navel training facility. We had air raid drills once a week.

By: Andrew Ian Dodge

Andrew Ian Dodge — Wed, 19 Nov 2003 18:26:40 +0000

I think it would have been great to see Bush address Parliament. It is a great shame he isn’t. No doubt, some nitwit in his security detailed nixed it, worried about his safety. BTW the chickenhawk comment is fucking bullshit. How many of you lot have over 1000 hours in a jet fighter?

By: Matt Weiner

Matt Weiner — Wed, 19 Nov 2003 16:47:39 +0000

Kieran, congrats on the “anglospheroids” link. Everyone else, click on it or at least run your cursor over it.

By: Rick

Rick — Wed, 19 Nov 2003 15:31:56 +0000

“Oh, great. Now I?ll spend the day trying to imagine a system that WOULD be a good forum for a leader of Bush?s talents.” Here are a few: http://www.somethingawful.com/weekendweb/

By: rea

rea — Wed, 19 Nov 2003 14:23:04 +0000

“A parliamentary system is not the best forum for a leader of Bush’s talents” Oh, great. Now I’ll spend the day trying to imagine a system that WOULD be a good forum for a leader of Bush’s talents.

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 19 Nov 2003 12:06:32 +0000

I once heard Blair speaking to/debating with Parliament on the BBC. At the time, I thought; “There is no way Bush could ever pull that off.” Turns out I was right. Still, I’d have more respect for the guy if he’d at least given it a shot. “Mr President, we WON the Revolutionary war. There’s really nothing to be afraid of.”

By: raj

raj — Wed, 19 Nov 2003 11:43:52 +0000

What do you expect? Bush is our first chickenhawk president. …well, maybe not the first, but he certainly is one.

By: jdsm

jdsm — Wed, 19 Nov 2003 08:55:57 +0000

I don’t think any civilised person should have to speak before the British Parliament. Not that Bush is civilised but as a guest we should at least treat him that way. The childish points scoring that goes on in that chamber is a disgrace.