Shoe-icide Attack or Let Freedom Ring
I was sitting drinking coffee enjoying a nice fire yesterday morning as I enjoyed a peaceful respite from a busy week. I’m watching MSNBC when the news bulletin flashed and shortly there was the footage of the shoes flying through the air at President Bush.
I admit . . . I did chuckle at the shoe-throwing incident. Several thoughts quickly flashed through my mind as I watched the replays over and over again.
Bush still has pretty good reflexes in dodging the shoes thrown at him.
One of the few times we have seen him ‘lean’ to the left on anything.
Where was the Secret Service . . . I guess they have decided they won’t jump in front of flying shoes for the President anymore. I guess the country can only hope they are quicker once the new guy gets sworn in.
Watching it seemed that the first one to react headed for the attacker briefly then realized he should head towards the President. Officials stated the hand motion by Bush was ‘waving’ off the Secret Service but from my point of view both men raised their arms to deflect the shots coming their way. The other agents came through the door behind the President as “reporters” took down the attacker. They will probably receive medals for going above and beyond the call of duty in taking him down.
Now I do understand that it was a physical attack, an illegal act of violence.
But as we spread the ideals of Freedom in
Oddly, Al-Zaidi's action resonates with everyone, because it is the clearest, most effective accountability moment for Bush so far. Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Democratic Party have been bested by a man with two shoes.
And for what it’s worth . . . ‘Lame Duck President,’ as in duck . . . took on a whole new meaning on Bush’s Farewell tour overseas.
Sole . . . in closing, Let Freedom Ring from the sand dunes of the desert to the shoe infested press room of a young democracy. For one man inspired by Nike . . . Just Do It . . . Then Do It Again.
Comments
I must confess--at times I think about Iraq and wonder what on the earth the average citizen thinks of us.
We invaded their country, we toppled their government, we set them back light years, we diminished the role of women in society, we set off sectarian violence, we sparked tribal violence. . .oh yes, we removed a dictator.
Was the trade-off worth it all? The shoe-thrower suggests it was not. No wonder he insulted W.
I have several friends there now who report a quite different perception and reception from most people they encounter.
One is leaving today returning home after his third tour to be home with family over the holidays.
He is hopeful in the things he and his men have seen that it is getting better for the everyday people there.
He lost several people again this tour as they are in harms way disposing of bombs and IED's planted to harm people on both sides.
Freedom is a funny concept and hard to 'get' sometimes if you have never been without it. For those who protect us and help others I give thanks everyday.
The last thing a soldier wants is war of any kind so the politics of whether to go or stay is a difficult task.
Either way the idea is to support those sacrificing for others to learn what it is to be free.
Choice is a powerful thing . . .
God gave it to each of us to make our way in this life.
What we do with them and those made is what makes us who we are.
Sorry, I'm Rambling.
Ice