Although I was many miles from shore, snuggled under me little blanket and sipping a warming jug of rum, I felt a marvellous sense of connection with the decent-thinking people of the world when I heard that an Iraqi television reporter had hurled his shoes at President Bush. I suspect that a little chuckle erupted from many millions of people when they heard about or saw the incident. Muntadar al-Zeidi lost a pair of shoes, but gained world-wide fame in a splendidly surreal act of defiance and protest. I am informed that in the Arab world to throw one's shoes is a most insulting gesture. "This is a farewell kiss, you dog," he yelled in Arabic. "This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq." Many would regard this as quite a polite response to Bush's war-mongering.
In an extraordinary twist it was revealed that the shoes were a size 10 or, roughly, the President's I.Q. - and the highest number he can count to without help from "Gunner" Cheney.
Yet again, this bungling President presents us with a story which would be hilarious were it not for all the dead Iraqi children. However, it is nice to note that this Pres would not allow the tragedy which underlies al-Zeidi's protest prevent him from making jokes about the incident at every opportunity. My impression is that he was genuinely amused by this poor man's frustration and anguish.
On the topic of bungling, where were the Secret Service during this attack? This TV newsman managed to throw
both shoes at the President, who would have been hit had he not ducked. For all their prancing about and grimacing it seems that the Secret Service are as inept as their military brethren. I mean the President was in Iraq, for God's sake! Did they not think that he might need to be protected, considering that he is responsible for killing many thousands of Iraqi civilians? Supposing it was something more serious than a shoe - something which might have truly harmed the Great Leader, a TV camera or a microphone stand (both in plentiful supply on the day)? Obviously Bush is immune from brain-damage but he could have been hurt quite badly had the attacker intended to harm him.
One wonders on how many more occasions "W" will need to duck during the coming years. Certainly, he will need to be careful about foreign travel, lest he might find himself facing a War Crimes tribunal. Wouldn't that be a pity.
