Bush throwing the ceremonial pitch: was it really a good idea?

I realize we’re trying to show we’re still strong, but isn’t that a little far? i mean, he’s standing out on a mound in the middle of an open field facing several thousand people. Also, considering that the number of purchases went up 100% in Texas of all places, possible domestic problems facing a gun crazy society and a sporting event that sells alcahol from guys walking around in the crowds. All i’m saying is, “is he just asking for it?”

(More on FAA restrictions on NYC airspace during World Series games.)

I’m thinking there might also have been just a little bit of heightened security at the gate at Yankee Stadium.

And let’s face it–there’s going to be heightened security at the gates to stadiums and arenas in this country for the foreeseable future, whether or not the President of the United States is attending that particular game.

Did he already do it? I didn’t even know the world series was going on. Anyway, if he did it and nothing went down then I would say he has balls, which scores him a couple points in my book.

Yeah, it was a good idea. I watched it on TV and have to admit that I got choked up seeing it. In a time of paranoia (like we’re having now) the more people getting out there and showing the world that they’re not scared of terrorists, the better.

Yeah, me too. To see him walk out there to the mound, all by his lonesome, showed that he wasn’t afraid. That’s a good message to send.

Yes! And he CAN throw a ball too.
And didn’t he have a bullet-proof vest on?
It sure looked like he did.

I agree with Tuckerfan. I got choked up, too. Of course, it was completely polar to hearing the Anthem. Usually I get a throat lump when I hear it (even before 9/11) but that was pretty aweful.

Anyway, I wondered about the bullet proof vest, but I couldn’t really tell while watching. I saw a photo today, and it sure looks like he’s wearing Kevlar.

I think that, right now, it’s not only a good idea, but ESSENTIAL for the President to be seen in public. There’s no point in him telling us to get on with our normal, everyday lives, if HE’S perceived as cowering in a bunker somewhere.

Whew, I was scared that was just a Manzierre.

Our boy looked good out there, and threw a strike to boot!

The risk was lessened considerably since everyone entering Yankee Stadium had to pass through a metal detector.

I think his presence sent a good message. It was also nice to see him throw from the rubber, instead of in front of the mound. Even though it was a lob, it almost looked like a big overhand curve, and Bush dropped it in for a strike.

(of course, had he thrown the exact same pitch again, it would have been called a ball :rolleyes: )

I think it was a good idea, but I admit, I held my breath until he got back off the field.

Actually, only one. And it was supplied by Major League Baseball. But they probably let him keep it.

No, he was wearing a Bro.

While I think it was a good idea, I just can’t condone spending the $1 billion for that “smart” ball which enabled him to throw a strike. Sure, it had a demoralizing effect on our enemies, seeing our commander-in-chief throw some high, hard heat, but I think we could have done as well spending only $17 million for a laser-guided hardball. With proper set up of television angles and editing we could have achieved the same effect and still had enough left for a “harrier” ball that could have been fouled off, hovered over the presidential box long enough for the president to make a spectacular catch of some impressive fungo, getting in the terrorists’ faces with the truth that George got game!

Wouldn’t a hairy-er ball make it hard to see the seams?

:stuck_out_tongue:

Why am I so afraid of posting my real thoughts about this event? People are so positive about him.

It’s so depressing…

I thought up a quote that applies for such a situation and this one seems to fit it, “There’s a fine line between endurance and stupidity.”, almost fits.

Sadly I agree with you. And to dire wolf, the terrorists also had to pass through a metal detector before they killed several thousand people.

There’s no need to be afraid, Danalan. One of the perils of exercising your right to free speech is that, regardless of what you say, you might get reamed (verbally). It hurts but it happens to all of us. We need people to express unpopular opinions, and it saddens me whenever I hear that people are discouraged from doing so.

I’m sure not a Bush 2.0 fan but give credit where it’s due. He wasn’t sending a message to the terrorists, he was sending a message to us. And he did it well.

I’m sure security was incredible but hey, it’s the new reality. Bush gave a very visible, convincing message that life goes on and we can go with it.

I do wonder about Cheney’s role, though. I assume they’re briefing him but the poor slob has to have bunker rash by now. Not that I’m assuming or implying he’s a coward; I’m sure his seclusion is by policy instead of personal choice. It’s just a bit weird that he’s sooo wrapped in cotton wool as an emergency replacement. Maybe they’ll let him toss out a ball or something soon.

Veb