First, by “meet”, I mean “shakes hands with”. The SDMB’s favorite president, George W. Bush, is on a whirlwind tour of Europe at the moment, and he’ll be popping by Bulgaria this Sunday and Monday. Apparently, there’s going to be a reception at the American embassy in Sofia on Monday, and I’ve just received an email from Peace Corps saying that us volunteers are invited.
Awhile ago, there was a thread about whether or not you would shake GWB’s hand. A lot of people said they wouldn’t, and I don’t think I posted, but that was what I figured I’d do, too. But I also didn’t think I would actually have the opportunity. And now I do. It could be interesting!
Right now, though, I’m thinking I won’t go. I’d have to miss a day of school, go to Sofia and deal with insane traffic and security precautions, find a place to stay… etc., etc.
What would you do?
ETA: I forgot to mention, I am a liberal who deplores the current administration. Blah blah, outrage fatigue.
In your situation, I’d just decline the invitation. It’s not as if you’re going to get the opportunity to lay out your opinions on the current administration, or as if it would do much good if you did.
I’m not sure though whether I’d formally decline in writing, giving my reasons, or just not bother going.
I’ve never met any famous or important people, so…I guess I don’t. I really can’t imagine that George Bush would say anything memorable enough to make it a good story, either.
Okay - fair point (although probably worth taking the chance). Just palm the buzzer and when he shakes hands react like he’s buzzed you, while dropping the incriminating buzzer at his feet and screaming blue murder.
I’d go just to make a deliberate point of refusing to shake his hand. I wouldn’t be rude or offensive or anything like that, I’d just keep my hands behind my back and pointedly refuse to shake. I doubt that he’d ask me why, but if he ever did I’d just flat-out tell him that I could never shake hands with a man who’d deliberately caused so much death and suffering.
How often would you get the chance to make your feelings known in such a public and peaceful way? I’m surprised it doesn’t happen to him all the time.
By “rude or offensive”, I mean “overtly abusive”. As in calling him a liar to his face or swearing at him. If the supposed leader of the free world gets offended at my refusal to shake his hand, he’d better grow a thicker skin. Either that or quit killing people, either one’s good…
Okay, I’ve decided not to go. I just think it would be too much of a hassle with too little potential to see something interesting. I was thinking there might be some compelling reason that hadn’t occurred to me, but given that I’m too chickenshit to say “How do you sleep at night, babykiller?” to Bush’s face, I don’t really think there is.
Of course, if it turns out something really amazing happens, I’ll be kicking myself.
You should go. Never mind Bush: you’ll get 5 nanoseconds with the guy, if that. But you will meet the embassy staff, eat some seriously good food, and meet a lot of interesting people.
