Crikey! It doesn’t look like Bush has to come to England to find people who don’t like him.
In all honesty it’s not going to be that big a deal. We are used to dealing with terrorist threats - we have rather more experience than the US (and considerably more sucess - although never enough).
We are also used to dealing with demonstrations. Someone mentioned the poll-tax riots above; I don’t think this is likely to be the same - probably more like the recent mayday non-events.
I think no effort should be spared to guard George Bush from any possible terrorist threat, even if it means gunning down totally innocent bystanders. Why? I give you two words: “President Cheney.”
He’ll probably just want to do what all American tourists do in London - have a half of bitter in a pub and fall over; ask how to get to lye-sester square and only eat in McDonalds, and complain about everything.
Where’s the harm in that? (and his girls are old enough to legally drink over here).
I’m sorry, you don’t think that the Queen turned to Prince Philip one day and said “I’t’s been absolutely ages since we seen the Bushes, why don’t we invite them around for a little state visit sometime?”
The invite may have the Queen’s name on it, but it’s Blair’s party.
I think the protester’s plans could be good for some very funny pictures.
But since they are challenging and frustrating the anti-protesters on forehand, it is more likely that one and an other leads to escalation and violence.
I do hope someone manages to let a few rotten eggs land on him… I fear however that the cowboys take that as a life threatening attack and start shooting.
So for the safety of the UK citizens, let us hope that nobody throws anything.
Salaam. A
I told my mum about this thread, and she suggested they put Mr Bush on a plane and fly around for 8 hours, then take him to the ‘England’ part of Epcot in DisneyWorld…I like my mum…
I like the silent, turning your backs thing. The signs and yelling has been done by everybody everywhere and it’s pretty boring at this point. The only fun is waiting to see if they do the traditional breaking windows of McDonald’s. How original. The American media might show a shot of a few seconds and say “x thousands of people came out to protest” and then that’ll be it–there’s no news there, nothing for them to report.
But hundreds thousands of people marching in silence–no signs–no shouting–no chants–that would make an impression.
And oh yeah, I know this is a Blair and not a Queen thing but the point is George isn’t jetting over there just for a spontaneous visit to get people mad. As for the security, well, when I think the UK I think bomb violence. Sorry.
Am I the only one who read the OP and asked himself, “Does DtC spend his days combing the internet looking for things about Bush to fulminate over?”
Yeah, OK, rampant security demands, and probably a strong desire to keep the protesters at arm’s length. But “arrogant, paranoid, controlling, fascistic, thin-skinned” seems a bit over the top. Not to mention “Gestappo-like” (sic).
Does DtC really think that the press is not going to have an opportunity to cover the thousands of protesters, even if they’re not in immediate proximity to Bush?
As a taxpayer, I’m more irked at the multimillion dollar bill for the state visit. Dude, just pick up the phone.
No, no, no. Not the queen, you idjit. It was Prince Charlie who turned to his stable boy and said, “You know, we’ve simply got to get the British people’s attention focused on something other than my sex life… I know! Let’s invite cousin George over for a spot of tea!”
