Strange Convergence
Yesterday in Abu Dhabi, during President Bush’s Your Next Iran Mideast Tour, he urges Allies (do we still have any?) to confront Iran "before it’s too late." He’s playing the Iran Sea Confrontation Hoax for all he’s worth, squeezing it dry. Luckily for us, his net worth is sinking rapidly. (And you thought Ronald Reagan was the only Actor-turned-President we’ve ever had.)
The article linked above also says this:
Chiding U.S. allies who have withheld civil liberties, Bush said governments will never build trust by harassing or imprisoning candidates and protesters. But his rebuke was general, and he did not single out any U.S. partner in the region for oppressive practices.
"You cannot expect people to believe in the promise of a better future when they are jailed for peacefully petitioning their government," Bush said. "And you cannot stand up a modern, confident nation when you do not allow people to voice their legitimate criticisms."
That’s an interesting statement. Especially so when juxtaposed with this article:
Eighty people were arrested at the Supreme Court Friday in a protest calling for the shutdown of the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Demonstrators wearing orange jump suits intended to simulate prison garb were arrested inside and outside the building. “Shut it down,” protesters chanted as others kneeled on the plaza in front of the court.
They were charged with violating an ordinance that prohibits demonstrations of any kind on court grounds. Those arrested inside the building also were charged under a provision that makes it a crime to give “a harangue or oration” in the Supreme Court building.
The maximum penalty is 60 days in jail, a fine or both.
A strange and timely convergence of facts.