A lion cub can roar at a pope. "The beast was brought to the pontiff in the Vatican's Paul VI hall on Wednesday as part of a performance by members of the Medrano Circus … The lion's response: a roar, which drew laughter from the Vatican audience." (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, HO) We happen to think the "roar may well be more of the pussycat's social yawn — or maybe akin to the feline hiss — but that's open to debate. No question, though, about Papa Ratzi's adoration of his feline "suppliCAT."
"And so what I told [envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell] is start by listening, because all too often the United States starts by dictating — in the past on some of these issues — and we don't always know all the factors that are involved," said the newly minted Leader of the Free World, displaying his slippery, disingenuous language of Arab-style diplomacy larded with BDS innuendo for all the world to see. "Dictating?" Can you say projection.? Pardon us as we gag.
Meanwhile Pope Benedict XVI noted that "While I renew with affection the expression of my full and unquestionable solidarity with our (Jewish) brothers, I hope the memory of the Shoah will induce humanity to reflect on the unpredictable power of hate when it conquers the heart of man."
"An amused Benedict looked on as jugglers in sparkling costumes performed. He got up when the lion cub was carried closer so he could pat it."
In answer to a press question re "the significance of the President’s decision to give his first formal interview to an Arab network that Is part of a broader strategy for reaching out to the Muslim world":
[Robert Wood, acting State Dept spokesman]: Well, I think, clearly, if you see some of the initial reporting that’s come from the region, there’s been a really, really positive reception to the President’s interview. And I think it shows, based on what I’ve read so far in terms of the reaction from the region, that people are very, very pleased with the President’s approach and the fact that he really wants to engage seriously in a dialogue with the people of the Middle East, a two-way dialogue.
Egad. If only he really wanted to engage seriously in a "two-way dialogue" with the people on the other side of the aisle in Congress and such as ourselves. But he doesn't. His way or the highway. "I won."
The fate of Western Civilization hangs in the balance. Should Obama's perceptions be correct, peace and perhaps prosperity lie in our future. Should he be mistaken, then disaster and the destruction of Atomic war may be our future.
Posted by: goomp | January 28, 2009 at 06:05 PM
Obama should just talk to his hand. This kind of appeasement invites the worst kind of behavior from the Iranians. It's Jimmy Carter times ten.
Posted by: Laura Lee Donoho | January 28, 2009 at 10:49 PM
You don't negotiate with a bully; you cannot reason with crazy people. This is what BHO is trying to do and it's a fool's game.
That being said, any way to get that idiot in Iran to simmer down would be a good thing! But I think lithium is the only way to deal with him - and I doubt even that would really work.
Love to my cherished Willis family and goomp.
Posted by: Gayle Miller | January 29, 2009 at 09:21 AM
"...said the newly minted Leader of the Free World, displaying his slippery, disingenuous language of Arab-style diplomacy larded with BDS innuendo for all the world to see."
indeed.
the more we see, the more we are reminded of the Carter Denial.
the Democrat Party has not learned a thing.
the image of weakness has been exploited repeatedly by the monsters in the World, especially many dangerous threats coming from the Middle East.
but the PR of the Media is trying it's best to sell this Democrat control, just as they debased the fine Bush Administration.
we shall see if the dehumanizing of the Democratic Party's opposition, while spinning the folly of the Democrats as a positive, will continue to succeed.
Posted by: HNAV | January 29, 2009 at 03:02 PM
Oh dear. I was rather hoping that Mr. Obama would not be able to destroy our country in just 4 years. But he seems hell bent on accelerating us into real trouble.
*sigh*
Posted by: Teresa | January 29, 2009 at 05:43 PM
Obama's statement illustrates his lack of listening. He asserts an idea without showing evidence of listening to the previous Administration. He appoints George Mitchell and completely ignores the Quartet process already in place (with Tony Blair at the lead). Now he could say he wants to move in a different direction or something like that. However, we hear none of that. He just starts by dictating. I hope my prediction is wrong, but I predict that whatever he says others are doing, he is the one really doing it. Let's see if this becomes a pattern.
Posted by: Barry Dauphin | January 31, 2009 at 09:16 PM
The irony is that BHO was elected because W alienated the US from the world and Obama is doing the same.
Posted by: Arab Women | July 03, 2010 at 09:46 AM