<p>bz2010, spideygirl: No indeed, he did not mention Obama by name. That would be political suicide. But we as human beings have this useful communicative called inference. It is pretty much glaring obvious that Bush’s reference was directly to Obama (and probably Carter as well). To pretend otherwise is to be purposefully obtuse.</p>
<p>I think it’s wildly inappropriate for elected leaders use platforms like prominent commemorative speeches in foreign countries to criticize political challengers. It’s as simple as that. Some of you may disagree, but I suspect that those here defending Bush’s actions would have a very different opinion if, for example, the speech were given by Hillary Clinton and she had included a line attacking Republicans over some perceived weakness - spideygirl has indeed admitted as much.</p>
<p>Bedhead: Thanks for the clarification in post 373. The implication that more soldiers were killed during the Clinton administration than during the current one sounded like the usual alternate universe misinformation from the not-Right media mimeograph machine. What is remarkable is that they so shamelessly spew “factoids” like this that are so transparently and verifiably false. Given that one can hardly imagine the purveyors of this propaganda do not recognize the inanity of comparing overall death rates (99% non-combat) during Clinton v. combat deaths only in Iraq, one can only conclude this insidious misrepresentation is entirely intentional.</p>
<p>That’s your position, bz### and spideygirl, that no one can prove this was directed at Obama? Ha! Are you serious? Do you think people are that stupid – or are you?</p>
<p>Obama, Carter, both – it breaks a tradition of presenting a united front to the world outside and treating dissenters as the loyal opposition. </p>
<p>The funny thing about this incident is that the Bush people were giving up on background to the media that it was directed at Obama. Then, when it was clear that it was backfiring in terms of its original intent, the Adminstration started to say it was in fact directed at Carter. But about a nanosecond after this speech was delivered McCain chimed in on the same things Bush had said at the Knesset.</p>
<p>Actually, the media’s response to this travesty was one of the few things one can be proud about them in a long time.</p>
<p>“Hindoo, are you unable to talk to a girl in real life?”</p>
<p>“janette … and why should this post be removed?”</p>
<p>Because this is Suz, who I’m betting is … let’s just say, a frustrated guy … the same loveable poster who popped up here a day or so ago with such kind things to say, and who has come back under yet another incarnation after being kicked off CC. … I have to wonder: why are you so obsessed with spideygirl and with posters you seem to think are your fellow hot-to-trot males? Me think thou doth protest too much. I happen to be a raving liberal, middle-aged, happily married, hetero mother of two, who also happens to like–and vehemently disagree with–spidey. You choose to see something wrong with that, then that’s your problem. … Why don’t you take on a civilized tone and join us in a real discussion, under whatever pen name you choose?</p>