Bush and the Flying Shoe

Most people are aware by now about the incident where an Iraqi journalist threw his shoes at President Bush during his last surprise visit to the country. There are just three things I want to say about this incident-

1) As much as I can't stand President Bush and the job he's done, I'm extremely impressed with his defensive maneuver against the flying shoe. Let's face it, he's no spring chicken, and even as much as everyone hates him, with the Secret Service around there isn't much of a need to keep on top of his combat skills. Yet, out of the blue, when a shoe came hurdling at him, he simply tucked to the side and let it pass, then stood back up and smirked. Bravo! He even put his hand out and stopped the agent that was about to snatch him and take him out of the room. That's TWICE he's done that sort of thing.

2) I was a little shocked that the journalist was able to get a second shoe airborne before he was tackled. It appears the offending shoes were lace ups, so was he able to get them unlaced and two thrown that quickly? Wow, if he did. Or, is it more likely he already had them untied? If so, why wasn't this noticed by the Secret Service? Surely someone walking around in a room with their shoes untied would have raised a red flag. Even more so if he had to bend down to untie them. Also, I wonder if he practiced this at home? "Honey, stand here for a minute........"

3) Virtually everyone hates Bush except for a minute number of right wing religious radicals, but no matter how much you can't stand the President, you don't throw shoes at foreign dignitaries visiting your country. As much as I would have loved to see that shoe connect right on target, it was totally uncalled for and I hope after they dragged him out of the room they beat the crap out of him. Twice.

For those that missed it, here it is: