Bush in Britain
I have believed since the beginning of this presidency that the British press and its people would be our measuring tool in regards to Bush. They would more honestly tell us how he is doing as president.
The majority of Britons are not thrilled that Bush is visiting their country, especially considering that the cost for the additional security force (16,000 strong) will be coming out of their pockets. Before Bush even boarded Air Force One, security forces were sealing man holes and checking drains in the streets and drain pipes on the sides of houses along the streets that Bush would be traveling.
American and British flags were hung side by side along major streets such as Pall Mall in a manner that wanted to portray the comraderie of the two nations, at least between the PM and Bush.
Crews built a large, white makeshift platform decorated in red and blue trim in front of Buckingham Palace. It is at this spot, under an overly-large presidential seal, that the Royal family would officially welcome Bush.
But the Britons are not happy that the Queen and her family are receiving the Bush’s. In a most condemning cartoon, Steve Bell of The Guardian newspaper today drew a caricature of the Queen with the features that have come to be the caricature of Bush the Younger–the long, Yoda ears, the baboon mouth, the droopy nose, and the furrowed brow that represents that clueless expression we so often see.
Protesters too have been busy in these days prior to Bush’s arrival. The Stop the War Coalition was busy preparing signs for Thursday’s march and rally with an expected 100,000 protestors. The signs display the name Bush in large, bold and black text placed squarely over a large, dark red splattering of blood. Another sign, I do not know if it was created by the same group, is fashioned like a futuristic Wanted sign. A cold-faced Bush is standing in a flood of white light. Large, red text starts below his chest and carries on to the bottom of the sign. The text reads, "A Killer Comes to Town."
Protestors have been in the streets all week. On November 17th, a grandmother, Lindis Percy, made her way past security in front of Buckingham Palace and to the top of its heavily decorated gates. She hung an upside-down American flag with the phrase "Elizabeth Windsor and Co we don’t want him here!" written between the white lines. She stood atop the gate all afternoon and into the evening before climbing down.
Last evening, November 18th, as protestors began to gather from across England and Europe, it was becoming more apparent how significant Thursday’s march is to many people. They feel it is their chance to show Bush just how they feel about his policies. Just view the AP photo taken by Johnny Green of Clare Anderson, a teenage protestor, who was marching with an American flag held high. It says it all. On first glance, the flag looks normal. But when you look closely, it is not the American flag we are used to. The white stars that grace the large blue field have been removed and a large white swastika have taken their place.
It’s too bad we are not seeing real discussions about these images in our media. Unfortunately, we’ve been bombarded with the literal play-by-play of Scott Peterson’s hearing and trial and the new allegations against Michael Jackson.
Meanwhile, Britain is a hotbed of news and images that are far more worthwhile to the future of our nation. Bush in Britain can give us a clearer picture of world opinion and a heartbeat on the issues that matter to the world. But we sit idly by like dumb creatures, totally fascinated in things we won’t give a shit about in a fortnight.
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