Interview Of The President

[sriracha john]

Interview of the President

By Suthichai Yoon, The Nation (Thailand).

Published by the White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov July 30, 2008

Q You plan to deliver a major speech in Bangkok on Asia. Is that your farewell speech? What will be the main theme, sir?

THE PRESIDENT: A farewell speech will occur shortly before the next President is sworn in. This will be probably my last speech in the Far East.

Q What is the main theme?

THE PRESIDENT: The main theme is that the United States of America has got strategic interests in the Far East. This administration has worked hard to make sure we have good relations with all the countries of the Far East; that there are opportunities to work together to solve problems, there will be moments -- and it's -- the United States must stay engaged. I will talk about accomplishments, I'll talk about challenges. And I'm looking forward to giving it. It's interesting that I'm giving a speech about the whole Far East in Thailand.

Q Right. Why Thailand?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, because it's -- first of all, the assumption is that when you give a comprehensive speech in the Far East, it would be in, you know, China or Japan or, you know -- and Thailand is, one, a long-time friend; two, is an important part of ASEAN. In other words, there's -- the Far East is more than just the countries that dominate the news. And so, therefore, if you're going to give a comprehensive speech, you give it in a country that makes it -- just by the sight alone indicates how comprehensive the policy must be. In other words, you can't ignore other countries if you focus only on a few.

Q Right. You are also joining the celebration of 175 years --

THE PRESIDENT: -- 175 years.

Q -- of Thai-U.S. relations. At this juncture in history, why is Thailand still important to the United States?

THE PRESIDENT: Common values, close friends. Hopefully Thailand views us a reliable ally; we certainly view Thailand as a reliable ally. And, you know, it's just -- 175 years is a long time.

Q That's right -- always had been close related in all major challenges.

THE PRESIDENT: Absolutely.

Q Vietnam War --

THE PRESIDENT: Very much so. The Thai -- the Thai people were just fabulous, and always have been. And it's a great country, and it's a beautiful country with a great history and tradition, and I'm looking to going again.

Q What would be the single most important pillar in Thai-American relations, if you can cite one?

THE PRESIDENT: Democracy. And obviously we're pleased that democracy is still very much alive and well in Thailand. And I think democracy is "the" pillar -- and the government's respect for human rights and human dignity and individualism.

Q I understand that you are meeting some Burmese dissidents, too.

THE PRESIDENT: I am. Of course, I am. I will, as is my wife.

Q Yes, the First Lady has shown great concern about Aung San Suu Kyi.

THE PRESIDENT: Absolutely, and as should the world. Here is a very heroic woman that was elected overwhelmingly by her people, and has now been under house arrest by a group of military guys that just simply won't allow the will of the people to -- to flourish. And so we're concerned about that. And I do want to thank the Thai people and the Thai government for its humanitarian missions on the border. I think it's very constructive and very helpful. And I will be speaking to activists to let them know that the United States of America hears their voices. And, you know, it's a tough issue for some countries.

Q Will the First Lady meet the dissidents and also call for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi?

THE PRESIDENT: I'm sure she'll do that. I mean, she does that all the time. You know, I'm not sure exactly what her schedule is. You caught me off-guard about her schedule, but I can assure you it will be comprehensive and she'll make a very good impression.

Q Why haven't the sanctions against Burma worked?

THE PRESIDENT: Because not every country is applying them. And sanctions -- the idea of unilateral sanctions, they're effective only to a certain extent. And, therefore, other countries must also join, and, frankly, there's some countries in the neighborhood that aren't interested in joining.

Q Yes. You are going to Beijing Olympics.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, sir.

Q What is the signal? Because some people say that you are going there as a sports fan, but are you going as a sports fan or as President of the United States?

THE PRESIDENT: I'm going as the President who happens to be a sports fan. (Laughter.)

Q Right.

THE PRESIDENT: No, the signal -- look, there's a couple of signals, and it's very important to understand. One is I don't think the Olympics should be politicized. I mean, it is a sporting event of the greatest caliber. Secondly, I am going out of respect for the people of China. This is a big deal for the Chinese people and I'm -- and that's why I'm going. Thirdly, I will have, and always have had, very frank and candid discussions with the Chinese government on a variety of issues. And I'm confident that by showing respect to the people, to the Olympics, it will give me -- put me in a position to continue to having frank and candid discussions. It's -- when you show respect to a group of people, it gives you credibility when it comes time to discuss difficult issues. And we will discuss difficult issues in a very cordial and respectful way.

Q Yesterday you met five Chinese dissidents --

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, sir, I did.

Q And what did you tell them? Are you going to tell the Chinese leadership about their concerns?

THE PRESIDENT: Of course I will. I do it every time I meet -- oh, absolutely. I mean, their concern is religious freedom and political freedom. And I discuss religious freedom and political freedom with the Chinese leaders every time.

Q And they don't seem offended?

THE PRESIDENT: No, I don't think so, because they know it's done out of respect. It's done out of -- you know, in a way that I hope is -- in a way that they will listen. That's my whole point. If you treat a people with respect and when it comes time to discuss your differences, people will be more willing to listen. And, look, I'm the only President to have ever stood up in public with the Dalai Lama.

Q Right.

THE PRESIDENT: I told President Hu Jintao I was going to do that. He didn't like it, but I did it.

Q You did it anyway.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I did. And so my only point is there are moments of great opportunity for us to work together on a variety of fronts, and we have. And there are going to be moments of disagreement. But I've worked hard to make sure those moments of disagreement are done in such a way that it doesn't rupture relations, or doesn't embarrass somebody, or doesn't humiliate. And I think when people look at my presidency, when it's all said and done, they'll say, it's amazing that the Bush administration had good, strong relations with South Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, India. And I happen to believe that it's -- it enhances the stability of the region and helps all of us grow in a constructive way.

Q What is going to be your legacy?

THE PRESIDENT: Oh, I don't know. I'll be dead when they finally figure it out.

Q But what do you want history to remember you --

THE PRESIDENT: Somebody who took on tough challenges and didn't shy away from doing what he thought was right. And, you know, look, I'm a big believer in freedom and liberty. That's been a hallmark of my agenda. But I -- there's no such thing as short-term history, so I am very confident in telling you that I'll be long gone before somebody finally figures out the true merit and meaning of the Bush administration.

Q Were you impressed by the meeting between Secretary of State Condi with the North Korean representative in Singapore recently?

THE PRESIDENT: I thought it was -- what impressed me was that the foreign ministers all -- at the six-party talks all said the same thing to the North Korean: If you want to move forward, verify, honor your commitments; if you don't honor your commitments, then there will be additional sanctions and additional measures.

Q Are they positive?

THE PRESIDENT: The visits? Yes, I think they've been positive. There's just some fundamental questions. There's a lot of doubt as to whether or not the six-party talks will bear fruition. One thing is for certain: They destroyed their cooling tower. Everybody saw that.

Q Right, right.

THE PRESIDENT: But will they verify their plutonium programs and HEU programs and proliferation programs? I hope so. They said they would. Now, whether or not they put a verification regime in place that we can trust, we'll see.

Q Sir, last question -- is there life after the White House?

THE PRESIDENT: Absolutely. I'm only 62 years old.

Q What do you plan to do?

THE PRESIDENT: You know, I'm going to write; I'm going to share my experiences. I'm going to build a policy center and library at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Hopefully I will contribute to mankind in positive ways. I haven't really had time to think about it because when you're the President of the United States you got a lot to think about day by day. But I'm looking forward to finishing strong and then I'm going home to Texas. That's where I was raised, that's where I'm from, and that's where I'm going to retire.

Q That's good, sir. Thank you very much.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, sir.

Edited August 1, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Bush speaks to the Bangkok Post

President George Bush was interviewed recently at the White House by select Asian editors including the Bangkok Post's Editor-in-Chief, Pichai Chuensuksawadi. With about six months to go before the presidential elections, US President George Bush will visit the region (South Korea and Thailand) this week for the ninth time before heading to China for the Olympics. In an interview, Bush says he believes that during his presidency relations with the Far East has been “strong and robust” and that he leaves the Oval Office with US foreign policy in the region “in good shape”. But he remains concerned that America has become isolationist and protectionist and urged the next president to adopt a forward-leaning foreign policy and to remain actively engaged in the region. Below is the transcript of the 50-minute interview held at the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Wednesday 30 July 2008.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thanks. Looking forward to my trip. As you all know, the itinerary is South Korea, Thailand and then China. China will be a mix of -- South Korea will be all diplomacy; get a chance to see my friend, the President; a good discussion about common issues. I'll see the Prime Minister of Thailand for a nice dinner. He'll have some interesting events related to Burma the next day. And then of course we go into China for the Olympics, but there will be a fair amount of diplomacy while I'm there. And I'm really looking forward to it -- looking forward to it because, one, my good wife will be going with me and I love to travel with her. Secondly, one of my daughters is going with me, which will be fun. And my brother will be going with me. And in China I'll be meeting my father, who will be traveling with my sister.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/george_w_Bush/bush01.php

[Jingthing]

As Thailand and the USA are the two most important countries to me, I am happy to hear about the celebration of 175 years of friendship and good relations (I won't mention WW 2) between our peoples and governments. It is a warm feeling to be living in a FRIENDLY country.

Pictured is USA coin set (known as the King of Siam set) presented as a diplomatic gift on behalf of President Andrew Jackson in 1836 to King Rama III

Edited August 1, 2008 by Jingthing

[sriracha john]

George appears completely oblivious of Suttichai's ability to make him look like a fool.

The fact that he even said "yes, sir" to thank him at the end is the real topper...

He's also apparently completely oblivious to Samak's comments regarding Burma and his stance against Aung San Suu Kyi and favoring her continued detention.

[surface]

Hopefully I will contribute to mankind in positive ways. I haven't really had time to think about it because when you're the President of the United States you got a lot to think about

Priceless.

[Ulysses G.]

This thread is a godsend to Bush-bashers trying to find a connection to Thailand.

[PeaceBlondie]

I have never been a fan of G. W. Bush. I used to criticize him too much. Finally I realized I might be jealous. My family was not filthy rich. I never went to an Ivy League school. My family never bought me a largely honorary governorship. I only had twin daughters born in Texas about the same time as George W. and Laura had.

Can we restrict Bush-bashing to only those posters who have at least two degrees from Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, Chulalongkorn, or Texas Southmost College?

I find it exemplary that the president and his wife have supported Aung Sah Suu Kyi more than most Thai politicians have, and that the Bushes will meet with dissidents who support The Lady when they come to Bangkok.

[TheDon]

Im surprised he knew Thailand was actually a county. Im impressed

[mgjackson69]

Im surprised he knew Thailand was actually a county. Im impressed

Funny how so many people all over the world have an opinion of the president of my country.

I had a conversation with a man from Sweden some time ago, in some bar in Suk Soi 4. It went something like this:

Swedish guy: "Oh, you are from America?"

Me: "Yes I am"

Swedish guy: "That George Bush, he should not be president, blah blah blah blah blah..."

Me: "Thanks for your opinion, but it really means nothing because you cannot vote for or against him anyway...same as I have no say in choosing the leader of your country."

(continuing)"I will be honest with you, George Bush would not have been my first choice either. But he was the lesser of two evils, in my opinion."

(continuing)"I do find it interesting that you know who the leader of my country is, and have such a strong opinion about him. At the same time, I do not know and do not give a shit who the leader of your country is."

That was the end of the political conversation...we went on to other topics and had a very nice chat over a few beers.

[dingdongrb]

George appears completely oblivious of Suttichai's ability to make him look like a fool.

The fact that he even said "yes, sir" to thank him at the end is the real topper...

He's also apparently completely oblivious to Samak's comments regarding Burma and his stance against Aung San Suu Kyi and favoring her continued detention.

Who's the fool? Suttichai says, "Sir, last question - is there life after the White House?"

Then after Bush answers that Suttichai asks yet another question..... Must not know the meaning of 'last question'. Duhhhhh

[mgjackson69]

Well its abit hard to not know who Bush is, after declaring war to get a few barrels of oil and making up evidence and saying silly things all the times.

lol

Believe me, I am not a George Bush supporter, other than that he is the president of my country.

I think the man is an idiot.

I just find it interesting that so much of the world seems to think they should have some sort of influence over who the USA elects as president, or think that their opinion matters in that regard.

I will be the first to admit that the politics of my country are a mess...still, it is better than most anything else I have seen in my travels.

I have lamented in other fora about the fact that I have not voted *for* a president since 1984...I have always been voting to keep someone else out of office. Unfortunately that has typically meant voting for old, white-guy retread Republicans.

Let's see...who did I vote for?

1984 (I missed being able to vote in 1980 by four days) - Ronald Reagan (for)

1988 - George H.W. Bush (against Michael Dukakis)

1992 - Ross Perot (against GHW Bush and against Bill Clinton)

1996 - Bob Dole (against Bill Clinton)

2000 - George W. Bush (against Al Gore)

2004 - George W. Bush (against John Kerry)

2008 - likely will be John McCain (against Barack Obama :D )

I hope that I can vote *for* someone again, someday...

[roygsd]

Interview of the President

By Suthichai Yoon, The Nation (Thailand).

Published by the White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov July 30, 2008

Q You plan to deliver a major speech in Bangkok on Asia. Is that your farewell speech? What will be the main theme, sir?

THE PRESIDENT: A farewell speech will occur shortly before the next President is sworn in. This will be probably my last speech in the Far East.

Q What is the main theme?

THE PRESIDENT: The main theme is that the United States of America has got strategic interests in the Far East. This administration has worked hard to make sure we have good relations with all the countries of the Far East; that there are opportunities to work together to solve problems, there will be moments -- and it's -- the United States must stay engaged. I will talk about accomplishments, I'll talk about challenges. And I'm looking forward to giving it. It's interesting that I'm giving a speech about the whole Far East in Thailand.

Q Right. Why Thailand?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, because it's -- first of all, the assumption is that when you give a comprehensive speech in the Far East, it would be in, you know, China or Japan or, you know -- and Thailand is, one, a long-time friend; two, is an important part of ASEAN. In other words, there's -- the Far East is more than just the countries that dominate the news. And so, therefore, if you're going to give a comprehensive speech, you give it in a country that makes it -- just by the sight alone indicates how comprehensive the policy must be. In other words, you can't ignore other countries if you focus only on a few.

Q Right. You are also joining the celebration of 175 years --

THE PRESIDENT: -- 175 years.

Q -- of Thai-U.S. relations. At this juncture in history, why is Thailand still important to the United States?

THE PRESIDENT: Common values, close friends. Hopefully Thailand views us a reliable ally; we certainly view Thailand as a reliable ally. And, you know, it's just -- 175 years is a long time.

Q That's right -- always had been close related in all major challenges.

THE PRESIDENT: Absolutely.

Q Vietnam War --

THE PRESIDENT: Very much so. The Thai -- the Thai people were just fabulous, and always have been. And it's a great country, and it's a beautiful country with a great history and tradition, and I'm looking to going again.

Q What would be the single most important pillar in Thai-American relations, if you can cite one?

THE PRESIDENT: Democracy. And obviously we're pleased that democracy is still very much alive and well in Thailand. And I think democracy is "the" pillar -- and the government's respect for human rights and human dignity and individualism.

Q I understand that you are meeting some Burmese dissidents, too.

THE PRESIDENT: I am. Of course, I am. I will, as is my wife.

Q Yes, the First Lady has shown great concern about Aung San Suu Kyi.

THE PRESIDENT: Absolutely, and as should the world. Here is a very heroic woman that was elected overwhelmingly by her people, and has now been under house arrest by a group of military guys that just simply won't allow the will of the people to -- to flourish. And so we're concerned about that. And I do want to thank the Thai people and the Thai government for its humanitarian missions on the border. I think it's very constructive and very helpful. And I will be speaking to activists to let them know that the United States of America hears their voices. And, you know, it's a tough issue for some countries.

Q Will the First Lady meet the dissidents and also call for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi?

THE PRESIDENT: I'm sure she'll do that. I mean, she does that all the time. You know, I'm not sure exactly what her schedule is. You caught me off-guard about her schedule, but I can assure you it will be comprehensive and she'll make a very good impression.

Q Why haven't the sanctions against Burma worked?

THE PRESIDENT: Because not every country is applying them. And sanctions -- the idea of unilateral sanctions, they're effective only to a certain extent. And, therefore, other countries must also join, and, frankly, there's some countries in the neighborhood that aren't interested in joining.

Q Yes. You are going to Beijing Olympics.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, sir.

Q What is the signal? Because some people say that you are going there as a sports fan, but are you going as a sports fan or as President of the United States?

THE PRESIDENT: I'm going as the President who happens to be a sports fan. (Laughter.)

Q Right.

THE PRESIDENT: No, the signal -- look, there's a couple of signals, and it's very important to understand. One is I don't think the Olympics should be politicized. I mean, it is a sporting event of the greatest caliber. Secondly, I am going out of respect for the people of China. This is a big deal for the Chinese people and I'm -- and that's why I'm going. Thirdly, I will have, and always have had, very frank and candid discussions with the Chinese government on a variety of issues. And I'm confident that by showing respect to the people, to the Olympics, it will give me -- put me in a position to continue to having frank and candid discussions. It's -- when you show respect to a group of people, it gives you credibility when it comes time to discuss difficult issues. And we will discuss difficult issues in a very cordial and respectful way.

Q Yesterday you met five Chinese dissidents --

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, sir, I did.

Q And what did you tell them? Are you going to tell the Chinese leadership about their concerns?

THE PRESIDENT: Of course I will. I do it every time I meet -- oh, absolutely. I mean, their concern is religious freedom and political freedom. And I discuss religious freedom and political freedom with the Chinese leaders every time.

Q And they don't seem offended?

THE PRESIDENT: No, I don't think so, because they know it's done out of respect. It's done out of -- you know, in a way that I hope is -- in a way that they will listen. That's my whole point. If you treat a people with respect and when it comes time to discuss your differences, people will be more willing to listen. And, look, I'm the only President to have ever stood up in public with the Dalai Lama.

Q Right.

THE PRESIDENT: I told President Hu Jintao I was going to do that. He didn't like it, but I did it.

Q You did it anyway.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I did. And so my only point is there are moments of great opportunity for us to work together on a variety of fronts, and we have. And there are going to be moments of disagreement. But I've worked hard to make sure those moments of disagreement are done in such a way that it doesn't rupture relations, or doesn't embarrass somebody, or doesn't humiliate. And I think when people look at my presidency, when it's all said and done, they'll say, it's amazing that the Bush administration had good, strong relations with South Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, India. And I happen to believe that it's -- it enhances the stability of the region and helps all of us grow in a constructive way.

Q What is going to be your legacy?

THE PRESIDENT: Oh, I don't know. I'll be dead when they finally figure it out.

Q But what do you want history to remember you --

THE PRESIDENT: Somebody who took on tough challenges and didn't shy away from doing what he thought was right. And, you know, look, I'm a big believer in freedom and liberty. That's been a hallmark of my agenda. But I -- there's no such thing as short-term history, so I am very confident in telling you that I'll be long gone before somebody finally figures out the true merit and meaning of the Bush administration.

Q Were you impressed by the meeting between Secretary of State Condi with the North Korean representative in Singapore recently?

THE PRESIDENT: I thought it was -- what impressed me was that the foreign ministers all -- at the six-party talks all said the same thing to the North Korean: If you want to move forward, verify, honor your commitments; if you don't honor your commitments, then there will be additional sanctions and additional measures.

Q Are they positive?

THE PRESIDENT: The visits? Yes, I think they've been positive. There's just some fundamental questions. There's a lot of doubt as to whether or not the six-party talks will bear fruition. One thing is for certain: They destroyed their cooling tower. Everybody saw that.

Q Right, right.

THE PRESIDENT: But will they verify their plutonium programs and HEU programs and proliferation programs? I hope so. They said they would. Now, whether or not they put a verification regime in place that we can trust, we'll see.

Q Sir, last question -- is there life after the White House?

THE PRESIDENT: Absolutely. I'm only 62 years old.

Q What do you plan to do?

THE PRESIDENT: You know, I'm going to write; I'm going to share my experiences. I'm going to build a policy center and library at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Hopefully I will contribute to mankind in positive ways. I haven't really had time to think about it because when you're the President of the United States you got a lot to think about day by day. But I'm looking forward to finishing strong and then I'm going home to Texas. That's where I was raised, that's where I'm from, and that's where I'm going to retire.

Q That's good, sir. Thank you very much.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, sir.

I gave up reading this interview, the man dont know <deleted> he is talking about.

If it wasnt for his fathers money and influence he would be back in Texas and likely dreaming of being John Wayne.

But John Wayne was a draft dodger who never served a day in the military, but to many in the USA he is held up as a national hero, but lets not let the truth spoil a good story.

He reminds me of the character who played the sheiff's son who was jilted at the church in cannonballl run ( i think it was called where burt reynolds was chased by the son and sheriff all the way across America, ut with far less charm.

roy gsd

HIs comments hold down a job in the loca

[britmaveric]

Nice interview and yank president is very thoughtful and honourable lad.

[PeaceBlondie]

After more than 7 years in office, Bush does interviews fairly well. He knew about Thailand. Did you like his reason for delivering a major speech about East Asia in a minor country? Notice he said nothing about the coup, now that Thailand has a constitutional democracy in place again, such as it is. Did the reporter from either newspaper ask some tough questions, or were they polite in a Thai way? Did Bush respect the press far more than Thaksin or Samak ever have? Notice he said nothing about Thaksin, at least in the first interview.

I would like to take part in a discussion about the topic, which is the two interviews. I do not intend to moderate this discussion, but about 25 other moderators and admins may.

[sbk]

Indeed, this is a discussion of the interviews. Not Al Qaeda, not Iraq, not Iran, not WMD. Thanks

Perhaps someone would like to comment on this portion of the interview and what it might really mean:

Q Right. Why Thailand?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, because it's -- first of all, the assumption is that when you give a comprehensive speech in the Far East, it would be in, you know, China or Japan or, you know -- and Thailand is, one, a long-time friend; two, is an important part of ASEAN. In other words, there's -- the Far East is more than just the countries that dominate the news. And so, therefore, if you're going to give a comprehensive speech, you give it in a country that makes it -- just by the sight alone indicates how comprehensive the policy must be. In other words, you can't ignore other countries if you focus only on a few.

[girlx]

hehe...

[mgjackson69]

Indeed, this is a discussion of the interviews. Not Al Qaeda, not Iraq, not Iran, not WMD. Thanks

Perhaps someone would like to comment on this portion of the interview and what it might really mean:

Q Right. Why Thailand?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, because it's -- first of all, the assumption is that when you give a comprehensive speech in the Far East, it would be in, you know, China or Japan or, you know -- and Thailand is, one, a long-time friend; two, is an important part of ASEAN. In other words, there's -- the Far East is more than just the countries that dominate the news. And so, therefore, if you're going to give a comprehensive speech, you give it in a country that makes it -- just by the sight alone indicates how comprehensive the policy must be. In other words, you can't ignore other countries if you focus only on a few.

Parsing this one makes my head hurt.

I think the gist is, "Thailand is the best friend in the region that is not China or Japan".

[jfchandler]

I'm an American, so I certainly have an inherent right to spout off here...

Another Bush-ism.... he's glad, in the Nation interview, that the six party talks re North Korea will "bear fruition"...????

It seemed early in the interview, that the Nation reporter had to kind of remind him why he was heading to Thailand... Ohh.... 175 years together... ya.... that's right... That's why I'm going....

After all these years, I think most Americans have come to understand just who and what George Bush is... As bad as he makes the American political system looks, it remains true that other countries still have it worse. But, we in the U.S. do have a higher tradition and standard of democracy to uphold... Hopefully we'll get back to that tradition, once Bush is gone...

'

[mgjackson69]

I'm an American, so I certainly have an inherent right to spout off here...

Another Bush-ism.... he's glad, in the Nation interview, that the six party talks re North Korea will "bear fruition"...????

It seemed early in the interview, that the Nation reporter had to kind of remind him why he was heading to Thailand... Ohh.... 175 years together... ya.... that's right... That's why I'm going....

After all these years, I think most Americans have come to understand just who and what George Bush is... As bad as he makes the American political system looks, it remains true that other countries still have it worse. But, we in the U.S. do have a higher tradition and standard of democracy to uphold... Hopefully we'll get back to that tradition, once Bush is gone...

'

With what we have looking us in the face in November, I doubt it...

McCain or Obama...not much of a choice. Old-white-man Republican vs unknown, inexperienced paak-waan Democrat.

[wolfmanjack]

I really like this part of SBK's quote of Bush.

"you can't ignore other countries if you focus only on a few."

If you are focusing on only a few wouldn't you be ignoring the others??????

[Shotime]

GW and the Dalai Lama are old golf buddies. After a few beers, golf clubs, balls, and caddies, are flying all over the place. It's generally a lot of fun.

That part of the interview where he explains why Thailand, reinforces my belief that he's coming here for a good time. He can't party like he wants in China. He's a real master of the Universe. I'm an American too, but as President, he is an embarrassment to our country, and a criminal in the eyes of most people. The administration is run by sociopaths. Let me get another coffee, and I'll expound on this, and I promise not to hold anything back.

[farang prince]

Roy, you have an interesting style. You say you gave up reading the Bush interview, then go ahead and copy all of it for your reply. Why waste the space? From this and other postings you have made, it appears that you are not American. Where are you from?

[PeaceBlondie]

I finally read most of the Bangkok Post article, which attempts to recount the entire 50 or 500 minute interview. This Bush has a bad habit when speaking extemporaneously, as in interviews and press conferences. He is choppy, starting sentences over again after he has started to say one thing. His father also did that, but Junior is worse.

Again, I give GW Bush credit for finally doing his homework. He knew nothing when he got to the White House about countless things, never having gone outside North America. He knows his world map now, six years too late. In the interview, I lost track of the Dokdo issue - which will get a South Korean nearly livid, shouting that the little island belongs to them, not to Japan. I think Bush was saying that the issue between the two countries is about to be settled, which would be great. But if he was tryng to make a big surprise announcement of a settlement, it got garbled.

Again, about Aung Sahn Suu Kyi - aren't GW and Laura Bush light years ahead of the Thai politicians about clearly defending The Lady and denouncing the Burmese junta? Are the Bushes planning to meet dissidents in Bangkok who get arrested in Bangkok sometimes? Didn't the Thai government threaten to arrest farang who protest like that? After all, in Thailand, aren't George and Laura just farang?

[sriracha john]

Did you like his reason for delivering a major speech about East Asia in a minor country? Notice he said nothing about the coup, now that Thailand has a constitutional democracy in place again, such as it is. Did the reporter from either newspaper ask some tough questions, or were they polite in a Thai way?

I read The Nation's Suttichai's tactic was to direct the interview in such a way as to ask questions that would end up with George looking unknowledgeable and silly. In other words, provide him with just enough rope to hang himself on... which his cartoonish answers certainly did.

[sriracha john]

Indeed, this is a discussion of the interviews. Not Al Qaeda, not Iraq, not Iran, not WMD. Thanks

Perhaps someone would like to comment on this portion of the interview and what it might really mean:

Q Right. Why Thailand?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, because it's -- first of all, the assumption is that when you give a comprehensive speech in the Far East, it would be in, you know, China or Japan or, you know -- and Thailand is, one, a long-time friend; two, is an important part of ASEAN. In other words, there's -- the Far East is more than just the countries that dominate the news. And so, therefore, if you're going to give a comprehensive speech, you give it in a country that makes it -- just by the sight alone indicates how comprehensive the policy must be. In other words, you can't ignore other countries if you focus only on a few.

sbk, that's an extremely tall order...

An extensive battalion of decipherers, academics, cryptologists, decoders, translationists, scientists, and researchers (as well as hundreds of millions of Americans) have been struggling for a decade to discover and decipher and understand what George "really means" when he speaks.

As of this date they've been unsuccessful... but the research continues and they remain hopeful that one day this elusive secret will become known.

[britmaveric]

GW and the Dalai Lama are old golf buddies. After a few beers, golf clubs, balls, and caddies, are flying all over the place. It's generally a lot of fun.

That part of the interview where he explains why Thailand, reinforces my belief that he's coming here for a good time. He can't party like he wants in China. He's a real master of the Universe. I'm an American too, but as President, he is an embarrassment to our country, and a criminal in the eyes of most people. The administration is run by sociopaths. Let me get another coffee, and I'll expound on this, and I promise not to hold anything back.

Actually he is a hero to most people - a lad who stands up for what he believes in and dam_n the polls. I wish most politicians had 1% the courage he has. Perhaps he's not always right, but you have to admire his convictions.

[sriracha john]

Again, about Aung Sahn Suu Kyi - aren't GW and Laura Bush light years ahead of the Thai politicians about clearly defending The Lady and denouncing the Burmese junta? Are the Bushes planning to meet dissidents in Bangkok who get arrested in Bangkok sometimes? Didn't the Thai government threaten to arrest farang who protest like that? After all, in Thailand, aren't George and Laura just farang?

For anyone unfamiliar, this is Thailand's Prime Minister's point of view and various positions on Burma....

Suppression of activists in Burma normal: Samak

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Sunday described Burmese leader Senior General Than Shwe as being religious person and killings and suppressions in the neighbouring country were "normal' things.

Thai PM says Myanmar's Suu Kyi detention is "OK"

BANGKOK - Thailand has no problem with the prolonged house arrest in Myanmar of opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said on Wednesday.

Thai PM Endorses Burmese Junta's Ban against Suu Kyi

The Thai prime minister endorsed the Burmese junta's barring opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from future general elections.

Prime Minister and Defense Minister Samak Sundaravej led Burmese Prime Minister General Thein Sein on a ceremonial inspection of the troops, a gesture extended to welcome his Burmese counterpart

With this sort of background, there exists a strong possibility that any George or Laura speech here will go against the host country's position quite strongly...

Edited August 2, 2008 by sriracha john

[PeaceBlondie]

Perhaps someone would like to comment on this portion of the interview and what it might really mean:

Q Right. Why Thailand?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, because it's -- first of all, the assumption is that when you give a comprehensive speech in the Far East, it would be in, you know, China or Japan or, you know -- and Thailand is, one, a long-time friend; two, is an important part of ASEAN. In other words, there's -- the Far East is more than just the countries that dominate the news. And so, therefore, if you're going to give a comprehensive speech, you give it in a country that makes it -- just by the sight alone indicates how comprehensive the policy must be. In other words, you can't ignore other countries if you focus only on a few.

I hardly think that GW Bush speaks so cryptically as to require a decoding machine. As I mentioned, his sentences are choppy, but you can figure it out. One, he wanted to give the speech in a minor country to emphasize that the USA recognizes more than just the top two countries in the region,. Also, he chose Thailand because he considers it to be a long time friend, and a part of ASEAN (which George has supported, like the APEC summits in Bangkok and elsewhere). He wants to give it in Bangkok so that people look behind the podium and see that he is in Thailand, being comprehensive enough to go beyond China and Japan.

See, Sriracha John, that was not so difficult, was it? And I only have a third-rate bachelor's degree from South Texas, the proud father of a twin girl who attends Texas Southmost College.

[sriracha john]

GW and the Dalai Lama are old golf buddies. After a few beers, golf clubs, balls, and caddies, are flying all over the place. It's generally a lot of fun.

That part of the interview where he explains why Thailand, reinforces my belief that he's coming here for a good time. He can't party like he wants in China. He's a real master of the Universe. I'm an American too, but as President, he is an embarrassment to our country, and a criminal in the eyes of most people. The administration is run by sociopaths. Let me get another coffee, and I'll expound on this, and I promise not to hold anything back.

Actually he is a hero to most people - a lad who stands up for what he believes in and dam_n the polls. I wish most politicians had 1% the courage he has. Perhaps he's not always right, but you have to admire his convictions.

While one might be willing to overlook his misdemeanor convictions, his felonies are not so easily ignored.

[CCCP]

I've just ordered the Book 'The Prosecution of G.W.Bush For Murder' By Vincent Bugliosi. Can't wait to read what i already suspected.

Edited August 2, 2008 by CCCP