(Scotland) Yard fury over Bush visit

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.thisislondon.com/til/jsp/modules/Article/print.jsp?itemId=7602147

White House security demands covering President George Bush's controversial state visit to Britain have provoked a serious row with Scotland Yard.

American officials want a virtual three-day shutdown of central London in a bid to foil disruption of the visit by anti-war protestors. They are demanding that police ban all marches and seal off the city centre.

But senior Yard officers say the powers requested by US security chiefs would be unprecedented on British soil. While the Met wants to prevent violence, it is sensitive to accusations of trying to curtail legitimate protest.

Met officers came in for heavy criticism when banners were torn down and demonstrators prevented from coming within sight of Chinese President Jiang Zemin during his visit in 1999.

But with tens of thousands of protestors from around the UK set to join blockades and marches during the Bush trip, US officials are reportedly insisting on an "exclusion zone".

[hlthe2b]

1. God, I hope the Brits don't let them pull this crap....

Scared to death of protests, hmmm.

First amendment zones just may not play in Britain, Georgie. I can just hear the temper tantrum, now.

[soothsayer]

12. why the hell do first amendment zones play here?

We are a bunch of wimps

Why didn't we riot over the supreme court picking the prez?

Why are we standing for free speech zones?

Wtf?

[0rganism]

60. Strange as this may seem, they started as protection for abortion clinics

Those same regulations against right-to-lifers blocking the sidewalk have been generalized to justify the ad hoc concentration camps for any political protestors.

[saigon68]

61. LAP DOG POODLE WILL QUIVER BEFORE HIS MASTER

He will lay on his back in the "Submissive position"--legs ajar.

What a Bootlick the Poodle is.

Sort of like a few Democratic members of The House.

[Code_Name_D]

83. Yay, but

those zones are not clear across town. They are only so far away as to be out of range of a "stones throw" as the protestres like to throw tomatoes, red paint balls (blood) and bricks. They have even been known to build small catipults to cross the distance, forcing the police to push them ferther back.

Thee people are terrists. They need to be in jail, not "held at bay"

[T_i_B]

33. Blair may well say yes to Bush

Blair is not at all keen on removing his nose from the arse of the wanker in the whitehouse when all is said & done. Remember that this is the government that tried to stop the Febuary anti-war march that attracted 2.2 million of us from entering Hyde Park on the grounds that it would harm the grass. :eyes:

[tom_paine]

2. LOL, our Bushevik Totalitarian Thugs are insisting on Amerikan-style

in Britain.

Britain is still part of the Free World. Amerika is not.

Remember when WE were the Leader of the Free World, instead of an Imperial outisder looking in?

Free Nations should not give in to Totalitarian Thuggery,. They should provide an example to Totalitarian Nations like the Empire of what value freedom and sisent have.

So, I support Britain. Do NOT give in to Totalitarian Thugs like the Busheviks.

[info being]

15. 9/11 changed everything...

everything good about this country, that is. If current policy continues, the terrorists have won.

[tom_paine]

34. I disagree strongly

Clearly, the Imperial Subjects of Amerika stopped desrving our freedom that was handed down to us long ago.

The Busheviks are just the pustulent rash the nation has broken out into...the visible signs of a decay.

And 9/11 changed nothing. The Flash Point was 12-12-2000, the day the Old American Republic began it's transition to Empire.

(many people, and I am among them, don't think that 9-11 would have happened without 12-12)

[Media_Lies_Daily]

36. No truer words have been spoken.

[C_eh_N_eh_D_eh]

82. Not so sure about that last one.

(many people, and I am among them, don't think that 9-11 would have happened without 12-12)

9/11 may have been low-budget, but it was a long time in planning.

That said, it's entirely possible that with Gore in the Oval Office, the CIA might have been able to stop the attacks before they took place. But something most certainly would have happened.

Of course, if Gore was President, and his administration hadn't been able to stop the atttacks, the GOP would have called for, and got, Gore's head and testicles on a silver tray, and you'd have Bush in charge by now anyway.

[hlthe2b]

37. If Blair does give in,

would there be violence as a result? Americans have pretty much been "beat" into submission, but the Brits have had some enormous protests with regard to this Iraqi debaucle....

[Paschall]

3. He's done it with foreign parliaments...

...but it's kind of hard demanding a standing ovation of an entire nation. The Secret Service must feel humiliated by Shrub's treatment. :eyes:

[rock]

4. The Brits don't like freedom zones

Go Brits!

[Sagan]

5. here's an interesting line

"But the Met and the US Secret Service have reportedly agreed "rules of engagement" allowing Bush bodyguards to shoot anyone they believe is clearly threatening the life of the President. "


I hope no one gets edgy.

[LuminousX]

6. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen, Mr. Bush.

[Don_G]

7. I Don't Think So

If Dimbo wants to enter the UK, he can always land at Hereford (the SAS Base) near London and sneak into Buckingham Palace in the dead of night.

Otherwise he can stay holed up at his pig farm in Crawford. I can't see justifying disrupting a capitol and a world financial hub just to massage the ego and cover the a** of a wanna-be dictator against world opinion.

[Spazito]

8. Hmmmm, I can't help but wonder if this will be used....

as an excuse for Bush not to go, seeing as what was supposed to be a photo op coup is now turning into more humiliation for Bush.

[UpInArms]

9. I am so tired of

legitimate governments negotiating with terrorists.

[Military Brat]

14. LOL

My sentiments exactly, Up In Arms.

[bushisanidiot]

10. I Want To See The Brits Ok The "Exclusion Zone", But due to faulty

intelligence, the zone never see's the light of day and AWOL has to drive right through thousands of people chanting anti-Bush slogans.

I hope it's telivised!

[Screaming Lord Byron]

11. Sorry, George. You can't shut down ten million people. Arrogant fuck

[Military Brat]

13. The bush mantra

"They say terrorists could use the crowds as cover to attack the president ."


Terrorists, terrorists, terrorists.

National security, national security, national security.

Rinse, spin, and repeat.

Terrorists, terrorists, terrorists.

National security, national security, national security.

Rinse, spin, and repeat.

[UpInArms]

16. you forgot to add

things have changed since 9/11

9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11

[pink_poodle]

17. There you go. Democracy and free speach. Great example. -nm

:

[young_at_heart]

18. Sounding more and more like a monarch

If King George demands something.......he usually gets it!

[pink_poodle]

19. Why exactly is he going there anyway? He's not even welcome! -nm

:

[hyphenate]

20. I just wrote a letter

To the commissioner of Scotland Yard, telling him that I hope the Bush regime doesn't force him into SS type tactics. I doubt if they will pay much attention to a Yankee, but perhaps he will find it amusing. It will probably add me to some sort of terrorist list, at the very least, so they will now monitor me for terrorist activity. :eyes:

[HereSince1628]

42. Google yourself...

combinations of your name, "Bush" and colorful words you've placed in the same posts. Combinations of some of these may get you on a list...combinations of some of them will get you a visit from the FBI.

And take Ari's warning seriously...some Americans have to watch what they say.

[sleipnir]

21. This will be the final nail in the coffin for Blair

Poodle will get blamed if they shut down London...

Also, Red Ken (my favorite Mayor!) will NOT let this happen, he'll step in at the last minute and save the protest. Of course, I don't know what authority the mayor does have in such a situation, but he's pissed as hell at Blair so the spin will definatley go to Poodle..

[JNelson6563]

24. Mayor of London

haha

Pretty powerful for ages. Back in the early 1200's, when John was forced into signing magna carta there were lots of nobles around. Massive land holdings, lots of titles etc. They knew though, he among them that really had serious power, the Mayor of London.

Be interesting to see this play out.

Julie

[Screaming Lord Byron]

27. Good old Red Ken won't let us down.

I don't know why Bush is bothering with this. I really don't.

[muriel_volestrangler]

41. Ken doesn't like the visit already

http://politics.guardian.co.uk/foreignaffairs/story/0,11538,1081836,00.html

'London's mayor, Ken Livingstone, has already refused to meet the president, and is instead holding a "peace reception" at City Hall on the effects of the Iraq conflict on Britain's Muslim population.'

This article says Bush is going to the North East of England too. Well, that should give an easier-to-reach venue to the north of England and Scottish protestors...

The Times article the Guardian refers to:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-888449,00.html (subscription required for non-UK readers)
"But with less than two weeks until Airforce One arrives at Newcastle airport, no one yet knows for certain where Mr Bush, who has no known ties to the North East, will go. Shopkeepers and restaurateurs have been keenly swapping stories about visits by security officials, but Downing Street has remained, unsurprisingly, tight-lipped about his schedule, citing security concerns
<snip>
But Mr Bush may be surprised to see the Prime Minister’s property located opposite a shed used to keep geese and flanked by rows of uniform terraced houses. There is barely room for one limousine outside the house, let alone the usual presidential cavalcade. Some neighbours wonder whether Mr Bush might feel a little uncomfortable at the contrast with his own home.

Mr Blair bought Myrobella in 1983. The four-bedroom detached Victorian house, complete with a fair-sized garden, is estimated to be worth £300,000.

During the preparations for the visit, American security officials spoke to John Burton, the Prime Minister’s constituency agent. At one point they telephoned him to ask how many acres Mr Blair’s estate covered. Bemused, Mr Burton replied: “Well, he’s got a back garden.” "

[joeunderdog]

49. The Mayor is no Bush-lover. He spoke out against * when few others dared.

I emailed him to congratulate him on his courage when he came out against * and the war, and he took the time to send a very pleasant note back. My guess is, he'll be working behind the scenes to make sure that this * visit is as "successful" as possible.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

50. I know Ken's track record. I have the fullest confidence in his abilities.

[roguevalley]

65. I love Ken Livingston

He was one of the few who kicked Thatcher in the balls.
<cough> He would NEVER agree to this and Blair needs him
for the next elections so they won't look like they are
bleeding to death.

[fortyfeetunder]

84. I agree - Blair will be a goner

If the Brits let the US get away with this, not only will be there an uproar in London, but across Europe.

But you know what would be even funnier? If * tried to pull this same shit in France! Merde!!

[hussar]

22. If he wants a non violent protest

I suggest they leave things as they are.....

On the other hand

If they want to make the situation violent try shutting down the center of London.

Go Brits

[pfitz59]

23. "Royal Family Welcomes Distraction From Sex Scandal"

The Royals are in a furor over Charles' alleged homosexual activities (including rape)! Appears Diana's former butler is spilling the beans. Bush*'s visit should distract the press for awhile.

[SemperEadem]

58. isn't that the same butler who was busted for stealing things from her?

now, he's writing a book to recoup the $$ or £ £ he didn't get when she didn't recognize her houseman in her will?

Charles is not going to go down for this--nor will it remove him from being in line to the succession of the crown. He is, after all, a decendent of the houses of Stuart and Hanover--there is not a sexual scandal that those families hadn't forced down the throats of the British people before Victoria came to the throne in 1837 and ushered in "Victorian morals".

Edward II was openly gay as king. His wife (Queen Isabella) and her lover (Baron Robert Mortimer) had him killed by ramming a red-hot fire poker up his butt. Edward III returned their favor by executing Mortimer and severely curtailing his mother's movements, although she was never imprisioned or confined for her treachery.

James VI & I was openly gay at the same time he was supreme head of the Church of England... (akin to being he married and fathered children only to fulfill the requirements of succession. AFter that was satisfied, he got back to the business of boyfriends.

Edward VI had numerous affairs with society women while Prince of Wales and as King of England... even with a wife as gorgeous (but deaf and dumb as a post) like Queen Alexandra. In fact, his deflowering brought on a scandal that Queen Victoria was convinced contributed to the death of her beloved Albert.

I think things would have to sink pretty far in human depravity for Charles to even consider giving up his place in line for succession. His successors have sunk to impressive lows, but he hasn't yet.

[MoonAndSun]

25. This may make the many other thousands of Brits who do not want

bush* there but were reluctanct to protest, actually go out on the streets just to prove to the mis-leader that the US can not tell the British people what they can do on their own soil!!

Hail Britannia :toast:

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

26. bush* wants to see the elephants at picadilly circus

[dbt]

30. bu$h really does need to "see the elephant,"

in the sense that the phrase was used during the Civil War! "Seeing the elephant" meant that one had been in combat.

If the Boy King had seen even one hour of combat, he would have known that you use war only as a last resort.

Stupid little fucker!

:grr:
dbt

[aquart]

64. I thought it just meant one had seen everything.

I didn't know there was a specific use for combat attached to it.

[reprobate]

28. Does anyone else find it curious?

Curious that the Brits are "sensitive to accusations of trying to curtail legitimate protest" while the Americans want a three day shutdown of central London.

And here I have been laboring under the mistaken impression that WE were the ones so proud of our "free speech".

I'm beginning to believe that the mass of american people deserve nothing better than what they brought on themselves---mad king george.

[0007]

71. You are so correct is saying that the American people...

deserve nothing better than what they got.

[sleipnir]

29. Scary thought just entered my head!!!

What if this is a test of what * and the Pugs want to do to NYC in 2004 with the convention? This policy of "freespeech zones" needs to be killed ASAP, and the "whole-city shut down", even sooner. I'm starting to believe we might see this here in the City next year....Scary...welcome to the new world order...

[htuttle]

31. There's nothing that radicalizes people...

...like a billy club upside the head.

When they go that route, it will be like shaking a bottle of soda water.

[bpilgrim]

32. they tried to do it in NYC this but it didn't work... they marched anyways

more...
http://bbs.globalfreepress.com/coppermine

hard to keep back hundreds of thousands of people with a 'puny' police dept. unless they are playing for keeps...

laws are only enforceable when only a minority are breaking them :evilgrin:

peace

[kskiska]

40. It's been announced that the Secret Service (SS)

will be in charge of security in NYC at the convention.

[0rganism]

62. Pity the SecServ guys who earn their overtime protecting RNCC filth

I guess that's one branch of government bush won't try to privatize anytime soon.

[nostamj]

73. they don't know NYC

they would have to close down the bridges, the subways, the trains, the streets...

bloomberg doesn't have enough $$$ to get re-elected if he tries something like that.

[grytpype]

35. Bush spreads the iron fist of totalitarianism everywhere he goes.

I hope the Brits tell him to fuck off.

[iam]

38. Roosevelt vs bush*

Roosevelt says "We have nothing to fear but fear itself".
bush* says "We have nothing to fear but the constant threat of mass murder raining down on your childrens heads from 10,000 terrorists who are hiding everywhere!".
Guess who the real leader is.

[loudnclear]

39. Spreading democracy requires draconian measures...but you knew that.

It is unbelievable. If the Brits cave to this outrageous request the citizens should boycott all US goods, including entertainment goods.

[CBHagman]

43. Are U.S. papers covering this at all?

Given that Bush's Africa required the virtual herding of the locals into a secure location, you'd think that people would be catching on to the fact that he doesn't travel anywhere without complete insulation and, for that matter, isolation. What's with this?

[underpants]

44. How in the world will Fox spin thousands of our "allies" in the streets?

That is what W&Co. are worried about. They don't play to the international news media at all they are only worried about how things look on the 'Murkan media. They are going to have to use the really close up shots for this.

[koopie57]

52. easy,

they will tell us that there is no one there. And what is funnier even, is that some people will believe it.

[underpants]

54. Or they will claim they are pro-Bush demonstrators

Use heleicopter shots so you can't read the signs.

[R Hickey]

45. Freespeech Zones are really just Voluntary Concentration Camps

Are the people of England going to bow down to the 'Cowboy God,' and either throw rose petals, or voluntarly check themselves into "Protestor's Concentration Camps?"

Or are the Londoners going to exercise their free speech, and hopefully moon the moron every chance they get?

[Malva Zebrina]

46. Here you go--look at all the fuss -- this is what makes Bush think he is a

King--one that a god talks to. This has got to make such a cowardly little man feel as though the entire world is his personally owned oyster.

"President Bush's entourage for his trip to London will include:

• Up to 250 Secret Service agents.
• Up to 150 advisers from the National Security department and about 200 representatives of other US departments.
• About 50 White House political aides.
• A team of 15 sniffer dogs and their handlers.
• A personal chef and his team of four cooks.

Among the equipment they will bring will be:

• Two identical personal Boeing 747-200s and a third chartered jumbo.
• One personal US Marine Corps Sikorsky Sea King helicopter and a second A VH-60N, a VIP version of the Black Hawk helicopter.
• Two identical motorcades each made up of 20 mostly armoured vehicles, including the President's converted Cadillac Deville.
• The "football", a briefcase carried by a military aide which contains the launch codes for America's nuclear arsenal.

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/articles/7602432

Get the sniffer dogs--no wonder the guy cannot speak a decent sentence--he has got to be scared out of his wits--fifteen sniffer dogs LOL What are they going to sniff? The Queen's undies?

[underpants]

47. Where is the food tasting mouse?

:shrug:

Or did it refuse to eat English food???

[snippy]

74. Good question. Maybe that will be Blair's job.

[peterh]

75. I’m having an internal conflict over this one regarding poodle…

I have a real soft spot for dogs….not much of one for mice…:evilgrin:

[pinniped]

81. POS never goes anywhere without his best friend.

[Minstrel Boy]

51. And all Saddam needs is a white Chevy Caprice

and they still can't find him! :crazy:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=680184&mesg_id=680184

[aquart]

67. If Bush wants to play football, I hope nobody lets him.

[kskiska]

48. "I Love Freedom"

Isn't that what * says when confronted with hecklers or asked about protesters?

How come Clinton never requested such security or protection from protesters?

[skewthat]

53. I want to see the most massive protest ever.

Even if chimpy gets an exclusion zone, just march right into it.

[leftofthedial]

55. notice how the British authorities don't want to appear

to curtail legitimate protest.

Here in the "land of the formerly free," they just slap up a "first amendment zone" somewhere in the suburbs and arrest anyone who speaks out in the wrong place.

Our country is going down the tubes.

[truthspeaker]

56. do any brits know

if any Labour MPs are planning to attend or speak at a protest rally? I can see that being really embarrassing for Blair. Unfortunately it would require spine.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

57. There's always George Galloway, of course.

He'll be in the thick of it.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

59. And Dennis Skinner - The Beast of Bolsover

John McAllion - Dundee East - an actual socialist. Always good in a fight.

[roguevalley]

63. Blair can't and won't agree to this. He's trying to coax Ken Livingston

back for mayor to save themselves a hiding in the elections.
No one will cave on this. Bush can stay the hell here if he
doesn't like free speech, the little wanking dictator.

I am SO DAMNED EMBARRASSED. Sorry, Brit darlings. We have a
total wanker in the White House. My passport cover says I
didn't vote for Bush in three languages.

[peterh]

66. UK Blair Concedes Bush's Visit Will Spark Protests

Hee hee hee…ya think….Oh..and one thing poodle…if you want a show of integrity, you must first demonstrate that you yourself indeed has it…it’s kinda of a reciprocal thingie…


LONDON (AP)--Prime Minister Tony Blair on Monday conceded that U.S. President
George W. Bush's upcoming visit to Britain would spark protests, but he defended
the U.S.-led coalition's efforts to bring democracy to Iraq.
Blair, who is Washington's closest ally in the war on terror, said he accepted
that many people were opposed to the war, but insisted they must now support
attempts to restore stability and order to the country.

"Protest if you will, that is your democratic right," said Blair. "Attack the
decision to go to war, though have the integrity to realize that without it,
those Iraqis now tasting freedom would still be under the lash of Saddam, his
sons and their henchmen."
Blair said it was vital the coalition succeeded in bringing democracy to Iraq
and defeating Saddam Hussein's "small rump of supporters aided and abetted by
foreign terrorists."

[truthisfreedom]

68. ok, so the extremely expensive photo op on the carrier backfired horribly

so that the "mission accomplished" banner and flight suit have turned into rallying symbols for Democrats. now, this new photo op (increasingly expensive) is turning into another rallying symbol for Democrats... we can see bushco flailing wildly, trying anything they can to get a positive spin out of Iraq, and sinking in the quicksand of confusion and stupidity.

[xxqqqzme]

69. American officials WANT?

What if the new Yard says "NO!" Is squatter gonna stamp his foot and stay home? England held their ground w/ hitler - seems history is calling again!

[sungkathak]

70. Another Mid-east war in sight?

When two war-monger meeting, what will they discuss?

Bush was extorted,

The CIA undercover leaking is an extortion.

It's not a big deal. There is no danger for the exposed CIA undercover officer. But when they make it a big topic, there is something in it.

I think it maybe an extortion on Bush administration. For the security of Israel, The insider group wants more war in Mid-east. Iran is their next target because Iran has the ability to develop nuclear weapon. Bush Sr. and Kissinger visited Russia on Sept. 10. Then Putin came to US meeting Bush. Bush request Russia dropping out its nuclear reactor aiding project but was refused. Or a secret deal to take Iran was not succeeded with Russia? CIA case out broke right away after that.

Israel poised to attack Syria and Iran, or better, let US start another war for Israel. Bush, embarrased by failure to find WMD in Iraq and downward economy in domestic, unwill to start another war in Mid-east. That's why he is extorted. Israel's recent attack on Syria might be an erge.

If the CIA leak case is silenced, then a deal may has been reached and another war in Mid-east is at hand. P.S. Iran might have felt the coming danger and hurriedly suspended enrich uranium program on 10/22.

[Dr Fate]

72. Why does Bush hate Britain's freedoms so much???

????

[0007]

78. Because the Brits have bigger candy bars?

I give up! Please tell me, 'eh?

[devinsgram]

76. He should just stay away

and make everyone (except us) happy.

[shrdlu]

77. The U.S. record for protecting presidents...

...isn't all that great. From a security standpoint they probably ought to leave it to the Brits.

[Noordam]

80. But But But most Brit police do not carry machine guns like

WhistleAss likes....

[pinniped]

79. Must be some mistake. The POS loves free speech.

Or did that only apply to his Australia trip?

Go back to moving shrubs in Crawford Shrubby.