Blair 'dishonest, shallow and cheap' in justifying Bush visit, says Cook

[joeunderdog]

Robin Cook has accused Tony Blair of making dishonest, shallow and cheap arguments to justify next week's controversial state visit to Britain by President George Bush.

snip

Mr Cook attacks Mr Blair for attributing the huge protests planned next week to "resurgent anti-Americanism". He says this is "a dishonest, shallow, cheap argument, not worthy of such a consummate communicator ... It is entirely possible to want warm relations with the American people while keeping a prudent distance from the foreign adventures of President Bush."

Mr Cook, who resigned from the Cabinet before the Iraq war, says: "The state visit is the latest episode in a relationship with the Bush administration that has remained so one-sided that it has become an affront to our national dignity."

He urges the Prime Minister to revive Britain's self-respect by standing up to President Bush's foreign policy, notably by internationalising the political process in Iraq through the United Nations. If Downing Street's relationship with the Bush White House is to survive, he says, it must evolve into a "two-way street".

snip

Last night President Bush said he and his wife, Laura, were looking forward to staying with the Queen at the palace.

snip

He added: "I can understand people not liking war, if that's what they're there to protest. I don't like war. War is the last choice a president should make, not the first. And it was the last choice, after endless years of diplomacy took place."President Bush also confirmed that he would visit Mr Blair's Sedgefield constituency, and warned: "My Geordie is probably just about as bad as my English."

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/story.jsp?story=463560

[Screaming Lord Byron]

1. "My Geordie is probably just about as bad as my English."

I hate it when the PR people give them little tidbits that make them look like they're knowledgeable about a subject. Bush has no fucking clue what a Geordie is. He's about as smart as a bloody Mackem.

[BlackFrancis]

5. "Eeeh man, ahm gannin te the booza"

He probably won't need much else :shrug:

[Screaming Lord Byron]

6. Got any booze for t'baby?

Maybe a little too obscure.

[burrowowl]

7. What is

Geordie?

[Screaming Lord Byron]

8. A Geordie is a resident of the City of Newcastle

and an ill-defined hinterland.

Mackems are people from Sunderland, to the East of Newcastle. It is not a term of endearment.

[Gloria]

2. Posted last night in the WMW......more goodies at

http://www.zianet.com/insightanalytical/current.htm

[tridim]

3. "I don't like war" -Whistleass

Uh huh.. You don't like it you lying sack of dung, you love it. It gives you and your buddies a gigantic hardon and lots of my money.

Do us proud Brits.. Let the wanker have it!

[Tracer]

4. "...if that's what they're there to protest."

No, you witless twit!

They'll be there to protest YOU!.

[Cynica]

9. Pity the Poor Brits!

Sure, they surely knew what an oaf--if not bounder--they were inviting to stay with the Queen. So although we can sympathize with their plight now, we can say only "They asked for trouble!" Meanwhile, we can rejoice in his absence and refrain from casting an eye upon the sentimental twaddle that will emanate from Fox News. Late word from London suggests that Prince Charles is delighted over Bush's impending arrival with all its turmoil and street battles in hopes that the heat over his unnamed misdeed will dissipate.
If so, and if you think the welfare of Charles matters, it will be the first good deed Dubya has ever done.:P

[newyawker99]

13. Hi Cynica!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Unknown Known]

10. Take a look at this pic of The Mall to Buckingham Palace

Tony and the Queen are doing it up big time!

[Cha]

11. So WHY was War bush's "First Choice"? And..oh yes..

bush is a Lyin' SOB who is not fit for the office of President of the United States of America!

[roguevalley]

12. Kick them, Brits. I almost feel sorry for the royals, getting stuck with

these wankers. I cringe at the thought that anyone
abroad would think we approved of this. We don't. Hugs,
Britain. None of you get killed in the demonstrations,
you here? I wish I could be there.

[opihimoimoi]

14. I wonder whot the Queen had to say when she found out she got stuck with

the Bushes??? for a weekend at that??

Maybe during the Knighting Ceremony she slips and offs the oafs head??

Maybe she stays way clear of him during the dinner when they serve up Kidney Pie in case he wretches/ralphes on her lap??

Oh well, we go find some hounds from the Baskervilles.

[MetaTrope]

15. Beheading Bush

Would the Queen be immune from prosecution?

[BuckeFushe]

16. Wanker

The vast majority of Iraqis want to live in a peaceful, free world. And we will find these people and we will bring them to justice. GWB, 10.10.03

[Snellius]

17. "dishonest, shallow and cheap"? But they're in love

Maybe they'll share some touchpaste.