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08/18/2004: "Bush Puts Journalists in a State of "Shock and Awe""
This article from @Unity provides a number of astounding comments from George W. Bush (emphasis added):
Bush opened his remarks by both acknowledging the need for diversity in the media and suggesting that the differences between him and a highly skeptical element of the press corps be cordial.
He said, "I deal with my press corps on a regular basis. It’s a mutual beneficial society"
Aside from the error in grammar (he should have said: "It's a mutually beneficial society"), this comment illuminates how weak and pliant the mainstream press is. Should the press ever criticize what the almighty President says or thinks? He seems to suggest not, because obviously that wouldn't be mutually beneficial for him and his press corps.
Some of his most lively remarks dealt with affirmative action. "I affirmatively support action," he said in response to a question from syndicated columnist and NABJ member Roland Martin, who asked the President whether he supports legacy preferences in college admissions.
Obviously true: Bush supports action.
Bush told the group that many of his educational goals were being met. He specifically addressed the need for more reform in the African-American and Latino communities.
"You can’t read a newspaper if you can’t read," he said.
This is absolutely true. Bush's educational goals are being met. He's effectively reducing the quality of education by proposing cuts in spending. The logic in this is obvious: let's not waste money educating kids because in the future we won't need educated Americans... we'll need folks to stand behind the counter and take our food orders.
When asked what tribal sovereignty means in the 21st century, Bush’s response — "Tribal sovereignty means that it's sovereign" — drew sneering remarks from the audience.
Crap George, that worked great with the comment about reading. Ask Karl why it didn't go over well a second time.
A heckler was ejected from the ballroom as Bush spoke. "Shame on you for calling on the name of God to kill," shouted the unidentified man who did not appear to be wearing a convention badge. Bush paused but did not stop his prepared remarks as the man shouted, "He’s a liar!" and was escorted from the room by UNITY organizers and security officers.
It's hard not to agree with the heckler, up to the point where he says that the President is a liar. C'mon. We know that Presidents don't lie.
I am truly afraid for the future of our country.
