wtf? They Are Holding Hands Again!

[leftchick]

U.S. President George W. Bush (L) walks hand-in-hand through Texas bluebonnet wildflowers with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah on his ranch in Crawford, Texas, April 25, 2005. During his meeting with Crown Prince Abdullah, President Bush is expected to praise the kingdom's efforts to fight terrorism and seek its help in countering the economic threat posed by record oil prices. REUTERS/Jason Reed

Yahoo link to the photos. There are a LOT...
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?g=events/pl/081201presidentbush&a=&tmpl=sl&ns=&l=1&e=1&a=0&printer=

[antonialee839]

1. How Freaking Romantic!

[hector459]

59. How freakin' disrespectful for Condi to wear pants to meet with Prince.

This ought to tell the world exactly what we think about respecting others' culture.

And I remember when the RW criticized on public TV Hillary wearing pants IN THE WH, where she lived!

The hypocrisy of the RW and this administration is blowing my mind!

[Orangepeel]

64. there is nothing wrong with wearing pants.

there are a whole host of things that she can be fairly criticized for, but that ain't one of them. Hell, the prince probably didn't like meeting with a woman at all.

[XemaSab]

80. Better than Laura

going to Afghanistan without a head scarf.

[AuntiBush]

61. Yup! But, isn't this so much better looking!

Chimp-wad & Prince Oil holding-hands. And they say we're Lib-ur-ural.

Can't stand lookin at the Chimp. Wish they'd go on and marry.
He should move the ranch to a nice sandy Eastern country!

[Drifter]

87. I wonder who is "Top" ?

Cheers
Drifter

[Az]

2. Thats just creepy

Brrrr.....

[Kolesar]

3. Broadcast THAT to 200 conservative christian churches next Sunday...eom

[fishwax]

17. good one

:)

[leftchick]

4. dick didn't get to hold hands!

U.S. President George W. Bush (L) walks hand-in-hand through Texas Bluebonnet wildflowers with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah on his ranch in Crawford, Texas, April 25, 2005, as Vice President Dick Cheney (4th L) and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (R) follow behind with other members of the Saudi entourage. During his meeting with Crown Prince Abdullah, President Bush is expected to praise the kingdom's efforts to fight terrorism and seek its help in countering the economic threat posed by record oil prices. REUTERS/Jason Reed

[leftchick]

5. This one looks like a freakin wedding photo!

[Carni]

34. LOL! Stop it you're killing me here! EOM

[Radio_Lady]

67. Are the bluebonnets blurred because Bush's zipper was down?

[leftchick]

74. I suspect it was the guy in the robes

who was serviced.

[Lisa]

82. reminds me of those same-sex wedding pics up here in Canada

When it was legalized in Ontario, BC, etc. -- the media went nuts with front-page photos of gay and lesbian ceremonies ... but after people realized how boring and normal the participants actually were, the press lost interest.

[fryguy]

6. * insulting arabs again?

isn't it customary in muslim culture to only shake hands using one's right hand, the left being traditionally reserved for less sanitary uses?

[sui generis]

12. thas right

he got a firm grip on ol' shrub's poop chute buffer -

[XemaSab]

81. What could possibly be less sanitary

than touching the Shrub.... think about where that hand's BEEN.

[sui generis]

7. now see here Abdullah! you know I like a good prank

now and then but the whole superglue before the handshake thing was totally uncalled for! I totally respect that.

[Sperk]

8. did Clinton hold his hand when he was Pres.?? WTF? Do other

world leaders take a lover's stroll with the Prince? WTF????

[Lindacooks]

53. Yes, I want to see pictures of other worlds leaders strolling hand

in hand with Saudis.

[smirkymonkey]

9. I'm sorry, but this photo looks like an ad for a gay, interracial

dating service. It's just so.....something.

[tridim]

22. Prince, do you ever get that not-so-fresh feeling?

[smirkymonkey]

43. LOL! Yes - that was the sentiment I was trying to capture!

I nearly wet myself reading that one! Touche! :)

[norml]

10. Here are my threads on this in LBN & GDP.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1421065 http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1743487

[NYCGirl]

11. IT'S A MIDDLE EASTERN CUSTOM.

http://wrc.lingnet.org/mec.htm

Touching. Long handshakes, grasped elbows, even walking hand in hand by two males is common place in the Arab world. A considerable number of Arabs touch more between the same sex, to show liking--not sex. They hold hands, hug each other, kiss if close friends. As Arab society condones the outward display of affection between male friends, one may see Arab men, even officials and military officers, holding hands as they walk together or otherwise converse with one another. If an individual Arab does not touch you, he does not like you--or he may be trying to restrain himself because you are not used to being touched. A full body embrace, accompanied with hugging, should not be initiated until you are sure that the Arab is a close friend. If the Arab initiates it, participate and consider yourself honored and/or accepted. Contact between the opposite sex in public is considered close to obscene.

Distance in talking with one another (body space) may be much closer with Middle East peoples than with Westerners.

Eye contact during discussions--often long and direct--is important. Staring is not necessarily rude (except gazing at women).

[democracyindanger]

16. shh

this is one of those it's-more-gratifying-to-ignore-facts threads.

[NYCGirl]

18. ;-)

I've been seeing quite a few of those around here lately.

[Carni]

36. I don't know man...my husband had numerous Arab business friends

And they never strolled around holding his hand, or touching him..

Additionally does this mean the other guys don't like *the Dick* (Cheney) He's all by his lonesome!

[NYCGirl]

37. I'm not a man, BTW. I'd think that my obvious username would signal that.

Perhaps there's a difference in business friends (or acquaintances) and heads of state.

[Carni]

41. I am not doubting you -- I was kidding

I do still maintain that bush looks absolutely stupid in these photos
(although what else is new)

[NYCGirl]

42. No problem.

Bush looks stupid in EVERY photo. (But I think we "mis"underestimate him. I think he's a lot more dangerous than he is stupid.)

[Lindacooks]

52. People are amazed by this because of the hypocrisy.

Repukes, when seeing two gay men walking around holding hands, would be screaming that they are shoving homosexuality down the throats of the public. Yet chimpy sees no problems in HIM holding hands with a male. And it is strange. I haven't seen any other pictures of world leaders holding hands with the Saudis - can you find any??

[Dorian Gray]

56. It's also common in China and India, as well.

Just because we are not used to the hand-holding here does not mean that it is not customary in other regions.

I don't understand why this is creating controversy.

[MadHound]

13. Sheesh people, grow up!

This is a cultural tradition in Saudi Arabia, where two grown male friends hold hands while walking. It is quite common over there, and is seen in a non homoerotic way.

Christ, I keep seeing a bunch of people laughing and nudging in these "holding hands" threads like a bunch of school kids, grow up!

[Catherine Vincent]

15. Oh hush!

It's funny!

[Terran]

19. And besides...

just imagine how freaking uncomfortable George is, being photographed holding Prince Abdullah's hand! I say relish it!

[Individualist]

78. In footage on ABC news tonight

he didn't look at all uncomfortable when HE reached and took hold of the Prince's hand.

[Bridget Burke]

27. Bush is well know for cultural sensitivity!

Actually, not. Generally, he's a culture-free yahoo.



Guess he has his priorities straight....

[NYCGirl]

38. In this case, it looks like we're the cultural dummies! NT

[Carni]

39. Is making fun of the Prince's bad dye job un PC too?

maturity be damned...that Prince needs to find a decent colorist.

[leftchick]

46. lol!

he is once gross MoFo.

[leftchick]

45. key words "In Saudi Arabia"

and "between Arabs". I don't remember any other US president ever doing this. I think of it more as an expression of the closeness of the bush/SA cartel. And he does look like a jerk.

[nolabels]

14. It's subterfuge

When the CON starts broadcasting this http://www.antiwar.com/news/?articleid=2444 24/7 it might be called news again

[necso]

20. What's the line?

"We are merely exchanging long protein strings."

[tridim]

25. Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos.

[LdyGuique]

21. It's the custom -- even though it overrides the cleanliness rule

It's the "custom"

Touching, long handshakes, grasped elbows, even walking hand in hand by two males is common place in the Arab world. A considerable number of Arabs touch more between the same sex, to show liking--not sex. They hold hands, hug each other, kiss if close friends. As Arab customs and behavior condones the outward display of affection between male friends, one may see Arab men, even officials and military officers, holding hands as they walk together or otherwise converse with one another. If an individual Arab does not touch you, he does not like you--or he may be trying to restrain himself because you are not used to being touched. A full body embrace, accompanied with hugging, should not be initiated until you are sure that the Arab is a close friend. If the Arab initiates it, participate and consider yourself honored and/or accepted. Contact between the opposite sex in public is considered close to obscene.

Source

[Radio_Lady]

72. Interesting addition to your post, from this LEFT HANDED woman!

"Use the right hand to eat, touch and present gifts. The left is generally regarded as unclean."



Boy, this really stigmatizes 25% of the population who are left-handed. FYI -- or more precisely -- TMI, I wipe myself with my RIGHT HAND, and EAT with my LEFT!

I try to be understand of the customs of other cultures and countries, but this little bit of information should be added.
Any culture that forces its women to dress like this is anathema to me. No part of a woman except her eyes is available to look at -- this happens to be a woman with hands exposed and RED shoes. Very unusual!

[Virginian]

85. When in Rome...

I think they are in Texas where two men holding hands raises eyebrows.
If they were in Saudi Arabia, it might be considered more normal.

Since they are in Texas, make sure the fundies see it.

[all.of.me]

23. he looks like a kindygartner on a field trip!

"now hold teacher's hand, georgie."

[dancingme]

24. Shiny Happy People Holding Hands!

everybody sing :)

[panbanger]

26. This is how it's done. (pic)

[sabra]

28. nice...

[demnan]

33. But then Clinton was just President

He wasn't a great friend and business partner of the Saudis.

Ah, the good old days!

[leftchick]

65. Exactly! At least a few DUers get "it"

:thumbsup:

[dave123williams]

29. They didn't broadcast the pictures of Abdullah fisting him...

[bullimiami]

30. bush is a traitor

this is where his loyalty lies, not with this country.

[peacetalksforall]

31. Don't be upset...it is a cultural thing...this is one of the rare times

he followed protocal. It's the same thing as planning a meal to accomodate a religion or diet - it's like selecting the right color and type of flowers. Other people have cultures...our culture is not the only one. There is no problem with the hand holding if it is someone from Saud Arabia. It should be no big deal.

What is a big deal is when he rubs the head of certain people.

[Carni]

32. "walks hand-in-hand through Texas bluebonnet wildflowers"

LMAO!

Apparently this reporter also finds this rather *whimsical* on the part of Prince fancy pants and herr bush! :)

[Oreo]

35. This is offensive

and should be sent everywhere.

It's not offensive because 2 men are holding hands. It's offensive because Bush said he'd demand that the Saudi's "Open the spiggots"

Bush and the prince are holding hands because they can't contain their excitement over all the money they're making.

[demnan]

40. I think you've got it right

For these guys money is better than sex.

[entanglement]

55. Yeah, they get their orgasm either way n/t

[onager]

44. I've worked quite a bit in the Middle East...

...and lived there, in Saudi Arabia. This is just a common cultural trait. So is two men rather demonstratively kissing each other upon meeting. Bu$h is normally such a culturally insensitive clod, I'm kind of surprised to see him going along with this custom.

Many Arab men also like to move in VERY CLOSE when talking to you. They violate the "comfort zone" of us Westerners. But they see us as very cold, unemotional people when we do the natural thing for us (pull back from the speaker, or at least out of Saliva Range).

To put this hand-holding in a perspective most Westerners can relate to: think about the Buy-bull story of Judas betraying Christ with a kiss. This seems especially heinous to us, because we think of a kiss as a sign of very close intimacy. But in the Middle Eastern cultural context, it's really the same as saying Judas identified Jesus by walking up and shaking his hand.

(edit for spelling)

[TommyO]

47. Bush finally got his Man-Date! (n/t)

[HughBeaumont]

48. Why THE HELL does Wife #2 have to travel EVERYWHERE with him?

GOD. Does anybody care that she's an incompetent? Probably getting thanked by the Saud-BFEE conglomerate for her fine lying, shilling and cover-up.

[elfin]

49. Please post these on all Freeper type sites

and omit any kind of "cultural practice" references. Instead, maybe something that tells about Arab homosexuality practices, while forbidden, actually quite prevalent. Making this last part up a bit - but what would they know??

[proud patriot]

50. I just printed those up

I will leave them on any W04 stickered cars that I see .

[leftchick]

68. LOL! Excellent!

:hi: But you may have to Identify the Mobster Kingpin in the Robes for the freeps!

[underpants]

51. W is just showing is appreciation for them giving him a second term

[samilib]

54. LOL.

Perhaps it's Saudi custom to do that? Seriously, other cultures have norms that we would not do.

[Coexist]

57. How awesome! Bush has reversed his position

on gay marriage... this is truly a great day... I have to go get a tissue!

[demgurl]

58. I don't think anyone here is mad, upset or outraged......

I think we are all smart enough to understand customs of another country. Most of us, I believe, are amused. The amusement spans over several thoughts.

First off, the republicans ran touting their anti-gay agenda and I believe there has got to be some prejudice there. We can all just imagine how uncomfortable a homophobe may be when holding hands with someone of the same sex.

Secondly, George Bush is not known for his intelligence on other cultures. It is simply amusing that someone that seems so ignorant about, well everything, is doing something from someone else's culture.

There may be a small bit of outrage but not over the hand holding exactly. It is more that Georgie boy took a stance a long time ago saying that he would demand the oil and not let them get away with what is essentially happening to the American public right now. Here is the man 'sticking up for us, by holding hands and gong for a walk. He does not look like he is laying down the law with the prince. He looks like they are having a pleasant conversation.

[Roland99]

60. Friendship level.....*5*??

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dotsara/10218413/


1. Friends with Benefits
2. B.F.F.
3. Social Friends
4. Guy I Swordfight with in the Bathroom
5. Talk to the Hand
6. Mortal Enemy

[confludemocrat]

62. This guy tramples on customs with impugnity but not in this case

Here he is scrupulous in following a custom that if he was not kowtowing to his ideal: a boss of a feudal dictatorship full of oil, he would otherwise never do.

So this is not about being culturally sensitive here. He looks ridiculous doing this because it is ridiculous for him to be holding hands. Does he kiss the hand of Madame Chirac? Does he bow to Koizumi? No. But he walks holding hands with the boss of a repressive feudal empire that stood and watched Al Qaeda get ramped up to kill more than 3,000 Americans and their coworkers from other countries. Because they are both scions of ruthless, power mad families who care about their (oil) profits above all else. Disgusting.

In the face of all the criticism he should get, he is showing where his loyalties really lie and is doing more of what as a lame-duck he specializes in lately: thumbing his nose with his middle finger at us, e.g., the Bolton thing and the Nuclear option.

How did he let things get to this point if he is so concerned with oil prices?!

[Javaman]

63. He holds abdullah's hand more than he does pickles. LOL

[Tesla]

66. All I know is they would definately get sh*t at the Wal Mart

holding hands like that.
Maybe there are thicker ties than we know of.

Maybe Gannon is hiding under the robe.

[leftchick]

69. I believe you are right

Eeewww!

[bush_is_wacko]

70. This IS their culture! They do it all the time in ALL Arab nations.

I have a Kurdish Friend that told me about this custom. he had a hard time NOT doing this when he was excepted here as a refugee. Then when he went to Europe to visit some of his family THEY wanted to know why he didn't do it anymore. Apparently it's pretty ingrained. And it is a sign of respect and friendship.

[RamboLiberal]

71. Jon Stewart is going to have fun with this

And while it may be culture - you know if this had been any Dem, especially Clinton, Gore or Kerry - the Freepers wouldn't have mentioned it as many DU'ers have.

[swag]

73. So now we know why Bush has been so busy clearing brush -

so he and Abdullah would have some nice clearings for good old-fashioned belly-rubbing sessions.

[Treblig]

75. You know what they about politics

and strange bed-fellows.

[Swamp Rat]

76. Looks like Dumbya is explaining why the female is going to the orgy too.

I guess they brought her along as a gift for Bandar. :D

[roguevalley]

77. lots of cultures do that. I don't find it odd, offensive or funny. I find

the TWO MEN odd, offensive or funny, not the hand holding. Don't go to Korea unless you wanna see men hanging on to each other. I think its cute. If someone else was doing it.

[Catherine Vincent]

79. They're holding hands pretty tight there.

Bush is a good faker. :-)

[dxstone]

83. Yeah, I think SOMEBODY'S takin' it in the butt!

The American people...



DXS
"I LOVE horror movies, man... I just don't want to LIVE in one."
http://presidentevilonline.com

[B Calm]

84. They are discussing their plans on meeting Jeff Gannon later

for a threesome..

[paineinthearse]

86. What a lovely couple

wonder if Crown Prince Abdullah is bald?