Queen Bush

Bush really enjoys projecting a regular guy, 'hang-out-at-the diner' kind of  an image.  At times the media messes up and buys it when they're not supposed to, then the right screams at how unfair the left is and how quick it is to call him a hick - when in fact he's a "classy" guy.

This leaves the media in a tough spot. It's even in more trouble if it writes of  his Connecticut prep school past. To suggest that Bush is uncomfortable in White Tie is to demean him, and to suggest that he has no problem with Tails is to deny the Midland, Macho, Myth. One is almost tempted to feel pity for the New York Times.

This kind of damned if you do, damned if you don't predicament was in the forefront during this week's visit by Queen Elizabeth. 

During his father's administration, W met the Queen and played the wise guy.  He claimed to be the black sheep of the Bush family, and asked who was the black sheep of hers.

Heh- Heh; Heh. Heh-heh.

Back at the frat, he probably screamed for another round.

This time the frat house was the White House, and he misspoke, which should be no big deal.  But then he decided to give The Queen a wink. And to announce that the look she had just given him in response was one that only a mother could give.

The Queen doesn't like to get winked at. Maybe she is too sensitive. Maybe she's too snobby. Probably she needs a towel snapped across her butt. Maybe her desire to be treated with respect is of no interest to Bush.

Whatever.

After all, England is really part of "Old Europe." 

Clearly this gaffe will not cause war. What it will do is to remind the world of our arrogance. Of our lack of interest in other's ways of being. What it will do is make it harder for us to find allies when next we want them.

Let's just hope that Bush's arrogant, insular, stupidity does not do  us much more harm  before he is out of office.

(h/t memeorandum)

Comments

[rick]

Maybe she should have dropped to her knees and he could have given her a Clinton 'wink'. You know, outa respect and all? Now that's what I call 'hangin-out-at-the-diner'. Heh heh heh heh heh. No?

That's what's called a 'hangin curve ball' Bustard. I couldn't resist.

[bbbustard]

I don't blame you a bit -