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Site Updated:
Wednesday, March 10, 2010


An Iraqi Lesson to Americans: The Freedom to Throw Shoes at the President!
Written by Geoff Newton on December 14, 2008, 09:09 PM
Iraq has taught us all something today.  And, it took eight years to learn this lesson!  If you’ve been paying attention, by now you should have seen the “Breaking News coverage of George W. Bush in Iraq being attacked by flying shoes.  First of all let me start by saying I do not condone the throwing of shoes against officials in government, supervisors, parents or friends.  However, this shoe flying event shows the frustration of the Iraqi people, and might I add many people of the world.


President George W. Bush & Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki were having a news conference when an Iraqi man stood up and hurled his shoes at the head of President Bush.  The man was quickly escorted out of the room screaming.  Here’s the funny part, in Bush’s lame attempt at humor he says, “That was a size 10 shoe he threw at me, you may want to know.”

Here's one video to show you the scene:



But, you have GOT to watch this video as well:

Okay here’s my feeling on this.  The world is irritated with President Bush.  I’m pretty sure that many people have wanted to throw more things than shoes at him.  The war, economy, gas prices, health and the environment have all been very wearisome to many many people.  The loss of jobs is a major issue in my household which is so exasperating especially with Christmas approaching.  As funny as it was to see two size 10 shoes being hurled at our president it was also very sad to see the disrespect that others have for the leader of the free world.

My hope is that with this new administration coming to DC, we can regain some respect.  I hope that the “Change” that President-elect Obama speaks of includes the change of the mindset of many in the world.  

Geoff Newton is the creator of  www.freshwateryankee.com.  Spotlighting achievements of Caribbean people in the United States and abroad.

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Blog Comments

Evan Hilaire
Geoff, I'm surprised that's all that was thrown at him. It should have been a few school books, starting from 1st grade on up!
Evan Hilaire
I forgot to add: I think the world is aware that for the last 8 years that America was not it's old self due to the horrible leadership we had. When I witnessed the amount of people internationally who rejoiced when Obama was elected it was a testament to the millions of people globally who actually believe in the USA and what we represent.
Jabriel Ballentine
Evan, we can only hope that things will get better! That is definitely a low. I don't know if anyone deserves such an insult...I imagine the President must be affected in some way, don't you all think?
Anita Davis
President Bush is totally unaffected by the shoe-throwing, much as the person who's stood you up for the 5th time is. He is unaware of the affect that his actions have had on the entire world. I am glad that he is retiring. As for the reporter, if he had used well chosen words instead of his shoes, he would not be in jail. However, it is what it is, and I vicariously tossed a mule or two myself.
Jabriel Ballentine
If we remember the example of Dr. King, we will know that sometimes it is worth it to go to jail. For this man, in his situation, he felt it was worth it. For him, the rights of his countrymen demanded that action...I guess. The question is: what matters to us? What will make us become fed up with the status quo? Can you think of anything that matters enough to us as Virgin Islanders, to cause us to say enough?
Stephen Okiye
Jabriel, I completely agree with you last comment or question. At some point in time we all must ask ourselves, are we satisfied with the results of our elected officials. So many of us stay chained and shackled in the mind set of “what can I do about it?” and assume nothing and do nothing. I think along the way we the people have forgotten that this is our land, our home. It is amazing to me, how we as people have become so complacent, in other countries they are in the streets marching and protesting and keeping their governments accountable. Yet we sit and watch our government twist the interpretation of law for their benefit and do you blame them, they took the time to be active. What are you going do?
Geoff Newton
Everyone has made some great points. If can look at recent elections within the US & USVI we can see signs that people have hit there limit. I will take the recent US elections, where countless amounts of younger people not only registered, but participated on both sides in debates, fundraisers, as well as rallying the troops no matter what side they were on. On the side of the USVI, I think many were tired of the status quo of senators that have been in office year after year. I think this is proven by the amount of younger candidates for senate seats. Whether they were the right people for the job or not, they have made the stand to go against the usual status quo.
Jabriel Ballentine
The VI Gov't is ranked 2nd most corrupt in the entire USA. Someone deserves to have shoes thrown at them! Or, at least more people need to be voted out of elected office (and forced out of appointed office). Our entire system in the VI needs an overhaul. There must be a system that allows for greater accountability. These "misleaders" are not doing us any favors...they are serving OUR interests. And, at present, we have no way to ensure that the interests of the people are being met. Without districts, these folks can garner votes from any section of the island from which their elected while being accountable to none. In this way, they can piss off the community without jeopardizing their political careers.
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