Are you on Facebook?
Good God, why not? It's a great way to meet up with old friends and mock old enemies.
For example--if you are Facebooked up--consider this an invite to join a call to symbolic, just-because-it-feels-good, less-effective-than-cathartic "action."
There are many truly game-changing, paradigm-shattering political actions one can take. This isn't one of them. But I think you'll enjoy it nonetheless.
You probably haven't heard anything about this--I don't think it's been in the news or anything. But a reporter in Iraq threw two shoes, with devastating accuracy and velocity, at George Bush.
There's any number of qualifiers we can put on it: thank goodness he didn't actually injure Bush, the journalist in question must not be harshly treated, whatnot. But I think if we were to boil it down we might be able to agree on a blanket statement: "that was a pretty kickass thing to do."
So why shouldn't we join in? The Facebook group "Throw Shoes In The General Direction Of George W. Bush" is dedicated to that cause. To wit:
Please, don't actually hit him. Seriously, there's no need to generate sympathy for him. That's not the point.
It's the thought that counts. And they say it's the worst form of disrespect in the Arab world. So that's pretty sweet.
But few of us can repeat the athletic skill of that sharpshooting Iraqi reporter--and it's doubtful the President could continue to dodge them with such surprising athletic skill. So don't even try.
Instead, if you see him, maybe he's passing by, on foot or in a motorcade...just kind of flick a shoe in his general direction.
To show him you care. For all he's done, say: "Here's a shoe for your troubles! No wait, have two."
That's the message of this group. Next time you see George W. Bush, flip your shoe gently towards him. And, if you get a chance, yell something... maybe like...
"This is your farewell kiss, you dog. This is from...those who were killed in Iraq!"
Or, whatever. Improvise. Choose a topic: Torture, Katrina, the environment, tell him what he's done to your 401K. Really, wherever you look, it's a rich tapestry of suck.
All are invited to suggest things to yell while one softly lobs footwear in the area generally near George W. Bush.
Contact Info
So please, sign up, pass it on, DIGG in. Why should badass Iraqi journalists have all the fun?