This cracks me up, I couldn't resist putting this in a diary:
On March 19,
The Washington Note writes:
Today is the Persian New Year, called "Nowruz", and inspired a note from President Bush:
March 2006
I send greetings to those celebrating Nowruz.
Nowruz is an ancient celebration marking the arrival of the New Year. For millions of people around the world who trace their heritage to Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan, India, and Central Asia, Nowruz is a celebration of life and an opportunity to express joy and happiness through visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts, and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Our Nation is blessed by the traditions and contributions of Americans of many different backgrounds. Our diversity has made us stronger and better, and Laura and I send warm regards to all Americans celebrating Nowruz.
Best wishes for peace and prosperity in the New Year.
GEORGE W. BUSH
This message of Nowruz greetings becomes somewhat humerous when you consider the president's remarks to members of the Iraqi opposition a few weeks before the invasion, quoted in part 1 of the Channel 4 series The Real War On Terror (get it with BT if you haven't already seen it.)
Peter Galbraith, former U.S. diplomat:
"January 2003: The president invited three members of the Iraqi opposition to join him, to watch the Superbowl. In the course of the conversation, the Iraqis realized that the president was not aware that there was a difference between Shiite and Sunni muslims. He looked at them and said: 'There's this difference? What is it about?'"
How precious. It comes as no surprise then, that the President speaks with so much authority when he talks about phenomena such as democracy and human rights.
