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Has Bush Found True Love?

By Jeralyn, Section Other Politics
Posted on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 09:03:06 PM EST
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Abdullah at the Ranch. First, check out OHarmony. Then the thinking person's version. [hat tip Atrios.]

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    • Has Bush Found True Love? | 42 comments (42 topical)
    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#1)
    by TomK on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 09:24:31 PM EST
    Gaybaiting is bad. You should know better.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#2)
    by BigTex on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 09:27:18 PM EST
    You're above stunts like this TL.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#3)
    by roy on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 09:36:09 PM EST
    That's about as tacky as the old Gaytrios gag. Of course, TL took that in the spirit of good humor, so it's all good.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#4)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 10:06:42 PM EST
    Roy, you missed the point of the A. post - it was that they used a photograph of Atrios that I took with my camera without my permission - it was mine, mine all mine. The rest of you need to lighten up. Those were funny pictures. Far from being gay-bashing, they bring to mind how ridiculously homophobic his administration is. And by the way, for what other head of state has he shown such deference for the country's customs? As Electablog said: "Just in case you needed further proof that any friction can be removed by a little black crude, we bring you the story of a very famous match."

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#5)
    by scarshapedstar on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 10:26:55 PM EST
    One question: did either of those site use the word "gay" anywhere? If so, I can't find it. Methinks thou dost accuse of bigotry too much!

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#6)
    by TomK on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 10:35:52 PM EST
    I didn't say it was gay bashing, I said it was gay baiting. When you make sexual insinuations that trade on the stigma of sexuality to make a political point. It's funny to you. It's not funny to the sixteen year old gay kid at increased risk of suicide because the stigma you are propagating. I know you are good on this issue, thats why I'm not understanding how you would find it funny.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#7)
    by scarshapedstar on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 10:43:03 PM EST
    Um, Tom, I think Bush has "propogated the stigma of sexuality" a wee bit more than I have. Or TL. Ask my gay friends; I've never tried to restrict their rights, or had personal meetings with scumbags like Jerry Falwell and James Dobson. By the way, if John Kerry had been photographed holding hands with a man before the election, do you think we'd see the kindler, gentler side of the Republican party that's coming out (pun unintended) now?

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#8)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 10:53:55 PM EST
    The real love of Bush is Fox but some-times Abdullah and his father who did a lot of business with saddam back in the 80's but also remember bush one and all the oil deals he made, don't forget BCCI, After all you paid for that, or have you forgot?

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#9)
    by TomK on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 11:01:43 PM EST
    "Um, Tom, I think Bush has "propogated the stigma of sexuality" a wee bit more than I have. Or TL. Ask my gay friends; I've never tried to restrict their rights, or had personal meetings with scumbags like Jerry Falwell and James Dobson." Right. I know TalkLeft is on the side of good. (Go Talkleft!) Thats why I'm suprised to see her use gaybaiting approvingly just because of the target. "By the way, if John Kerry had been photographed holding hands with a man before the election, do you think we'd see the kindler, gentler side of the Republican party that's coming out (pun unintended) now?" There were pictures on drudge of Kerry-Edwards just like these pictures with this guy that were obvious gay baiting. It was bad. Yeah, the republicans do it. But that doesn't mean the democrats have to. We can be better then them!

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#10)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 11:05:14 PM EST
    TomK & BigTex: Surely you're not suggesting that jokes like this are on the level of an amendment to the Constitution to permanently deny rights to an entire class of people. Because I'm really tired of that argument.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#11)
    by TomK on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 11:07:28 PM EST
    No. I'm just suggesting that this is in bad taste.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#12)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 11:12:46 PM EST
    To clarify, the difference here is that social conservatives use homosexual themes (typically not in jest, and with false righteousness) to whip up hatred in support of things like the marriage amendment. I don't think this qualifies as "gay-baiting" at all. I could be wrong, but it looked to be more about Bush's coziness to Saudi oil magnates than about homosexuality. You're falling for the Republican's equivocations on this one.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#13)
    by TomK on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 11:22:08 PM EST
    "Married through OHarmony?" combined with all those pictures looks pretty strongly to suggest a gay theme. Oh, and the bit about lubrication. The other one was better. It's not a huge deal, it's just a little surprising.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#14)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 11:42:35 PM EST
    Wow. Gay baiting? Am I being anti-semitic for making fun of the Saudi's open contempt for Jews? It's called a satire. It's about poking fun at an administration that attacks gay rights, not about gay baiting. Couldn't you see Rove and Co using images just like these to effectively destroy a liberal opponent? Using humor and satire to point out absurdities is not about hate. It's about shedding light on it. Of course there are sexual overtones to the satire. This are two guys holding hands. One guy bashes gays to win elections. The other guy allows fanatical goons tp repress all sexuality while he and his party like they're at a disco in 80s. Using gay hate to win votes is in bad taste. Using satire to unearth and dismantle such strategies seems tasteful to me.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#15)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 12:06:03 AM EST
    Thanks, Dave, for saying it much better than I did.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#16)
    by BigTex on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 12:28:36 AM EST
    Dave - just so I'm straight here (no pun intended) you're arguing that it's okay to use homosexuality as the butt of a joke, but that it's wrong to allow the people to have a serious discusion, participate in the political process, and come to a decision on if they support homosexuality? It's about poking fun at an administration that attacks gay rights, not about gay baiting. This isn't an administration led issue. This is a popular revolt based on some judges making unpopular decisions. The people decided they would like to see a constitutional amendment as a result of the judicial decisions. That's the way the system is supposed to work; judges make a decision and if the public is outraged they force a constitutional amendment; just like with the 11th Amendment.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#17)
    by Ernesto Del Mundo on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 12:57:15 AM EST
    allow the people to have a serious discusion, participate in the political process, and come to a decision on if they support homosexuality?
    Why should the people care if Bush and Abdullah are gay or not?? I think they make a really cute couple! Ummm...unless you like democracy that is.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#18)
    by scarshapedstar on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 01:17:53 AM EST
    BigTex, The problem is that coming to a decision on whether or not you support homosexuality is like deciding whether or not you support black people.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#19)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 04:16:42 AM EST
    Who cares about the pictures of them holding hands? The second link is most important as it demonstrates the up surd hypocrisy of inviting the leaders of a brutal kingdom to engage in discussion of spreading democracy.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#20)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 05:13:37 AM EST
    Hey everybody this has nothing to do with gay at all! it's more about Bushbag the saudis and who is giving who a "Handjob".

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#21)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 06:19:45 AM EST
    I'd understand a discussion of why this may or may not be good comedy. But nit picking it's moral center is the kind of Alan Alda-ism that allows the Republicans to steamroll you.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#22)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 06:23:30 AM EST
    As a gay man, a few funny pictures making light of Bush doesn't bother me at all. It's funny seeing the Holy American Emperor and Bandar Bush holding hands whilst walking through the flowers (especially as they are such virulently homophobic). That gives me a good laugh, there's no need to be overly sensitive. We all believe in being understanding here, but there's no need to get your panties in a bunch over some internet satire!

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#23)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 06:27:35 AM EST
    they make a cute couple, but i think ppj is getting jealous

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#24)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 06:55:46 AM EST
    I think these pictures tell quite a story, but it's not about the sexuality of either party. They are quite telling. Deal with it. Think about it. These are the people who have bankrolled Dubya. He is literally kissing up to them as the Bush clan has traditionally done with the House of Saud. American foreign policy? American energy policy? Just a minute, have to call Riyahd and check in with my friends. United States of Arabia. The pictures remind me of when Nixon wanted to dress the WH guards up like the British guards. The pictures tell a story. It's not about gay politics. It's about power and money politics, personal gain and aggrandizement.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#25)
    by Jlvngstn on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 07:14:03 AM EST
    Big Tex, just out of curiosity, which side of the gay debate does Bush stand on? I don't give a rats arse how it got there, I care about what side he is on. The pictures are funny. Two grown men who believe that homosexuals should not be afforded equal rights holding hands while strolling through the lillies is funny.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#26)
    by kdog on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 07:48:47 AM EST
    I love how the NY Post spun the pictures, implying that the glorious Bush was somehow sacrificing for us by holding the Prince's hand so we can get gas prices down. You can't make this stuff up!

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#27)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 08:00:37 AM EST
    I can't wait to see how the pres would greet Michael Jackson! Any ideas?

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#28)
    by glanton on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 08:07:07 AM EST
    Big Tex asks Dave: "you're arguing that it's [. . .] wrong to allow the people to have a serious discusion, participate in the political process, and come to a decision on if they support homosexuality?" Well, I don't know about Dave, but I am arguing that the kind of "serious discussion" you're talking about is utterly invalid, a cloak for mere bigotry. Do you invite a "serious discussion of whether people support the existence of African Americans"? What many of you fail to understand is that your "opinions" about what other people do with their bodies are entirely irrelevant, it shouldn't and doesn't matter what you think about it.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#29)
    by desertswine on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 09:25:26 AM EST
    Doesn't Dictator Crown Prince Abdullah's country actually kill gays? Or do they only flog them now?

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#30)
    by roy on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 09:46:24 AM EST
    desertswine, It looks like flogging is the main weapon, but "Shari’a law, as interpreted and enforced in Saudi Arabia, allows sentences ranging from imprisonment and flogging to death for 'deviant sexual behavior.' "

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#31)
    by BigTex on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 02:21:59 PM EST
    Glanton - what is your solution then? Tell the states they are not allowed to amend their own constitutions? Change the amendment process to where some issues can't be discussed? We as a nation may not make the best choice, but, as a soverign nation, it is our right to discuss the issue. As a nation it is our right to make decisions we may later come to regret. To suggest otherwise is the greater evil.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#32)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 02:53:04 PM EST
    I think C. Angel hit it on the nose. I originally thought the aforementioned Shrub/Saudi picture was very funny, but then it occured to me the Preznit is showing his deference to the one group of people in this world that are the most scary to him, the House of Saud. 15/19 of the goons who attacked the WTC were Saudi, but there were no substantive investigations into who else in Saudi Arabia might have collaborated with them. In fact the Saudi government stymied and blocked what investigations the FBI and others tried to conduct when it came to Saudi nationals. So yeah, it is funny in one sense(both men are about as homophobic as can be), but in another sense it is disturbing that our Prez feels more allegiance to the Saudis than he does for any of us posting at this site.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#33)
    by glanton on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 03:28:14 PM EST
    Big Tex: As scar and I have both already said, if you're willing to let states amend their constitution to criminalize homosexuality, then why not allow them to amend it to criminalize being black? And if you see the evil in allowing states to criminalize homosexuality, then how can you consider being "against homosexuality" a valid viewpoint?

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#34)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 03:51:43 PM EST
    Because in the eyes of the states being black is different from being homosexual?

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#35)
    by glanton on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 04:29:02 PM EST
    yes, sarcastic, and being black is also different from being white, and being white is different from being..... ad infinitum. Sexuality, like race, is an indigeous component to being. We ought not be in the business of throwing people in jail simply for being who they are. This is 2005! That we even have to have such debates, today, automatically caricatures you. But you bigots of today are much more cuddly and impotent than those of Wilde's day, and in another hundred years--who knows?--this particular kind of knuckle-dragger will have gone entirely the way of the do-do.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#36)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 04:39:05 PM EST
    glanton, You are so predictable. It's kinda sad, really. The most logical, and probable, answer to your question is that "in the eyes of the states being black is different from being homosexual." Stop getting your knickers in a knot, I offered no personal opinion on such beliefs. Do have different, better, answer for your question?

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#37)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 05:18:03 PM EST
    The problem is not that Bush is holding hands with a hot male cutie that's not Jeff Gannon. The problem is that Bush is a fluffer for any and all oil interests.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#38)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 06:17:15 PM EST
    Sherman: "In fact the Saudi government stymied and blocked what investigations the FBI and others tried to conduct when it came to Saudi nationals." In fact, the Bush admin. itself blocked any investigation of Saudis, just as they tried to block having an investigation at all, and then tried to put Saudi Consultant/Investor Henry F'cking Kissinger in charge of the whitewash. I'm sure plenty of you have seen it, but: Criminal Negligence

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#39)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 07:03:43 PM EST
    glanton As scar and I have both already said, if you're willing to let states amend their constitution to criminalize homosexuality States aren't ammending their Constitutions to criminalize homosexuality, they are ammending them to define "marriage". What part of 'Credibility' do you not understand? [This commenter is limited to four comments a day. Limit has been reached for today.]

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#40)
    by BigTex on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 07:59:45 PM EST
    As scar and I have both already said, if you're willing to let states amend their constitution to criminalize homosexuality, then why not allow them to amend it to criminalize being black? State constitutions, the Supreme Court can correct. Federal Constiotution, that's another matter. We have the right as a soverign nation to pass Constitutional Amendments as we see fit. We may not make the correct decisions, but they are ours to make as the people. To relinquish the ability to amend the constitution is to allow what Fred Daws keeps sounding the alarm for, rule by the government, without the people having a say. That, to my mind, is the greater evil.

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#41)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Thu Apr 28, 2005 at 08:21:22 PM EST
    What's a fluffer?

    Re: Has Bush Found True Love? (none / 0) (#42)
    by Che's Lounge on Thu Apr 28, 2005 at 09:20:16 PM EST
    Mfox, That's the person who gets the male porn stars in proper "form" for their scenes.

    Has Bush Found True Love? | 42 comments (42 topical)