Dubya'll rubya

[prog]

OK, during the same talks where he said a bad word near a live mic and made me say "gee", the president gave an unsolicited shoulder massage to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, which has apparently caused a national WTF to overcome her country's citizens.

I think it's cute and all how our W's behavior at these things makes it clear how much he really does want to be pals with other world leaders, but wuh? I want to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume there is invisible personal context here, unlike those far moonbattier than I who are all with the ZOMG SEXUAL ASSAULT but still.

(The thought crosses to add CAN YOU IMAGINE IF CLINTON DID THIS but no, since actually I'd be laughing right along with them. Oh Bill.)

Comments

[doctor-atomic.livejournal.com]

The problem with Bush's little massage was that it represents how many men in power treat women in power: awkwardly and differently from male colleagues. Rubbing Chancellor Merkel's shoulders makes her an object that can be petted without solicitation, like a cute kitty. It isn't sexual harassment, but it does smack of Bush's absolutely backwards attitudes toward women in power and ineptitude at even feigning respect for women.