
Bush in London
#1
Posted 17 November 2003 - 06:25 PM
If my year 7s can see this contradiction then why do so many of our 'leaders' fail to?
This discussion would fit in very well with the requirements of the citizenship curriculum. In fact I'll write in to my scheme of work.
#2
Guest_andy_walker_*
Posted 17 November 2003 - 08:26 PM
I have just the resource for you Gav!The impending visit of Bush is a good opportunity to discuss the differences between democracy and dictatorship in lessons (perhaps when looking at the rise of Nazi Germany or Caesar taking over from the republic).
#3
Posted 17 November 2003 - 08:33 PM
Have you tried Latuff stuff? http://www.learnhist...ffdemocracy.gif

#4
Posted 17 November 2003 - 09:02 PM
comptonhistory.com
blackhistory4schools.com
#5
Posted 17 November 2003 - 10:34 PM

#6
Posted 18 November 2003 - 01:28 AM
I expect we will get a lot of members listing there disgust at Bush's trip to the UK. I would love to hear from someone who thinks it's a good idea.
Thinking is SO important Baldrick. What do YOU think?
I think thinking is SO important, my Lord.
#7
Posted 18 November 2003 - 06:58 AM
Here's a question - What happens if a snipper shoots a protestor? What will happen?
#8
Posted 18 November 2003 - 06:58 AM
I am afraid I cannot do that but it might well be worth discussing why Blair thinks this meeting is such a good idea. The visit will obviously inflame public opinion and result in violence on the streets of London. It is also likely to trigger off a terrorist attack. Why does Blair want to do this? Does he really think that public will be more willing to support his “war on terror” if Britain becomes a victim of terrorism?I expect we will get a lot of members listing there disgust at Bush's trip to the UK. I would love to hear from someone who thinks it's a good idea.
Historically, the visit is a very significant event. He will be the first American president to stay at Buckingham Palace since Woodrow Wilson in December 1918. He came to celebrate the Allied victory in the First World War. This was obviously the main intention of Bush’s visit (when it was originally arranged these two war mongers felt the war in Iraq had been won). Another reason for the visit is to identify the Queen with Bush and his fight against terrorism. This attempt to drag the monarchy into politics is despicable.
There was an interesting article in yesterday’s Guardian about Woodrow Wilson’s visit in 1918. One of the main reasons for the visit was to promote his idea of a League of Nations. He gave an exclusive interview to the Manchester Guardian as it was considered to be the only newspaper in Britain that was fully committed to a League of Nations. As the Guardian pointed out yesterday, Bush has given his “exclusive” interview to the Sun (arranged by Tony Blair). This has led to attacks on Bush in the American media. As the Washington Post pointed out, it was not a good idea for the interview to appear in a newspaper that “features daily photographs of nude women and articles akin to those found in our National Enquirer”.
#9
Posted 18 November 2003 - 11:57 AM
Who was it that actually invited Bush over. Was it the PM or the Queen?I am afraid I cannot do that but it might well be worth discussing why Blair thinks this meeting is such a good idea.
I think the information that Wilson gave an interview to the Manchester Guardian outlining his plans for the League of Nations and Bush spoke to The Sun presumably about "freedom loving nations" really sums up the whole situation perfectly

Thinking is SO important Baldrick. What do YOU think?
I think thinking is SO important, my Lord.
#10
Posted 18 November 2003 - 11:58 AM
I think a terrorist attck is unlikely given the massive security arrangements. However a terrorist bombing of London would probably guarantee Blair victory in the next election (although the tories have already done that.)The visit will obviously inflame public opinion and result in violence on the streets of London. It is also likely to trigger off a terrorist attack. Why does Blair want to do this? Does he really think that public will be more willing to support his “war on terror” if Britain becomes a victim of terrorism?
We are living through the history lessons of 50 years time and the events of the next week or so could be monumentous.
I am really losing the ability to even begin to understand Blair's actions. Putting aside opinions about whether the war is right or wrong. John is right, it makes no sense whatsoever inviting Bush in this way. It is the first formal state visit by a US President - what has Bush done to earn this that all other preceding presidents have failed to? If there was a better way to ensure global negative publicity (for Bush and Blair) then i cannot think of one.
Thanks to Andy and Dafydd for the excellent resources.
#11
Posted 18 November 2003 - 12:07 PM
It all depends on if Bush’s armed guards are given diplomatic immunity. A security expert said on radio yesterday that if a protestor throws anything at Bush’s bomb proof car, they will be shot as it will be assumed it is a terrorist attack (the same is also true of those cars in the procession that will not be carrying Bush). The expert claimed that if this happens the person doing the firing will not face charges.Here's a question - What happens if a snipper shoots a protestor? What will happen?
Edited by John Simkin, 18 November 2003 - 12:09 PM.
#12
Posted 18 November 2003 - 12:17 PM
#13
Posted 18 November 2003 - 01:06 PM
Does this mean that the British tradition of egg-throwing is in danger? I would bet that if an egg-thrower was shot by Bush's security it would be the end of Bush and Blair's careers.A security expert said on radio yesterday that if a protestor throws anything at Bush’s bomb proof car, they will be shot as it will be assumed it is a terrorist attack (the same is also true of those cars in the procession that will not be carrying Bush). The expert claimed that if this happens the person doing the firing will not face charges.
Oh and if the car is bomb proof, surely anything thrown at it will be ineffective? If only Franz Ferdinand had had one of these!!! Maybe Bush's driver will also take a wrong turn. Into the Thames?
#14
Posted 19 November 2003 - 01:21 AM
If this doesn't happen there will be almost certainly be some kind of terrorist attack on Bush and Blair. It is perfect oppertunity to take out the two leaders together and the Queen.
#15
Posted 19 November 2003 - 11:22 AM
perhaps going a little too far!!It is perfect oppertunity to take out the two leaders together and the Queen.
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