Saluting President Bush

May 21, 2007
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He just did a bit of a military salute before going to talk to the President. It's just an indication of respect - I don't see how it suggests Australia is some 51st state of the US.

It's a bit of an odd gesture...but it's not like anyone was there and knew what they were/have been talking about - what is the big deal?
 
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PrincessFromOz

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Mr Rudd saluted President Bush while at a NATO (I think?) convention, and smiled, before walking up to him to say hello.

Not a few people feel that it was an embarrassment and undermined our nation's relationship to the US.

I feel it was an unwise thing to do, and made it look like we are just another country serving America's purposes.. However, I think it was probably an honest mistake, which would be easy to make especially considering the media is watching his every move.

Then again, he probably should be more careful, and should perhaps clarify to the Australian people that he listens to our views first and foremost when it comes to foreign policy.
 
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DavinMochrie

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and made it look like we are just another country serving America's purposes..

So the gesture was accurate.

It's no secret that we are heavily allied with USA outside of Britain (as we are still a Commonwealth Country).

We serve Britain first, but Britain & USA are two sides of the same coin.

We have several top secret USA bases on Australian Soil - that monitor satellites etc. It's because we have a good vantage point for them in terms of the globe.


Australia has never been as independent as we think we are.
 
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HazelAngel

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I guess he was playing a joke but I dont think it sounds funny at all. I wouldnt think it funny if NZs prime minister (Helen Clarke) did it to President Bush but I guess it would sound funny if she did it to John Key ;)

:wave: HazelAngel :wave:
 
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DavinMochrie

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I guess he was playing a joke but I dont think it sounds funny at all. I wouldnt think it funny if NZs prime minister (Helen Clarke) did it to President Bush but I guess it would sound funny if she did it to John Key ;)

:wave: HazelAngel :wave:

Yeah but we are a lot less progressive than you guys in NZ.

We've had over a decade of conservative backwards thinking government (Which we as a nation voted in).

As a nation we've had our heads buried in mortgage rates and GST debate. Forgetting about the important things in life.
 
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Droobie

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Aaah.. this is getting blown out of proportion. It was made in jest, and if you look at the video playback, Mr Rudd is grinning all the while as he does a casual salute and walks over to greet GWB warmly. It's not like he stood to attention to wait for a superior officer to return salute or anything...
 
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SemperFidelis

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I seriously don't know what the problem is. I am certainly no fan of Kevin Rudd, but going on about him "saluting" George Bush is a case of making a mountan out of a mole-hill.

I have, on a number of occasions, thrown a similar gesture to friends and colleagues as a greeting or a sing of acknowledgement - nothing more.

To those who think it is some sign or respect or allegiance - try joining the military and see how well such a sloppy "salute" goes down
when given to a superior.

Surely there are more important things to be worrying about at the moment.

Blessings to you all,
:crossrc:
Steve
 
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