How paternally condescending and rude.
Kinda makes me wonder what Condi puts up with.
Let's see: dissed by Putin ("We wouldn't want a democracy like the one in Iraq, with all due respect."); literally talking shit to Blair with a mouthful of food; and now laying his hands on a head of state (can you see him trying this with Angela's predecessor?)Just because he thinks it's his right?
As a man?

Melissa, you are so right--we have all met this guy, worked with him, watched him play games, and squirmed, as Merkel does, to get away from his creepy touch. Bush should be glad that she didn't just pop him. I guess it goes without saying that she not only had the biggest brain at the G8--but, by maintaining her personal integrity, the biggest balls.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

He's not interested in Merkel --- HE'S TRYING TO READ HER LAPTOP SCREEN OVER HER SHOULDER!!! See the still photos and look at his eyes. The massage is just a ploy to allow him to stall there.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

But sadly, he's in good company with Putin the child groper. Too bad Berlusconi isn't around anymore or we'd have a trifecta of sleazebags.

But he should have a staffer around at all times to apologize for his asinine behavior.

It's scary to say that I miss the dignified presidencies of Bush I & Reagan, but this bozo has lowered the bar so far that insects use it to limbo.

Adam Sandler would make a better diplomat.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

nothing but a blithering idiot. His facial expressions and body language are that of a 10 year old child (No offense to the child). We are all in a world of really...really deep shit.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The stupidity of this nincompoop never ceases. First this asinine behavior with another head of state, then the talking to Blair with a mouth full of food, using foul language to boot. The man is not only a national disgrace for this nation, he is an international disgrace as well! The German people and the rest of the world will see him for exactly what he is: a dumkoff! No small wonder that the people of our friendly nations see the man as an arrogant, Texas gunslinger, and a warmonger.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Apparently he was asked about his opinions on the Middle East and all he wanted to talk about was roast boar.

Which is neither kosher nor halal.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Let's also remember him actually tugging on Chinese President Hu Jintao. This is someone who acts like a stereotypical obnoxious frat boy and still thinks its okay because he's spent his whole life without anyone telling him to stop being a dumb-ass. This is what comes from a lifetime of your father's friends always bailing you out, you grow up thinking you're God-on-a-stick.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Not only were his actions completely inappropriate, but he clearly gives a crappy "massage". It looks like he's going to strangle her!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

You are sick! You post name says it best.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I FEEL SAD FOR YOU. YOU OBVIOUSLY DO BELIEVE THAT YOUR BODY IS COMMUNITY PROPERTY. POOR THING.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

"TOUCHING A WOMAN'S SHOULDERS IS NOT A BIG DEAL"

BU**SH**. That's why she reacted so strongly.

She is this is the Chancellor of Germany; the same position filled by many powerful people in History including Otto Von Bismark and another fellow who shall remain nameless but who preferred to be referred to as "the leader", or as we might reinterpret it now, "the decider". She is due respect.

A rub like he was giving her is a classic power move. Was he more concerned about her comfort than the men he passed, or did he think that it would be considered gay to give them a neck rub. Or was it what it appeared to be, a tactile trump to show her who's boss.

Our president has shown himself to be a moral and cultural three year old and he does shame to this country.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

And by the way, no one has to attempt to assassinate his character, if he ever had any; he is doing that quite well himself!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

This just in, molesting the caps-lock key makes you look more important. More at 5:00.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Wonder what she thinks of that. Would Dumbya appreciate it if Laura gave Putin and Blair a "special" massage to help them relax and relieve their anxieties? I'd LOVE to hear that conversation between Laura and Dumbya about why he put his paws on Merkel.

As for his nasty mother, Barbara, did this woman never teach him any manners, like chew with your mouth closed?!?!?!? Damn, she was a rotten mother.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Yup, another advertisement. Is this person paying you for the ads?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

How does one respond to a scene this ludicrous? What is wrong with our president? I have never EVER scene an American politician do something so jaw droppingly stupid. I wouldn't expect such boorish behavior from my local Superintendant of Highways, let alone the president of the United States.

Did you catch that scene of him talking off the cuff with Tony Blair? Talking with his mouth full to another head of state....He is a national emmbarassment. What were the people thinking when they sent this idiot to the White House?

What's the matter with this moron?
What's the matter with the electorate?

Tom Degan
Goshen, NY
Tom Degan's Daily Rant

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Dude, I don't want co-workers touching my shoulders. I would consider that to be rather inappropriate. If I am polite once and they refuse a polite request, that's harrassment. It might be mild harrassment, but the word applies.

Stronger words are certainly called for if polite ones get the kind of response she got.

And please, stop with the all-caps. Makes your posts hard to read.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

deserve nothing less than a formal apology for Bush's boorish behavior.

Evidently when Condi isn't around........

We just can't send this fucking clown anywhere without him embarrassing the American people.

I'm wondering how long it will take Alberto Gonzales to issue a statement claiming Bush's groping is within the law.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

"TOUCHING A WOMAN'S SHOULDERS IS NOT A BIG DEAL"

It is if a) You're the leader of a world power, b) she's the leader of another world power, and, particularly, c) she doesn't want her shoulders touched.

"YOU NEVER GROW TIRED OF ATTEMPTED CHARACTER ASSASINATIONS OF BUSH AS AN INDIVIDUAL"

Dude: The American people pay him to do a job and to act professionally & ethically - unlike most jobs out there, being a country's Head of State carries a tremendous amount of diplomatic responsibility. For the last six years, he's given us many reasons to question whether he's worthy of such repsonsibility. If he's not carrying out his duties properly, then American citizens have a responsiblity to call him on it - it occurs to me that you have not taken your own responisbilities seriously, either.

BTW, have you ever thought of using punctuation? It would make your writing a whole lot easier to read - and quit shouting, already!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

When Bush first arrives for the summit, he is shown on cable news grabbing Chancelor Merkel by the shoulders and kissing her on both cheeks. She briefly displays an expression of distaste. Then, Laura Bush steps forward and they briskly shake hands.
At the time I was stunned by what seemed a breach in protocol. If moma didn't teach him any better, I thought we taxpayers provided a functionary at the White House or state department to clue him in.
Maybe he just wanted Mrs. Merkel to know he thinks she's a good ole gal who is doing a heck of a job.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Only the people that visit a website such as AlterNet are going to see anything wrong with GW Caligula's behaviour.
He and his henchmen play to the very constituency that believe that he's appropriate for the job. Give the masses bread, wine and circus and they'll forget about the rest.
Face it; he was reared by a pig with pearls around her neck. Remember her tactless comment in the aftermath of Katrina?
Maybe his litter-mate Jeb will better - you realize that's the plan - right?
If there's something positive to come from this is that he's stacking the deck against his followers, and people will finally get out and vote in significant numbers the next time around! Well, that's providing marshall law hasn't been declared by then, due to a crisis

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

That the guy is a national disgrace is clearly the understatement of this decade. That notwithstanding, I've come to expect nothing from swine but gutteral wallowing and purilent oinking. And, Shrub never fails to deliver the goods. Makes you proud to be an american to have a goof like Shrubya up representing you before the snickering or otherwise disgusted world, huh? Such a glowing blunder as this shining golden puddle of dog piss!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Just asking.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

This guy is beyond belief.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

His "towel-slapping" behavior has frequently been noticed.
Some men must like it!
But back-rub or just a hand on the shoulder uninvited touching
is at the very least condescending. I don't know why men don't also object.
Merkel is NOT smiling!!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

President Bush cannot keep his hands off the Middle East. Domestically, he cannot keep his hands off the first amendment by detaining demostrators in cages and pressuring Amazon to drop the book "America Deceived" by E.A. Blayre III. He cannot keep his hands off the neck of the Constitution which he is strangling until it dies.
Be defiant, last link (before he wraps his hands around Google Book's neck and forces them to drop the book):
http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/
book_detail.asp?&isbn=0-595-38523-0

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

There's not much time left until this hapless sock puppet gets to retire and earn the historical opprobrium he so very richly deserves. (But way too much time nonetheless!)

Sadly, with the continuing decline of political discourse in these United States of America, I fear even worse to come in the cheezy vaudeville acts that the Congress, Senate, and Presidency have become.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Y'all, whether you believe in God or not... whether you believe this report or not - this man needs some help! We have all done some tactless foolish things, but we are not all the leaders of a country either... Let us pray! Lord forgive us for our complacency if that has led us to these events. Please help our citizens to be more politically responsible and please help this man to lead us wisely until the next president is elected!

:-( Mercy!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The Groper-n-Chicken-Hawk, like the dim-witted frat boy he is, probably mistakenly believes that he's sexy & tells himself that his unwanted man-handling of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel was what "she must really want" (the abuser's mantra) -- given that even Bush must recognize that Merkel's too smart to be attracted to him for his (empty so-called) "brains".

Bush is too stupid to comprehend that world leaders are polite out of respect for the office of the President of the United States, whilst behind his back, they laugh at him- scorn his mindless babble- & contemptuously disregard his childish, superficial & banal behaviour.

Bush is a disgrace to America-- unfit to hold office. Bush should be impeached-- for in the nightmarish course of nearly 6 disastrous years, he has destroyed the world's respect for the US- driven us into unconscionable debt- and, has instigated disastrous warfare in the Mideast, at the behest of the ghoulish Cheney/Rumsfeld neo-con cabal of arm-chair chicken-hawks, with the aide of the mendacious Rice/Rove propagandists, all of whom have lied to the American people. Bush & Co. have betrayed us.

Every time Bush appears (without a script), he disgraces the American people.

But, what can be expected from a mentally-deranged little man suffering from delusions of grandeur:-- believing that God speaks through him and that he's the 2nd coming of Churchill.

Yes, one would LOL if Bush wasn't such a pathetic, stupid man-- too dangerous to be president!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Rude, completely lacking adult sophistication, in the dark, sophomoric, hilarious if not so pathetic, ill mannered, out to lunch. He is our decider, a mongrel, war mongering, anti-intellectual, unedumicated, jackass.

Honestly, would you let this goof manage a Seven Eleven store? Think of the damage he could do to business.

And he is at the reins of the USA. It is as pathetically hilarious as it is tragic and dangerous.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The following is the text dedicated by the LA times to the Merkel incident. Watch the video then read the following and you'll see what I mean. And isn't the LA Times the newspaper that just fired that Pulitzer-winning, anti-war, pro-constitution, left leaning journalist who worked there for like 30 years because it was bought out by right wingers and they didn't like his politics?!?
Here's the text from the LA times:

"On his way here, the president spent much of Thursday with Merkel in her Bundestag district in northeastern Germany, building on a friendship that began with her earlier visit to the White House, a welcome guest after her conservative coalition turned Gerhard Schroeder out of office last fall. Schroeder's opposition to the war in Iraq had made him a thorn in Bush's side.
It's safe to say the former chancellor never got the treatment Merkel received from the president.
Entering the meeting room, as relayed by a Russian television camera, Bush headed directly behind the chancellor, reached out and, placing both hands on the collar of her gold jacket, gave her a short massage just below the neck.
She smiled."

Actually, I saw her shrug him off of her which indicates she didn't like it. Then I saw a smile which, after a shrug like that could only be interpreted as a reaction of being appalled or downright uncomfortable.
Watch the video and tell me this isn't deception at it's finest!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

His hair, his actions, his comments. Something is most assuredly wrong. Putin may have spiked his drink with some Vodka. He (Shrub) is acting very much like he's in a bar and forgotten he is the representative of the Citizens of these United States. I've seen too much of this behavior before I left the bar scene in the '80s. I'm afraid our President has fallen off the wagon and is 12 steps behind it.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/
2006/07/19/BUSH.TMP

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Ok people, we know that just about every politician does it so let's lay off on it and get back to clamping down on his party's ideological schemes as the damage has been done since 1980 already !

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

On seeing our President's disgusting eating habits and reading about his unwanted and clumsy fondling of the German Chancellor, and hearing his loadmouthed expletives - I went to the Urban Dictionary to find a suitable adjective for this person - I found RED NECK, but, thinking that this would be an inappropriate slur, I was surprised to see that the only person on this planet identified by name in this dictionary as a "RED NECK" is George W. Bush. If he had been brought up in Australia he would have been aptly descibed as a "Yobbo". Is it possible that he had had to much wine with his dinner ? Although I believe that the fondling took place before the wine. Mind you he could have downed a couple before the banquet.
I had believed that many of the negative comments regarding this President's behaviour and ability were somewhat unfair
- but, here we have the President of a nation that aspires to be the world's leading civilized democracy, demonstrating that he is no more than a common odious moron. What shame has this man brought upon his country, his family and upon those who were misled into bringing him into power?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

... that this kind of behaviour wins people over. Look at how uber-friendly he gets with other leaders at times. His s-word slip-up was another example of an insecure person resorting to swearing to convey a kind of man-to-man machismo... all to maintain his posture with Tony Blair as a "buddy".

I think that it's possible (but perhaps unlikely) that he is unsure how he sits with the German Chancellor. He feels insecure about his diplomatic relationship with her because she doesn't give him the kind of patronizing reassurance that other people (like Tony Blair) do. So he's trying extra hard to get her to like him on a personal level. Of course, since he's such a moron his methods are way off... and he's actually being such an insensitive jerk that he's making her like him less. I think the eyes glancing away are denial plain and simple - "the cameras won't notice this is backfiring if I don't".

As Bugs Bunny used to say - What a Maroon!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

... to hear his take on it.

< trance >

"Now you've all heard how the liberal wackos are saying the President touched Angela Merkel in, quote, 'an inappropriate manner' unquote, boo hoo boo hoo, and she didn't like it. They're lying again, friends. It's so transparent it's pathetic. Just watch the video and tell me that's not an orgasm. Believe me, I've seen plenty if I do say so myself."

< /trance >

Ugh ... what just happened? I feel like I need to take a shower for some reason ...

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Maybe this whole push by this administration to increase the powers of the president while decreasing the transparency of the executive branch is merely a way to cover up or minimize the incompetencies of this guy? In other words, if the public doesn't see it (or doesn't see it often enough), what they don't know won't hurt them. Let's face it, the guy is just barely able to function. It would certainly explain why he only hires his closest friends or the friends of his father (people who have already developed the stomach lining to endure him), it would also explain why this president has the fewest press conferences of any president (the man is just incoherent) and it would explain why the man is socially retarded (a la the German backrub). They manage this guy so tightly and yet, he still f's it up. Meanwhile, as we focus on his she-wolf teat raised antics, Rove et all pull down laws, re-write legislation and hand the government to the American Taliban. I fear that this country is going to be stinging from this human ping pong ball for a very long time (and I don't mean in a complimentary way).

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

You should know that children are incapable of keeping their hands to themselves. It's frequently seen on a sign posted in elementary school classrooms: KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF. Maybe he needs to be reminded.

Beyond that, this guy has to understand that every culture is different. If you are a head of state, chances are you will at some point meet with other heads of state... every culture has its own rules about what is considered offensive... learn to not take a chance at offending someone by accident! The very basic rule of safety in this area would be to KEEP ONES HANDS TO ONESELF! How disgustingly ignorant.

But this one is even offensive in OUR culture... And yes, the first thing I was reminded of was the CREEPY GUY AT WORK or the CREEPY GUY AT THE BAR, to whom I usually reply "DID I GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO PUT YOUR FUCKING HANDS ON ME?" How do you say that in German?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I cringe whenever this boor leaves the US, because I know he will embarrass our country yet again. It was bad enough when he showed his deplorable table manners. (Did no one ever tell him "Don't chew with your mouth open. Don't talk with food in your mouth."?) But the old massage ploy?? Puhleeaassee! Just keep your hands to yourself, George.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

...of what we've been waiting for. Maybe it's an attempted bit of foreplay and he'll finally get himself into some really serious trouble so we can impeach him!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Not sure whether this will set our profession back or forward by 10 years. I've done about 90,000 hours of bodywork (massage) over the years, counselled traumatized people thousands of hours, had my own grim experiences as a female in this country, and I was nearly speechless when I saw this.
Some bloggers write about their theorizing that she's smiling out of pleasure. I can categorically say this woman is not in pleasure mode, on any level.
This is, without a doubt, a set of photos of a man who is not all there, who has little or no impulse control, almost no boundaries, absolutely NO empathy, who is without another doubt chemically altered in some way, by one or more substances, and then perhaps a bit more help as well even... Chemical lobotomy comes to mind for starters...
My daughter's colleague is the veterinarian for the massage therapist for this man. I wonder what he does in the studio during their sessions... Anything he wants? What a rotten, contaminating job to have, especially if she has only ONE client.
If you compare this to what Bill Clinton was nearly castrated for, this to me is far, far worse. Mutual consent and privacy being the primary operative omissions here.
I would even go so far as to say in some states this would constitute 3rd degree sexual assault.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

One comedian's take on the Bush back-rub balls-up...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdkJbOlfFzc

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Won't somebody please give him a blowjob, so we can impeach him, already!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

What a fitting description for the creep of a President we have in the US. I would pay for a bumper sticker that says, "I did NOT vote for The Groper".

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Drunk again or on meds.

Does it make any difference?

Innocent kids are still going to die at the apparent dictates of this man, but more importantly, the real power behind him.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Somehow, after the shi--y talk from the pResident and his numerous faux paz, nothing this goof-ball does surprises me anymore!
I think you basically need to keep in mind that no matter how many manners Momma teaches her boys, they must ultimately "leave home," whether they're out of diapers or not. One can only do so much.
Secondly, the American male is at a distinct disadvantage because the majority of the poor souls only have their genitals to think with; they have no brain, or it's underdeveloped, poor souls. And anyway, there doesn't seem to be enough blood in their systems to make both organs work at the same time. This is especially true with our fighting boys who can't seem to keep their paws off the foreign girls; at least Bushy didn't kill the poor Chancellor or her family after he touched her withOUT her permission. Imagine what Cheney could have done...within his "rights," of course!
The unChristian Unevangelical Unrighteous must really have their panties in a twist right about now.
The topper for today is that my two best friends who are pro-pro-pro Republican called to say, "Yes, we have now seen the light...albeit too late but this past week was the straw..."
And how was your day??!!
Pastor Dak!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Now we have a new name for the asshole in the White House

Der GropenFührer

At least Clinton didn't do his nonsense while the cameras were running. And doing this to the head of state of another country (Germany for heaven's sakes!) is really beyond the pale. Yet where are all the outraged Republicans of the 90s? Shouldn't this type of foreplay (not to mention how Bush has bungled everything else from the War on Terror, the Occupation of Iraq, the economy and the deficit) be grounds for impeachment?

I am really tired of this decade.....

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Like all macho-sounding, bullying cowards, Bush has no respect for women. Remember his snickering while signing the execution papers for Carla Fay Tucker when governor of Texas? Carla Fay seemed truly contrite for her crimes, but no life in prison for her. No life either for women and children killed in Israel's attacks on Lebanon, while our born-again president speeds Israel more bombs to do a reprise.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

His facial expressions remind me of the hypnotized Prescilla Presley from 'The naked Gun'. I must massage Merkel! I must massage Merkel!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]