Bush Snubs Obamas for John Howard

Hello Bloggers - Despite far right rantings to the contrary, the truth is that Blair House should be available for the incoming first family ANYTIME during the entire period of transition.

The Obama family asked to move in early January so their kids could settle into a routine and go to school, but the Bush Administration declined the request. They also refused to offer any other diplomatic residence as an alternative, suggesting a hotel. That, of course, angered many Obama supporters like myself. Feel free to scroll down and read my December 31st rant entitled Bush Ignores Protocol to the Very End.

Well, the Washington Post discovered WHO will be staying at Blair House, thus kicking President-elect Barack Obama and his family to the curb. They will be at the less than secure Hay-Adams Hotel. It's one of Bush's best war buddies, John Howard, the former Australian prime minister and leading member of President Bush's coalition of the willing in Iraq.

Slapping the face of the American electorate, Howard and his entourage will be bunking at Blair House despite the Obama's wishes that week. Other Freedom Medal winners, former British prime minister Tony Blair and Colombian President Álvaro Uribe, declined Blair House. My guess is they knew it would be controversial during a time of transition. They decided to be more diplomatic.

There are other DAYTIME events scheduled at Blair House - all hosted by Laura Bush. The events are considered minor, intimate diplomatic affairs, and could easily be held across the street at the White House. Unfortunately, Laura declined to move them. She is WRONG!

There are no other overnight visits up until January 15th when the Obama family is finally being allowed to move in, so it does beg the question WHY the Bushes are forcing the new first family into an unsecured hotel. I guess we'll never know.

The right wing will claim the Obamas want the residence too early. BS! The timing is up to the NEW first family. The Bushes should respect it. The minor events at the house should be moved, especially John Howard's stay.

The Bushes are being disrespectful to the Obamas, tradition, protocol, and the AMERICAN PEOPLE. They should have made an effort to accommodate them at Blair House. It's that simple.

Wednesday's Political Rant #1 - Michael