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

Bush Ignores Protocol to the Bitter End

Good Morning Bloggers - I wish I could stop writing about Bush altogether, but it appears that he keeps doing things that deserve a response from WE THE PEOPLE! This time it's about respect, or the lack of it.

Generally historians credit the Clinton/Bush transition in 2001 as being relatively smooth, especially when you consider the bad blood. The Clintons were extremely cooperative at the time, despite the bitter impeachment battle and multiple other Republican attacks. It is true there was some damage by employees, but like any office move, few transitions end without some damage.

Today's transition seemed to be going relatively smooth, except for one very important new development: BLAIR HOUSE! The Bush family, above most others, knows that Blair House - across from the White House - is ALWAYS RESERVED for the incoming first family.

IT IS THE RESIDENCE OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT at the time of transition. Unfortunately, it isn't this year, during this transition. The Bush family has decided to slap the Obamas in the face, forcing them to check into a hotel.

I'm sorry, the corporate media may be ignoring it, but I need to point out just how RUDE and DISRESPECTFUL the Bush family is for denying the residence. It is outrageous! The Obamas arrive in Washington this weekend and are forced to book into a hotel because the Bush Administration said the "official residence was full." OUTRAGEOUS!

For those who think I'm overreacting and think there are more important things to focus on, I would like to say that I agree with you. HOWEVER, this is IMPORTANT too. The inaugural celebrations are designed to turn a candidate into a president, and they were created as a process, and the incoming first family's residence is an important part of that process.

We might not be hearing much about it, but in Washington circles the Bush Administration has effectively thrown the new first family on the street. A hotel does not show them much respect, not to mention it offers little protection during celebrations where security risks are everywhere. They at least should have offered the Lincoln bedroom.

The President-elect traditionally prepares for the inauguration and the transition while staying at Blair House. It is the OFFICIAL government mansion, second to the White House and RESERVED for heads-of-state and incoming first families.

Obama was told to look elsewhere because the building was booked up for farewell parties and events to mark the end of the Bush administration. I must admit, it gets me VERY angry. I doubt the Obamas can do anything, but I wish they could.

I think it's important for us - or the PRESS - to find out WHO is staying at Blair House during the time the Obamas require the residence. We should CALL THEM OUT and SHAME THEM for staying, knowing the president-elect and his family need the residence.

Again, for those unconcerned, it's also worthwhile pointing out that Blair House is considered a safety zone by the Secret Service. This is a very serious breach of protocol that proves once again the lack of respect Bush has for the American people, the inaugural process, and the safety of the next president.

Wow, I'm getting tired of slamming the OFFENSIVE MORONS now living in the White House. I need Obama to take office so I can begin to focus on more important issues. Despite my misgivings, I still think it's important to document the lawbreaking, worldwide destruction, and basic lack of respect shown by the Bush Administration. They continue to offend the American people and the world, and we will ALL rejoice when they are gone.

Wednesday's Political Rant #1 - Michael