I found this picture posted on 'xmod-free', another real cool linux forum, run by Rich Barna, who is a member here. Here is a link in case your interested or just need some quality linux support; Xmod-Free Linux Forum - Index

The picture is of George Bush at the funeral of a deceased soldier. How old he looks! He looks so sorry and yet so determined becuae he truly believes in what he has decided. His determination adds validity to the idea that this man loves his country and cares for it's citizens. This picture makes it so hard for me to believe in conspiracy therories. In this picture I see the look of a man who has sacrificed himself for his beliefs. This picture makes me want to support this man, and I do want to. This picture causes me to pause my total disappointment in this man and everything he stands for. This picture makes me proud to be american. This picture also shows me that we want to reduce the amount of funerals caused by this war. This picture belongs side by side with a picture of an Iraqi person at a funeral. I admire the man I see in this photo.

We may get flamed for it, rj, but I agree. I don't think GWB is a crook. I think he's completely sincere. I think he cares about America, and believes in what he's doing. I also think he's misguided. That doesn't make him a bad man, but I do think it makes him a bad president.

It's so easy to get bent out of shape about policies and forget about the people behind them. We've demonized Bush because we don't like his policy. Just like we demonized the Iraqis because we didn't like their culture. It's an easy thing to do, and I find myself guilty of it way too much for me to start criticizing others for it. Thanks for the post. It's important to remember that even the people that we don't like are still human.

I've always said that George Bush believes in what he's doing, whole heartedly. Maybe, one day, history will vindicate him of his 'crimes', but his administration has been responsible for a lot of damage to the U.S. and the middle east.

Come on now, thats just some glazed donut stuck to his cheek.

This picture says it all...



That's a truly touching photo.

What exactly does it say? It looks to me like he may be looking for someone in the crowd, maybe not. In any event, it is not necessary to stand to show respect. That man may have become wheelchair bound because of military service. Most of the others may not have served and therefore may not understand his reason for standing, that does not make anyone in this photo right or wrong, it may simply be a reflection of different experiences in their lives. Besides, why honor war, right or wrong?

OTOH this person may have defrauded his insurance company.

Way to attach way too much value to a single picture. (for both pictures)

Also, people tend to think that these people have much influence anyway. I do not think many people know enough to know what is really going on behind closed doors. Or maybe everyone only has a partial view. (although knowing how stuff 'works' might be enough.)

Well maybe he cares somewhat about "his" people. That doesn't change much.

rj, I'm just wondering (not trying to attack or flame) - how is compassion a reason for you to change your mind and start supporting Bush? I also believe that he is sincere, but misguided. I can feel sorry for people without believing that they're right. In a way, it makes me feel more sorry for him, to think that he firmly believes in something that I see to be wrong, but that won't turn me into a Bush supporter.

I have mixed feelings when I see the photo. Bush's actions are ultimately what got the soldier killed.

I think if you really want to see a man's character, look at how he treats those in a less advantageous position...

Bush's Death Factory

To have compassion doesn't necessarily agree with everything Bush says or does. Think of it like this, if Bush was in a car accident and he was the only one left alive would you help him or would you let him lay there and die. If you help him that is compassion, understand now.

Hmm, I may have misread rj's original post... when he said "this picture makes me want to support this man" I took that to mean support him in his campaigns, re-elect, etc.

I was describing my feelings at the time I saw that photo. I am a person of reason at times and I am a person of emotion other times. I still maintain and stand by my prior criticisms toward him and his administration. The fact is that what I/we may be witnessing in that photo is a breakdown of a wall of arrogance and a realization that he should have never ran for this most important office. I may be completely wrong, but I leave that door open to any person at all times while they still have time to change as I hope it is open to me.

It shows a lack of respect and patriotism from the people sitting down. The man in the wheelchair struggled to get out of his wheelchair (obvious by the fact he's clutching the arm rests to remain upright), yet the people who were freely able to stand chose not to. The man in the wheelchair clearly is strongly patriotic, and struggled to show his patriotism on his own volition.

How do you know this is not a set up photo? Perhaps people stood as the marchers got closer.

What is patriotism anyway? Last I checked this was america and americans have the right to express themselves as they choose. If your right about what you see in that photo, then I don't see anyone criticising or looking at him in judgement. What I do see a lot of, is judgements and criticisms coming from people of think everyone should think as they do.

BTW, bigdave, your close to the age of serving, aren't you? What branch of the military are you going to sign up for?

I just had a thought, bigdave. Lets say your analysis of your photo is correct. Don't you think it's odd that the vast majority of american people attending parades are leftist liberals?

Afaik there is no draft in the UK.

I know, I am figuring since dave is so patriotic, it's a given he will serve, and probably demand the Iraq or Afgan venue.

WTF parades do you go to?