Bush expected to be in Shannon in early June

by kino Sun Jan 18, 2004 04:54

"if Bush decides to visit, there is NOTHING you can really do about it"

"trolling" (ugh, i hate the term) maybe, or the
typical lack of ie imagination, but here's an opportunity to discuss what could be done.

No, you can't physically get near bush, and would you really want to? you might catch something (insanity?, arrogance?) from it. somebody mentioned something about bullets and faces too. maybe. that would have interesting fallout.

OR

you could not buy anymore US products, starting now, really you could.

Plently of things could be shut down. like dublin airport for example, i seem to remember some taxi drivers doing this some time in the last few years, ¿no?

you could refuse to work while it's here. what do you do? what is your role in your community, what would not be there if you refuse to participate for a few days? do you work for the rich, supply them some service? tell them to fuck off for a day and see how they like it. ask yourself what you could do, then ask others to join you.

g'wan.


P.S. of arrogance (my favorite stuff)

At this point this line of comments has reached a real ie indymedia low. question: am i arrogant enough to think MY comment would restore value to this page?

P.S for later generating a sense of personal nostalgia:

You wouldn't believe where i am! hint: no wires. just metal stars and dishes and shells and esperanzas.

k.

by Drbinoche Tue Jan 13, 2004 21:06

My point is simple, if I say something about the CW5 getting raped in prison, which I will admit I said and I still believe it should have all been taken in jest, you guys jump down my throat and alot of my comments get censored, but yet if someone starts to insult myself or any of the pro-war people or insult George Bush, in a debate that was started quite reasonably, you guys see no double standard there.

Now I was aware of the mistake made with regards to Dean and Bush, I found it amusing to see how long it took someone to use it as an insult, personally I hope Bush loses this next election,he has overstayed his usefulness, and we need a democrat. But at the same time, I am painted as a fascist and yet you guys know nothing about me. I have told the most basic of information with regards to me and yet you guys can still state beyond all shadow of a doubt that I am a fascist. If thats the way I can just come out and claim that the Black Pope is a Paedophile and all of you other anti-war guys are smoking too much of the good weed.

But onto a more serious note, I notice very few of you have truely attempted to put forward a decent idea for when Bush visits.

And one quick question, when Ireland plays the Israelis soccer team in the following months, will you protest the match?

by Herb Tue Jan 13, 2004 04:47

Thanks, Intrigued.
The remarks about the cw5 had slipped to the back of my mind. It's good to be reminded of these things. Drbinoche,Lone gunman, and avi sometimes come on here presenting themselves as being reasonable commentators, so it's very worthwhile reminding people what they are really like.

by Intrigued Tue Jan 13, 2004 00:02

Typical of po-faced fascists like Drbinoche that they like to make jokes about the CW5 getting raped in prison but when one of their own idiots asserts that "Bush will blow Dean" instead of "Bush will blow AWAY Dean" they get upset about it.

No insults were directed at Bush: how is it an insult to say that the man gives good head? At least he does something well.

Only a homophobe would feel that this was a negative comment.

If the rumours about his abilities are true then Bertie is in for a good time!!!

by . Mon Jan 12, 2004 23:18

Is human 'irish version' nature. Did you miss all theGuardian's wonderful Martin Bell Cartoons in the last while? Try them you'll feel better.

by Drbinoche Mon Jan 12, 2004 23:07

OK I gotta ask, how come no one here has tried to ban these last few posts on Bushs sexual orientation and insults towards his performance. I mean if I came out and said that the Black Pope was a paedo, or that I knew Justin Morahan was gay and loved to have sex with Jack Chirac, it would be banned in seconds, and quite rightly so, in a good debate which is what ideally you guys strive for on Indymedia, insults lessen a persons ability to argue and provide a valid point. So I gotta ask for the last few posts to be deleted as I find em totally useless and offensive in this debate.

As for shooting down Air Force 1, do not you honestly think that AF1 is not protected against such simplistic attacks. I mean if it were that easy to take a shot at the pres as he lands, why has noone done it. I mean why did they not do when he flew on the modified 707 AF1. The plane by its very nature is designed to withstand a hell of a lot of punishment and still fly. I guarantee it can probably take at least one good shot with a moderate SAM and keep flying. You can also guarantee that the plane carries sensors and redundancy protocols that have not been disclosed to the public yet.

Finally taking a pot shot at Bush would be the most counter-productive thing you guys could do. You would essentially prove his need for a war on Terror. Imagine it, the US president is assassinated in Ireland and do you honestly think that the anti-war groups or anyone believed involved in anyway, would not be clamped down on horribly. It would be as stupid and counter-productive as those idiots the IRA killing the Queen. Or the UVF killing Bertie or Cowan. It does nothing and just leads to you guys getting more fucked than you currently are. So please stop the fantasies and the posing and try to come up with some interesting things you CAN do when he visits, you never know, you might get some more support if it is innovative enough.

by BlackPope - BlackPope@operamail.com Mon Jan 12, 2004 21:18

... but I can answer that one!!

You see, having enjoyed several BJ's from the SubSimian Bush at crucial stages of my career, I can positively verify that George W. Bush is a traditional Tounge-n-Throat tart, and he swallows - ohh, how very much he swallows!! YESSS-SIREEE-OH-MOTHER-OF-BIST-ON-A-CHRIKE!

Anyone who don't trust me on this should just ask DICK Cheney, who pimps out the SubSimian for pretty cheap money.

Howard Dean, get ready to join the club!

Schalom, BP


PS: Cheney's website is offering what's left of Bush for $5 a pop when he comes to Shannon. Or golden bullets for a pound apiece - you decide

by Intrigued Mon Jan 12, 2004 04:42

I too look forward to seeing Bush blowing Howard Dean in the presidential election!

Do you know does Bush prefer to use the inside of his cheeks to deliver the appropriate friction or is he more of a tongue man?

Even more importantly: will he swallow?

Yours Sincerely,
Intrigued

by Leonard Mon Jan 12, 2004 03:23

A "warm Irish welcome"?
We will give him a HOT reception, a right good roasting.

by huh? Mon Jan 12, 2004 02:45

well, from the point of few of the oilmen who pay him... yes he is. Can't argue with that.

a warm welcome to Ireland? Ask Paddy Powers what odds they're giving....

by Seamus Mahon Mon Jan 12, 2004 02:16

As far as I'm concerned Dubya is welcome to Ireland anytime and I'msure he'll receive a warm Irish welcome from the people of Ireland.

Bush is doing a great job and I look forward to seeing him blowing Howard Dean in the election.

by buckfush Mon Jan 12, 2004 02:08

Would a couple of Stingers entering AirForce1 at supersonic speed on its final approach to Shannon tend to slow Bush down any? Could a pre-emptive strike of this nature be justified using the 'logic' of this lunatic terrorist and his hush-puppies? If so, is it not then the duty of every responsible human to strive towards the destruction of this Monkey, as a pleasing burnt sacrifice to the Gods of anti-imperialism, peace and freedom? Perhaps the Minister for Imbecelic Lying would care to answer these queries?

by MAMA - MAMA Mon Jan 12, 2004 01:53

PRESS RELEASE from MAMA (Midwest Alliance against Military Aggression)
For immediate distribution.

MAMA does not welcome the prospect of President Bush's planned visit to Ireland.
It has been reported in the press that Bush is expected to visit Shannon for an EU-US Summit during Ireland's six month presidency of the EU.
MAMA believes that it would be a disgrace to invite a mass murderer to Shannon. The airport has already been used by the US Military
en route to killing thousands of innocent Afghans and Iraqis. It would be wrong to allow George W Bush to swagger into town and be treated as a statesman, all in time for his re-election campaign.
Given his corruption of Shannon for deadly purposes, it would be arrogant of him to walk into Shannon for a photo-opportunity, similar to his appearance in occupied Baghdad.
MAMA would also like to highlight the security and financial problems Bush's visit would cause.
When George Bush visited London, the city was turned into a military zone, as 14,000 police, secret service and armed guards had to protect Bush from protestors.
It looks increasingly likely that Bush will come to Shannon, so security will be shored up by an already over-stretched Garda Siochana.
Who will pay for this? Security for a visit like this would be much more expensive than any demonstration seen at Shannon. Shannon doesn't need the bad publicity that this man would bring.
The Irish Government should not invite Bush to Ireland, but if our shameless leaders do roll out the red carpet, Mr. Bush will be left in no doubt of the public opposition to his warmongering.

---ENDS----

by Drbinoche Sun Jan 11, 2004 23:40

I didn't ask for a poll that shows how many people disapprove of Shannon being used, I asked for a poll that showed a majority of people do NOT want Bush to visit. To the best of my knowledge there hasn't been a poll even conducted yet, and yet you can say that Bush is not welcome. They are not the same issue, they are two totally different issues.

Also the poll stated that 10% of the population were not concerned with the issue. So if we were to take the results are being indicative of those who want Bush to come over or not, then what about these 10% of the population or the 36% of people who approved of the use of Shannon, do they not get to get what they want, just because 54% of random people do not agree. Very democratic.

by Lildazziekool Sun Jan 11, 2004 22:39 Lildazziekool at yahoo dot co dot uk

Actually there were a number of polls taken regarding the irish people's opinion on the use of shannon by the U.S military, which show the majority of the populations disapproval. You can read a few at these addresses.

http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/front/2003/0215/3514993743HM1POLL1.html


http://www.labour.ie/vote/votearchive.tmpl?poll=20030324143112


http://www.rte.ie/news/2003/0214/iraq02.html

by Drbinoche Sun Jan 11, 2004 21:48

I wasn't aware that you guys spke for every man woman and child of this country. Bush is not welcome, well I have not seem any polls that indicate that, I have not seen anything to state that the people of Ireland do not want Bush to visit. Quite frankly he can go where he likes, because, hes the president of one nation and has been invited by the Leader of this country, whether you agree with him visting or not does not come into it.

And as for attacking Air Force 1, I wouldn't think about it if I were you. Number one, the people who guard AF1 are renowned for been very effective at their jobs and they will be armed, You get too close and they might put a bullet into your lovely little face, and secondly, if you attack AF1, you will give Bush exactly what he wants, you will give him the opportunity to show how the world is still a crazy place and that your actions will technically sanction his War on Terror. Id still love to see how close you guys get to it though.

by Tim Fri Jan 09, 2004 19:30

----you probably won't get within 100 feet of it. Yell, scream , blow whistles and bitch and moan and he'll barely be able to hear you--

ACTUALLY, on Bush's recent trip to London, a bunch of us got within 30 ft of Bush, despite the efforts of the security. (14,000 Police -HALF of the London Met force)
there will be a large security presence, but there will be a LOT of protestors too and it's not easy to keep them all out.

Maybe Bush will land at Shannon and then go by helicopter to Dromoland Castle, or maybe they'll stay in the Great Southern next to the terminal -it doesn't matter.

He'll know he's not welcome, and he won't be getting the publicity shot of large crowds of cheering fans - just like London, where the plan to drive down the mall in a state procession with Liz Windsor was never going to happen.

Bush is not welcome in this country, and he's not going to find too many people to shake his hand or cheer for him.

Bush is so damned arrogant that he'll just want to swagger onto the tarmac at Shannon and of course, he will never mention the thousands of dead Iraqis and Afghans, the danger he put Shannon in or anything like that.

Personally, I think it would be plain nuts to park Air Force One at Shannon.
It's already been proved that it's not guaranteed that warmonger's planes will be in mint condition when they want to leave!

by Democrat Fri Jan 09, 2004 00:25

Oh dear! Does that mean then that he won't follow in the footsteps of a couple of Bill Clinton? Sad to think that he won't be having a pint in a pub in Camden St, as Clinton did, or meeting the general public (not just a few hand-picked yesmen) as Clinton did despite protests at the time.
What is it about (US) Republican presidents that they have to dodge the public? Could it be that their policies are so disgraceful that they are ashamed to face the people? Reagan also had to scurry about avoiding the general public when he was here.

by Drbinoche Thu Jan 08, 2004 22:53

PC in all honesty, Bush would not even have to look at you guys. All he has to do is not make any definite and well known decision on where he wants to travel. He brings over the helicopter and uses that to fly over you protestors. Then when he is finished he flies back to the airport and off he goes. He would not even have to see the majority of you. In fact the Helicopter is usually the only way the US president travels nowadays.

Peace Lover, I can guarantee that me and Skelly are not the same person. While I agree with his/her opinions, I certainly would not say that just because of this we are the same person. Nice thought though, that means every peace campaigner is the same person on this site, so in all probabilities using your system, there are probably only like 6 people using this site ever!!!

The truth is, if Bush decides to visit, there is NOTHING you can really do about it. You can moan and bitch as per usual, but you will have NO effect what so ever on his trip and where he decides to visit. He just doesn't dsiclose where he wants to visit and you guys can't protest everywhere, hell normally the pres doesn't even let people know truely what he wants to do and anywhere he does plan and announce on visiting, you probably won't get within 100 feet of it. Yell, scream , blow whistles and bitch and moan and he'll barely be able to hear you.

by pc Thu Jan 08, 2004 13:35

that bush would be here if they old the meetings in the confines of shannon airport

mounting a large protest and getting within twenty miles should be an interesting challenge

bush will say he came to ireland to thank the support he got , we can say he was too afraid to leave the airport cos of us

by Peace lover Thu Jan 08, 2004 03:49

Yeah Skelly, a "small number" of "wacko peaceniks" (only 100,000 on the streets of Dublin in the middle of February}

"small number of wacko peaceniks and anarchist terrorists"
How do you make them out to be "terrorists", I thought they were calling for the US government not to engage in violence. Who did they shoot? What country did they bombard with hundreds of ton of high explosives? So who are the "terrorists"?
The only people who will be stopping you from greeting your war-criminal buddy will be the US Secret Service, the gardai, and the 26-county armed forces.
Would you and "Drbinoche" happen to be one and the same person? Certainly looks like it to me.

by Skelly Thu Jan 08, 2004 02:33

I would love to turn out and express my gratitude to him for his uncompromising and principled stance against terrorism and his resolution in dealing with the threat from Iraq.

It's a pity I will probably be denied that opportunity because of a small number of wacko peaceniks and anarchist terrorists.

by Drbinoche Wed Jan 07, 2004 21:35

That sounds cool, it will be nice to see how he travels once he is here, I would say the obvious will be helicopter that way he won't have to go near the inevitable protests, but you never know. I am sure you guys will organise some big protest that he can ignore and that the garda can use at a later date for some explicit violence upon you guys. Well keep us informed about when it is happening and what the itinerary are.

by Slarti Wed Jan 07, 2004 19:24

Has been saying that Dubya's coming in June. The Irish Gov are really going out of their way not to say anything. (To add to the list of media reports in the original article it's been in the foreign press too - e.g "Other Irish goals, said Mr Ahern, include patching up EU relations with the US after recent bitter disagreements over Iraq, trade and global warming. President George Bush is expected to visit Dublin for the EU-US summit in Dublin in June" (Guardian 2nd Jan)

I have to say that Shannon area sounds more likely than Dublin but it could be anywhere - fly into Shannon then helicopter to wherever?

by the ipsiphi Wed Jan 07, 2004 19:24

Dear Bertie (sloppy big hug)
which we know is short for
My Taoiseach and Pal, supreme little rascal...

Keep Bush here a few days pretty pretty please.
Like show him round, and encourage him to stay, does wonders for the young people's lefty morale, you know.

by Colm Stephens - Irish Anti-War Movement Wed Jan 07, 2004 17:42 info at irishantiwar dot org PO Box 9260, Dublin 1

IAWM pledges huge protests
In a statement the Irish Anti-War Movement (IAWM) has said that it believes US President George Bush should not be welcomed to Ireland because his role in launching the illegal and immoral invasion of Iraq which claimed the lives of up to 20,000 innocent Iraqis. The IAWM statement is a response to breaking news that government officials are already making preparations for a Bush visit to Ireland in June for the US-EU summit. The IAWM intends to organise major demonstrations if the visit goes ahead and expects that tens of thousands of people will join the protests. The IAWM also said that plans to welcome Bush to Ireland further expose the hypocrisy of Bertie Ahern’s claims to have opposed the war in Iraq all along when in fact Ireland has colluded with the US war by allowing Shannon to be used by the US military.
Richard Boyd Barrett, chair of the IAWM said: “George Bush is war criminal and should not be welcomed by any government that calls itself democratic. Bush was directly responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent Iraqis in an invasion that was based on lies about weapons of mass destruction. The US announcement that intends to keep 100,000 troops in Iraq for at least the next two years also confirms that it is engaged in a colonial occupation and fully exposes its claims about bringing democracy and liberation to Iraq as more lies.”

“It is simply beyond belief that a government that recently claimed it opposed the war in Iraq could then welcome to this country the person responsible for that illegal and murderous war. Of course, Bertie Ahern and the Irish government did not oppose the war. Rather they colluded with it by allowing tens of thousand of US troops to use Shannon airport. The plans to host Bush confirm the government’s support for the US war, however much, Ahern may and try and deceive the Irish public. Fortunately, the Irish public are not fools. They have consistently made clear their opposition to the war in Iraq and the use of Shannon by the US military. If Bush comes there will be absolutely enormous protests against both him and his accomplices in the Irish government.”

Harry Browne of the IAWM commented: “The support being given by the Irish government to the US occupation of Iraq by allowing the use Shannon is of particular significance at the moment. There is currently a major rotation of US troops in Iraq taking place. Most of those troops will travel through Shannon. As a US citizen I find it particularly grotesque that the man responsible for sending thousands of young American men and women to an uncertain fate in Iraq should be welcomed into this country at Shannon Airport.”

“It is obvious to all that Bertie Ahern has advised Bush not to show his face in Dublin for fear of massive protests on the scale of February 15th, 2003. However, thousands will “welcome” Bush if he dares to step foot anywhere in this country. It’s a welcome neither he nor Bertie Ahern are likely to forget!”, Mr Browne added.

ENDS

For more information/confirmation contact Richard Boyd Barrett Tel: 087 632 9511 or Harry Browne 087 764 8065

by Tim Wed Jan 07, 2004 16:39

The giant Antonov An-225 Mriya has been seen a few times in Shannon last month.
It's the only one of it's kind in operation and it's HUGE. (Wing span: 290ft
Overall length: 275ft ) and has SIX D-18 engines....

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/333272/L/

see photolink for comparison, yes, that's a space shuttle it is carrying.
: http://www.airliners.net/open.file/419045/L/

and some of the work it gets to do.
"US military hires An-225 for additional flights"
David Morrow, London (02Jan02, 15:23 GMT, 223 words)

UK-based outsize freight specialist Air Foyle HeavyLift is expecting its Antonov An-225 transport to leave Stuttgart Airport later today on the main leg of its first fully-commercial service as it delivers supplies for the
US military to Thumrait in southern Oman.


It was also recently photographed in Afghanistan.

Kabul, September 17, 2003
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/457612/L/

by Tim Wed Jan 07, 2004 15:44

I didn't have a camera with me, but here's an old photo of the plane, Assigned to 89 Military Airlift Wing, Andrews AFB, MD. VIP visit.


and here is what it looks like without the military paint job.

http://www.rob.clubkawasaki.com/jas2925.jpg