Bush attacked by fellow Republicans for cowboy boots

In a rare show of partisan bickering, several prominent Republicans attacked their leader today for his love of cowboy boots.

Senator Orin Hatch, the Utah Republican, led the salvo with a press conference this afternoon that caught many off gaurd. "I've been silent long enough," Hatch was quoted as saying, "but I cannot remain so any longer. The image of the cowboy is offensive to many Americans, and as the leader of this great nation, George Bush should desist from wearing symbols of their opression."

The flap continued after the conference, when fellow Republican Senator Ben Lighthorse Campbell, formerly a Democrat, was asked his opinion of Bush's boots. "I stand here as the only representative of the original inhabitants of this land," he began, his voice growing husky with the intensity of his emotions, "and you have to ask?"

Campbell recited a litany of facts, growing angrier with each. "The cowboy is the symbol of the opression of the American Indian. From the original genocide of that monster Columbus, to the defiance of the Supreme Court by Andrew Jackson with the Trail of Tears, my people have been slaughtered like cattle. Worse than cattle. At least cattle are killed for a reason. At least that makes sense. We were..." He broke off in an obvious attempt to control his rage, and Orin Hatch once again stepped to the microphone.

"I believe you all can see how much this symbol of genocidal racism-- these cowboy boots-- has affected this man. This tremendous American." At which point Senator Campbell again stepped forward, again in control.

"What I'm saying is that for a century the Cowboy has symbolized the dehumanization, the villification, the extermination..." He paused a moment, and grinned, "Now I sound like Don King. The cowboy has symbolized the slaughter of the North American Indian. For this president to wear this symbol, blatantly, is an offense to all Americans-- not just Native Americans."

Reaction was mixed. Many Democrats refused to comment publicly, but privately expressed amusement that Bush would be blindsided by his own party. Most would not comment on the issue, however. A few did. Zell Miller, of Georgia, simply laughed. "Now Bush understands the nonsense us Georgians have to go through over our symbols."

The Resident was reached for comment just before dinner, and when he was read Senator Campbell's remarks, also laughed. When asked to comment, he pursed his lips and responded in a mocking falsetto "Oh you bad man. You killed us all." He then turned to leave, but still chuckling, said "I guess I'm going to put some of them cattle old senator Crazyhorse mentioned to use as food." He then laughed again, and entered the building.

It is unlcear how this dispute will affect the Resident. A handful of Democratic political observers expressed hope that Bush would be impeached for his attire. "He won't last a week," one said, "and we'll impeach Cheney at the same time!" Other analysts seemed more ambivalent.

"It's hard to imagine that most Americans will care," a somber James Carville responded. "I mean, look at Afghanistan. Look at Iraq. Americans don't care about genocide, it's hard to imagine they will care about this."

Most cowboys are probably rednecks, but I've never regarded cowboys as symbols of oppression. ALL Americans participated in genocide.

I despise Bush's cowboy boots as symbols of PHONINESS. The Dixie Chicks got it wrong when they said they're ashamed that Bush is from Texas. He's from CONNECTICUT. Bush is as phony as a thirteen-dollar bill.

It's repugs trying to seem like they give a shit

Are the Repugs eating their own now?

This seems odd even for them.

there would have been a link. It's just a joke. Besides, I'm a liberal democrat living in Dallas, TX., If you don't wear cowboy boots or a hat they look at you funny.

Damn, I can't believe anyone believed it. Orin Hatch? C'mon!

distancing...these guys are going to throw GWB to the wolves when the heat is really on. They know he is going down! I have heard republicans at my work lashing out negatively towards GWB.

A lot of people give creative anachronists crap for goofy outfits and phony depictions of what historical life was really like.


How come they take all the grief but people in cowboy hats and boots are widely accepted?

It's a joke. Much like our president, actually.

They probably put his initials on them so he can tell which is the right one and which is the left.

I live to watch Stevens and Hatch as they always look like old men that are over the edge. Hell everyone knows Bush is no cowboy this is all an act. He is a wimp.

the boots to make him look taller. His shoulder pads are now so big he must have trouble getting through doorways.

seems to soaring over a few people's heads. Great analogy.

Although I don't think cowboy boots and the confederate flag make for a very good analogy.

inanimate objects. You assign whatever meaning you want to them.

They are perfect analogies. To someone from Mississippi being called a rebel is exactly like being called a cowboy for someone from Texas. Both are independent, outside the system, loners, all that. Listen to Tom Petty. And both are symbols of oppression to someone outside of the symbolism. People wearing cowboy hats or boots aren't trying to piss of native American descendants. Most people with flags on their pickups aren't trying to demonstrate racism. Some, maybe, but not most. The symbol means one thing to those displaying it and another to those seeing. Was my point. Not my best writing, sorry.

Could have used the cross, the crescent, the American flag, the Alamo, or Columbus. Same story. Means one thing to those displaying it, something else to those who have been victimized by it.

BTW, not saying I'd still display the flag, only that when I did it in high school it was to display pride in my high school (where it was our symbol), and in my home. I never had a rascist intention in doing it, and would have been hurt and angered by anyone suggesting I did. I'm sure I would have closed my mind and my vote to anyone suggesting that I did. And I was not and am not unique in any way.

The Alamo was a genuine rebellion by the populace against an a**wipe dictator. The defenders of the Alamo include people of pure Mexican ancestory, as well as recent Anglo immigrants and Anglo adventure hunters. No one is totally sure what flag the defenders flew, but most believe it was the Mexican tricolor with the numbers 1824 on it, to indicate they were not trying to declare independence, but were loyal to the 1824 Mexican Constitution. And all 182 died defending it.

No, Travis didn't draw a line in the ground with his sword. But from the beginning of the battle and for several days afterwards, anybody that wanted to escape could have as. The is proven by the several rides that Bonham made as messenger. They all stayed voluntarily, to fight for the ideals of a good Constitution.

How is that oppressing anybody?

.

Watch Lone Star, one of my favorite movies. Watch the last line. You'll never see it the same again.

Oddly ambiguous title, no?


Re: the "shoulderpads" comment earlier -- you bet. Bush reminds me of Joan "Mommie Dearest" Crawford (and not just in the sartorial sense).

is what * needs.

Points made. Points taken.

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Now, who wants to watch "Harvey"? I'm going to have to stop renting it and just buy the damn thing.