On Tuesday May 12, former President George W. Bush was signing copies of his new book, “41: A Portrait of My Father”, at a Houston bookstore. I happened to hear about the event the day before and decided I would attend to attempt to question Bush on one of his many crimes.
What crimes, you say?
First off, we have Richard Clarke, the nation’s top counterterrorism official under former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, accusing Bush and former Vice President Dick Cheney of committing war crimes in their 2003 invasion of Iraq. (At one point, Cheney even tried to throw Bush under the bus!) Activists in Europe and around the world have been calling for Bush’s prosecution for years.
There is also the always looming question of what exactly Bush knew about the 9/11 attacks before they happened. Without a doubt, it seems certain that the Bush administration was involved (at the least) in covering up sources of financing for the attacks. This remains one of the most heinous crimes to be allowed (and forgotten) by the American people.
For many activists growing up in the Age of Obama, the crimes of Bush might not be fresh in your mind, but rest assured, Baby Bush is a criminal. Opposition to him and the Iraq War sparked a large Anti-War movement in the early 2000’s. (A movement that was subsequently dismantled once Obama came to power.) If you want a refresher course, check out this list from Alternet (Please excuse the rest of their propaganda.)
Anyways, back to the book signing.
I called the bookstore and found out you had to buy his book to get a wristband for the event. With a little vomit in my mouth, I purchased “Dubya’s” book. The cost of the book and wristband? $33. Confronting a War Criminal? Priceless.
Like all former Kings of America, sorry, I mean, Presidents of the United States of America, Bush has secret service detail. The event was heavily protected by the Houston Police Department, bookstore security and Bush’s private security. I had to wait in line for 3 hours listening to the Pro-Bush camp discuss the endearing qualities of Baby Bush. More vomit in the mouth.
No cameras were allowed so I had to be crafty and use a hidden camera pen. I was careful to conceal this from all security.
After patiently standing in the line that snaked throughout the aisles of cookbooks and children’s stories (My Pet Goat, anyone?), I was about to see him. He was surrounded by a black tent structure, ensuring that no one could see him before the quick handshake.
My moment had arrived. I suavely pulled my jacket back, exposing the hidden camera pen and hoping that it was aimed at Bush. He was sitting at his table, rosy-cheeked, and silly grin. He signed books and shook hands. I shook his hand and asked, “How do you respond to accusations of War Crimes? Violations of International Human Right Standards? The creation of NSA spying programs? Torture programs?”
Little Bush smiled and kept signing books. His helpers shooed me away, reminding me that he was not taking questions as they shuffled me out of the tent.
For a moment I considered going to “Plan B” and screaming “WAR CRIMINAL!” at the top of my lungs while pointing at the artist formerly known as the Chief War Monger of the United States of America. My original goal was to ask the questions in a professional manner, hoping to at least get a half-brained statement. When I was pushed out of the tent, I decided against this. The main reason being that the security had my phone (they took everything on your way in), and I would not be able to make a quick escape.
Either way, as far as I know, I am the only one to question this War Criminal to his stupid, “down-to-Earth”, frat-boy face.
What do you think? Should I have gone buck-wild and made a loud exit? Leave your thoughts below.
The Anti-Media radio show airs Monday through Friday @ 11pm Eastern/8pm Pacific. Help us fix our typos: [email protected].
