On Sunday, December 14, 2008, a disgruntled reporter for an Iraqi TV station threw both his shoes at U.S. President George W. Bush during a joint press conference with the Iraqi Prime Minister. This action, and many other actions concerning shoes in the Arab world demonstrate their total disdain for any footwear other than sandals.The reporter, Muntader al-Zaidi, was arrested and taken away to jail to face the charge of assaulting a foreign Head of State. Shoeless Muntader could receive between 7 to 10 years in jail. He is seen as a hero in the Arab world, a world lacking in basic Human tendencies and hygiene. President Bush, who never misses an opportunity to say something ridiculous commented, "I don't know what that guy's beef is." Well Mr. Bush, maybe it has something to do with the invasion and destruction of his country. That, or he had a terrible case of foot fungus that drove him to his peculiar actions.
This would be a great time to look back on what the invasion and liberation of Iraq has meant to the people of Iraq. Let us play "just suppose." Just suppose......Saddam Hussein was still the leader of Iraq and Mr. al-Zaidi threw his shoes at his press conference. What would be different today?
First, al-Zaidi would have been wrestled down and both arms pulled out of their sockets. Every toe on his stinky feet would be cut off and he would be hung. Every member of his family would be rounded up and never heard from again.
Iraq is a different place today, a better place.
