Millions of residents have been driven off the roads because of a partial ban on cars, while tens of thousands of workers have been forced to move away because their factories were relocated.
The heart of the trip is in Beijing, where Bush is to spend four nights and days.
His challenge, like the way he describes the U.S.-China relationship, is complex.
He must remind the world of his oft-stated commitment to freedoms in China, a country his own State Department brands as an authoritarian abuser of the most basic human rights. Yet he wants to avoid showing up the host country, a partner of enormous value to the U.S.
"I'm confident that by showing respect to the people, to the Olympics, it will put me in a position to continue to have frank and candid discussions," Bush told reporters this past week.
He means his talks with China's president, Hu Jintao. Bush says they have become comfortable, candid and meaningful. In turn, he says he can push Hu privately about the need to expand individual freedoms, something he will do so again on this trip. Bush will also attend a church service in Beijing and speak about the importance of religious freedom.
Bush says boycotting the opening ceremony of the games this Friday — an idea floated after China's violent crackdown in Tibet — would be an affront to the Chinese people. He says more good comes from going and building respect and trust from the Chinese.
Bush is the first U.S. president ...
Quote by capt:
Here is the GOP's dream for the next president. He can't even speak with the clarity and coherence of Bunnypants . . .
Quote by m-hadley:Quote by capt:
Here is the GOP's dream for the next president. He can't even speak with the clarity and coherence of Bunnypants . . .
Uh, em, uh, urg, em - what a maroon :P
Cheers,
mfaye
Quote by livingonli:
Greetings from Das Salt Mine. Great post, VJ. Always love your take on Sundays. Let us know when you find the Wal-Mart slave labor factory.
And now that I am back, I have to work overtime to pay off the bills. Oh, the things I do to get a chance to go away on vacation.
Wal-Mart slave labor factory
Quote by BobR:Quote by livingonli:
Greetings from Das Salt Mine. Great post, VJ. Always love your take on Sundays. Let us know when you find the Wal-Mart slave labor factory.
And now that I am back, I have to work overtime to pay off the bills. Oh, the things I do to get a chance to go away on vacation.
You and everyone else.
Quote by capt:
Here is the GOP's dream for the next president. He can't even speak with the clarity and coherence of Bunnypants . . .
Quote by Raine:
Me too.
Rumour has it... he'll not just be going, but giving the Keynote speech.
It makes sense, after all, half of the GOP won't be attending... they are REALLY going to need help filling up the place.![]()
Quote by livingonli:
Who will the GOP get to use as seat-fillers at the convention?
Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by livingonli:
Who will the GOP get to use as seat-fillers at the convention?
They'll go to the same place Stephanie got seat-fillers for her I've Got a Secret shows
Quote by BobR:
A friend of mine sent me this:
Have you heard about the Pennsylvania based company that is set to release a full color, illustrated version of the Qur’an in an effort to influence the American youth? Thus, commencing Islam’s destruction of America from within.
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The company is Crayola.
The Crayola Qur’an, Hah!
Bet you didn’t see that coming.
Quote by m-hadley:Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by livingonli:
Who will the GOP get to use as seat-fillers at the convention?
They'll go to the same place Stephanie got seat-fillers for her I've Got a Secret shows
I don't know about Stephanie's I've Got a Secret show, but her audience for her disastrous late night show was culled from an area Methadone ClinicThe GOPers better give them some crack or meth or some other kind of upper or else the crowd scans will show a bunch of people asleep :sleeping:
Cheers,
mfaye
:D
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Y'know, I think I hate Vista with the heat of a thousand white-hot suns. What an absolutely anal authoritarian stick-up-the-butt piece of garbage.
Quote by velveeta jones:Quote by trojanrabbit:
Y'know, I think I hate Vista with the heat of a thousand white-hot suns. What an absolutely anal authoritarian stick-up-the-butt piece of garbage.
All the cool kids (ahem) have Mac's!
:lol:
Kathy Hilton (Paris' MOM) is the latest member of the Hilton clan to come out swinging against presidential hopeful John McCain.
"I've been asked again and again for my response to the now infamous McCain celebrity ad. I actually have three responses," Hilton, 49, told the Huffington Post.
"It is a complete waste of the money John McCain's contributors have donated to his campaign," she said. "It is a complete waste of the country's time and attention at the very moment when millions of people are losing their homes and their jobs. And it is a completely frivolous way to choose the next President of the United States."
Here's good stuff from Jonathan Alter:
In the middle of John McCain's dopey Britney & Paris attack ad, the announcer gravely asks of Barack Obama: "Is He Ready to Lead?" An equally good question is whether McCain is ready to lead. For a man who will turn 72 this month, he's a surprisingly immature politician--erratic, impulsive and subject to peer pressure from the last knucklehead who offers him advice. The youthful insouciance that for many years has helped McCain charm reporters like me is now channeled into an ad that one GOP strategist labeled "juvenile," another termed "childish" and McCain's own mother called "stupid." The Obama campaign's new mantra is that McCain is "an honorable man running a dishonorable campaign." Lame is more like it. And out of sync with the real guy.
Quote by velveeta jones:
All the cool kids (ahem) have Mac's!
:lol:
Quote by capt:
Kathy Hilton lashes out at McCain ad calling it a 'waste'
Kathy Hilton (Paris' MOM) is the latest member of the Hilton clan to come out swinging against presidential hopeful John McCain.
"I've been asked again and again for my response to the now infamous McCain celebrity ad. I actually have three responses," Hilton, 49, told the Huffington Post.
"It is a complete waste of the money John McCain's contributors have donated to his campaign," she said. "It is a complete waste of the country's time and attention at the very moment when millions of people are losing their homes and their jobs. And it is a completely frivolous way to choose the next President of the United States."
Trust me THIS lady knows a little about carrying something around for about 9 months - hoping for the best and eventually seeing it was a total watse!
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(seriously - Go Kathy Hilton!)
Quote by Raine:
:rolleyes2: here we go again... who got BobR started with the macs???![]()
You know we already have a tenuous situation in our mixed computer marriage. :rofl:
Quote by Raine:
:rolleyes2: here we go again... who got BobR started with the macs???![]()
You know we already have a tenuous situation in our mixed computer marriage. :rofl:
Quote by capt:Quote by Raine:
:rolleyes2: here we go again... who got BobR started with the macs???![]()
You know we already have a tenuous situation in our mixed computer marriage. :rofl:
Is it safe to assume by that we know which one is gay?
"Not that there's anything wrong with that" ~ Seinfeld
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Quote by clintster:
All this talk about the Olympics made me wonder about the openings other nations' broadcasters give their coverage. I YouTubed and found this, something that could only be done by the BBC:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goQUfSpC--8
August 3, 2008
Hon. Alexis Herman, Co-Chair
James Roosevelt, Jr., Co-Chair
Eliseo Roques-Arroyo, Co-Chair
Dear Credentials Committee Chairs:
In just a few weeks, our Party will convene in Denver for our National Convention. This will be an historic event that will showcase our vision for changing the direction of our country.
The delegates and alternates who gather on Monday, August 25 will reflect the talent, energy and rich diversity of our Democratic Party. The delegates will come from all 56 states and territories. As these delegates go about the important business of the Convention, I believe Party unity calls for the delegates from Florida and Michigan to be able to participate fully alongside the delegates from the other states and territories. Accordingly, I ask that the Credentials Committee, when it meets on August 24 to approve the delegates for the National Convention, pass a resolution that would entitle each delegate from Florida and Michigan to cast a full vote.
As a candidate for the nomination, I supported the DNC's efforts to establish and enforce a schedule for primaries and caucuses that would broaden the opportunity for Democrats from all regions of the country and all backgrounds and walks of life to have a meaningful voice. An unprecedented number of voters participated in our Democratic nominating process. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Governor Dean for his principled leadership during this long and challenging process.
As we prepare to come together in Denver, however, we must be - and will be - united in our determination to change the course of our nation. To that end, Democrats in Florida and Michigan must know that they are full partners and colleagues in our historic mission to reshape Washington and lead our country in a new direction.
With warmest personal regards,
Barack Obama
Quote by Raine:
We are still trying to figure that one out! :D
But according to your crack reseach, studies would indicate, it would be me. Raine---><---- Raine's Mac, her name is *Box of Raine* with variious Hard rives named, *Not Fade Away, Ripple, and Sugar Magnolia* Those are Boxes Babies... I have no Idea how it happened...
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(back to painting!)
Quote by capt:
Mac's are gay . . . Always have been. (Not that there's anything wrong with that ~Seinfeld)
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Quote by Raine:Quote by clintster:
All this talk about the Olympics made me wonder about the openings other nations' broadcasters give their coverage. I YouTubed and found this, something that could only be done by the BBC:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goQUfSpC--8![]()
Cause nothing says Olympics, and the spirit of sport like playing Dixie with a montage of Rhett Butler and MLK.
Quote by Raine:
Speaking of Atlanta Olympics... Just go to the say 1:30 minute spot....
The BBC REALLY didn't have to try so hard...
Then go to the 5:40 mark... and As you watch... listen to Bob Costas...
I love this country... I do... but oofda!
How Y'all Doing?
Quote by Mondobubba:
:sirens wailing, light bar flashing:
Grammar Police! Set out of the car sir. May I see you license & registration please. :looks at Capt's license: Mr Capt, do you know why I stopped you today? Well sir you used a possessive when you should the plural. :checks computer: Sir I see you have clean record, so I am going to give you a warning. Remember when it is possessive there is an apostrophe, when it is plural there is no apostrophe. Let me give you an example: Macs are gay! Mack's Mac is in the shop.
Quote by Mondobubba:
Raine, the video is no longer there! Please tell me it was the appalling chrome plated pick-up truck part of the opening ceremonies? Truly one of the most awful things I've ever seen.:puke:
Quote by capt:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by capt:
Mac's are gay . . . Always have been. (Not that there's anything wrong with that ~Seinfeld)
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:sirens wailing, light bar flashing:
Grammar Police! Set out of the car sir. May I see you license & registration please. :looks at Capt's license: Mr Capt, do you know why I stopped you today? Well sir you used a possessive when you should the plural. :checks computer: Sir I see you have clean record, so I am going to give you a warning. Remember when it is possessive there is an apostrophe, when it is plural there is no apostrophe. Let me give you an example: Macs are gay! Mack's Mac is in the shop.
Its one of mys favorite's typos !
Feels free's to corrects me's but it is a wastes of times - I never's learns nuttin's new's because's I'm's and old dogs with few's new's trick's!
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when it comes to sex, identity and orientation, preferences, fantasies, and behavior do not always neatly line up in one category. More often, they are complex and even contradictory.
It's just human. We all have the jungle inside of us. We all have wants and needs and desires, strange as they may seem. If you stop to think about it, we're all pretty creative, cooking up all these fantasies. it's like a kind of poetry.
~ Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider, Northern Exposure, Mister Sandman, 1994
Quote by Raine:
Topless WOmen, Kid Rok, Bikers and John McCain....
Oh... his evengelical Base should LOVE 'dis...
Quote by Raine:
Topless WOmen, Kid Rok, Bikers and John McCain....
Oh... his evengelical Base should LOVE 'dis...
Quote by Raine:Quote by Raine:
Topless WOmen, Kid Rok, Bikers and John McCain....
Oh... his evengelical Base should LOVE 'dis...
http://www.buffalochip.com/EVENTS/Schedule/tabid/228/Default.aspx?date=8/4/2008
Check out who is coming on before McCain...![]()
Don't make me destroy you!
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
Raine, the video is no longer there! Please tell me it was the appalling chrome plated pick-up truck part of the opening ceremonies? Truly one of the most awful things I've ever seen.:puke:
Embedding was disabled - you need to watch it on the YouTube site:
Quote by clintster:
McCain at Sturgis? Can't be any worse than this, can it?
Quote by capt:Don't make me destroy you!
*runs screaming*
Where's Random and his smote button when I need him?
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Quote by Raine:Imagine that with topless chix all around him... and mud wrestlers... and Kid Rock...Quote by clintster:
McCain at Sturgis? Can't be any worse than this, can it?
OMG... this is gonna be the MOST awesome thing EVER!
Quote by Mondobubba:
Sometimes life is really good. I take the day off and the Simpsons episode that is on has special guest Keith Olberman and more importantly, Sideshow Bob Tewiliger, he brother Cecil and their dad!
Quote by Raine:Imagine that with topless chix all around him... and mud wrestlers... and Kid Rock...Quote by clintster:
McCain at Sturgis? Can't be any worse than this, can it?
OMG... this is gonna be the MOST awesome thing EVER!
Quote by Raine:
Guess who is celebrating a birthday tomorrow?
Quote by liam1965:Quote by Raine:
Guess who is celebrating a birthday tomorrow?
Uh... a topless chick?
Sorry, I can't seem to get my mind off of them...
Quote by Raine:
http://www.buffalochip.com/EVENTS/Schedule/tabid/228/Default.aspx?date=8/4/2008
Check out who is coming on before McCain...![]()
Quote by BobR:
I am SO looking forward to the footage of Cindy, who is going to be walking around the whole time with a look on her face like she just stepped in dogshit and doesn't want anyone to know.
Quote by liam1965:Quote by BobR:
I am SO looking forward to the footage of Cindy, who is going to be walking around the whole time with a look on her face like she just stepped in dogshit and doesn't want anyone to know.
Is SHE going to be topless?
Whoops, that just shook me free. Doesn't sound so cool after all.
I think I'd rather attend a topless rally by the remaining Golden Girls....
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
http://www.buffalochip.com/EVENTS/Schedule/tabid/228/Default.aspx?date=8/4/2008
Check out who is coming on before McCain...![]()
I am SO looking forward to the footage of Cindy, who is going to be walking around the whole time with a look on her face like she just stepped in dogshit and doesn't want anyone to know.
Quote by velveeta jones:
Just back from work........... what's this?
McCain? At................ Sturgis.
:blink:
:spit:
:rofl: :rofl:
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by velveeta jones:
Just back from work........... what's this?
McCain? At................ Sturgis.
:blink:
:spit:
:rofl: :rofl:
See my comment about Cindy Lou. Yep she is gonna get drunk, inked and make out with a girl...Horrifying I know
Now playing: Positively Fourth Street. You Know Who and if you don't shame on you. (This means you Random!I keed! :D)
Quote by capt:
Nobody ever answers me?
I am so easy to ignore.
Maybe if I yell?
Is this thing on?
TAP TAP TAP - I've got two turntables and a microphone - where it's at. . .
Quote by capt:
Anybody here ever been to the Sturgis rally?
I was in the middle of it once (many years ago) traveling with a pal. We had no idea about anything - truly passing through. Had a little fun too.
Lots of nice folks - lots of partying and beer.
Oh yeah, we were driving a Vega - not bikes so we were not cool - just tourists.