Bush heckled at 4 July event

[Amewsment]

On July 4th Bush held a speech regarding free speech while helping to swear in new citizens, some of the things he said:

"To my fellow citizens-to-be, we believe in freedom in the United States of America,"
"They believed a nation dedicated to liberty could never survive."

All the while people are being dragged of stage chanting anti-Bush slogans, the irony of what was being said and what was happening off stage was probably wasted on Bush but makes for quite funny videos. Of course in all other nations the protesters would have been dragged off stage and it's not actually a limit on free speech as such. However it is still such a funny picture because of the stark contrast of what he is saying about America and what is happening as he says it.

Bush helps swear in citizens as hecklers shout

* Story Highlights:
* President Bush helps swear in new citizens in historic Monticello
* 72 men and women from 30 different countries took the oath of citizenship
* Protesters shouted "War criminal!" at him and "Impeach Bush!"
* About nine hecklers removed from ceremony

From Kathleen Koch
CNN Correspondent

(CNN) -- President Bush traveled to the home of Thomas Jefferson Friday to help swear in new U.S. citizens as part of Independence Day celebrations.

"When you raise your hands and take the oath you will complete an incredible journey. This journey has taken you from many different countries and has now made you one people," Bush said at the naturalization ceremony at historic Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia.

"From this day forward, the history of the United States will be part of your heritage. The Fourth of July will be a part of your independence day and I will be honored to call you a fellow American." he said.

Bush was heckled several times, with some people yelling "War criminal!" One man shouted, "This man has brought fascism to our shores!" About nine people were removed from the ceremony.

"Impeach Bush. Impeach Bush. Amend the Constitution," shouted another protester, prompting both cheers and boos from the audience of about 3,000 people. VideoWatch protesters heckle the president »

Bush appeared to depart from his prepared speech to reply: "To my fellow citizens-to-be, we believe in freedom in the United States of America," eliciting loud cheers.

Bush was joined by Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, state and local dignitaries.

Seventy-two men and women from 30 different countries took the oath of citizenship. Two children were also be presented with certificates of U.S. citizenship.

Naturalization ceremonies have long been a traditional part of Fourth of July celebrations at Monticello, with about 3,000 people becoming new citizens there since 1963.

Bush is the fourth sitting president to participate in the annual ceremony, the first since Gerald R. Ford in 1976. Harry S. Truman in 1947 and Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936 were the others.

Afterward, Bush returns to the White House where he and first lady Laura Bush will welcome friends and family for a Fourth of July celebration.

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino says the event is also an opportunity to celebrate the president's July 6 birthday. Bush will be 62.

CNN's Ed Hornick and Shawna Shepherd contributed to this report.



Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07...l?eref=rss_politics&iref=polticker#cnnSTCText

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/04/bush-heckled-during-july-4-speech/

Videos of the action:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7491278.stm
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07...?eref=rss_politics&iref=polticker#cnnSTCVideo

 

[flyinglilypad]

I don't understand what they're trying to accomplish. They just make themselves look ludicrous and Bush better (and saner) in comparison.

 

[Amewsment]

I think they are protesting over the past eight years of policy, especially in regards to Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo bay. I don't think they make themselves look insane, they embarrassed Bush and made it clear that he is a hypocrite.

 

[Kat Katraine]

Hopefully Obama will win in November & stop the war & financial ruin that the US in thanks to Bush spending the country's money like a drunken sailor.