President Bush spoke at the Islamic Center of Washington last week and took along a few buddies. This picture is perhaps one of the best examples of how public diplomacy, however you may define it, simply is not understood by our leadership.
In the front row of the picture is Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Frances Townsend, Chief of Staff Joshua Bolton, and of course, our lovable Karen Hughes, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. Karen Hughes was clearly unprepared for the visit. Her quickly donned head cover appears to be more Jewish than Muslim, but it’s something (I think). Isn’t she supposed to be on top of this type of stuff with her outreach and all? What happened to protocol?
If Townsend was going to the National Cathedral, would she wear the same top?
Update: Steven Emerson at the Counterterrorism blog has more on the apparent failure to prepare for this event:
The White House has admitted to a senior government official that it did not vet the audience members in attendance at President Bush’s speech last week at the Islamic Center of Washington, D.C., despite having been warned of the potential presence of individuals who might have triggered national security concerns.
(Thanks Michael for passing the original along)
Voize says:
From Eric at Democratic Underground comes this reflection on Karen Hughes comment on the results of the big global survey of sentiments and perceptions of US, its policies and driving values:
According to Radio Free Europe, “A new poll of people in 47 countries
shows growing negative feelings about the United States around the
world. Among the findings in the survey, released on June 27, is that
majorities or pluralities in all but six of the countries view the
United States unfavorably.”
And whose fault is that?
Well, according to Karen Hughes, Bush crony and current U.S.
undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs (ie.
she’s in charge of catapulting the propaganda), the problem extends
far beyond the diastrous invasion of Iraq.
http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle…7db167223.html
“Some people may disagree with our policies — a lot of people do, a
lot of it is tied to Iraq. Some people disapprove of our culture. Some
people may have had a bad experience with an (U.S.) airline. Some
people may have had a bad experience with an American product,” she
says.
“It’s a very complicated problem, which means there’s no quick fix,
there’s no simple fix. And I think that’s why you have to work harder
to have a mutual dialogue of listening and learning on both sides.”
Hmm… so a lukewarm in-flight meal or one Windows
blue-screen-of-death too many are just as responsible for the current
near-universal dislike of the United States as the occupation of Iraq.
Who would have guessed?
By EarlG
Democratic Underground
http://www.democraticunderground.com/
Harry
Jason Sigger says:
Oh my god. Fran and Karen aren’t wearing scarves in deference to Islamic tradition, are they? What will the Redstaters think? Will Rush Limbaugh decry this subjucation of the White House staff? Oh the humanity.
MountainRunner says:
I suspect they’d be better off if they didn’t throw their scarves on their heads.
Lurch says:
I won’t say anything about Ms Townsend’s flaunting her immodesty in the face of Islam, but as for Ms Hughes’ choice of head covering, I have a bar towel that looks exactly like that.
At least Mr Bolten had the sense not to wear his yarmulke to the ceremony.