George Bush...in Halifax?

[winchable]

Well I didn't believe it at first, apparently in recognition of the flights that were diverted here and the people who stayed.
Of course, with 5 universities and 40,000 students in Halifax I'm sure the rallies are going to be a sight.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2004/11/24/Bush-Halifax_041124.html

Halifax prepares for George Bush visit
Last Updated Wed, 24 Nov 2004 20:32:15 EST
HALIFAX - U.S. President George W. Bush is expected to visit Halifax next week on his two-day Canadian tour, thanking Atlantic Canadian residents for helping stranded American passengers following the Sept. 11 attacks.
Bush will make his first official state visit to Canada Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, but up to now he was expected to travel only to Ottawa.

Details of his itinerary are expected to be confirmed by White House officials on Thursday.

Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm says provincial officials have been told to prepare for Bush's arrival.

"The whole symbolic nature of Mr. Bush's visit is good. We traditionally have been friends with the Americans and from time to time that relationship has been strained," he said. "I think this is an opportunity for us to re-establish a firm friendship with our neighbours to the south."

Forty-four U.S.-bound planes were diverted to the Halifax airport after the 2001 terrorist attacks. About 8,000 stranded passengers stayed in hotels, community centres and the homes of local residents until the planes were allowed to continue on their journeys.

Federal Fisheries Minister Geoff Regan says he expects Nova Scotians will extend a "gracious" welcome to the president. He doesn't expect widespread protests.

Anti-war groups are hoping to gather 20,000 protesters in Ottawa during Bush's visit to protest the American occupation of Iraq.

Written by CBC News Online staff

 

[Goober]

Isn't he just going to give a speach from the airport, then fly on to Washington?

 

[winchable]

D'know,
But I would expect wherever he is there's going to be a large crowd both cheering and jeering.

I don't know much about it to be honest, it just caught my eye on Global news.
I know the "Halifax Peace Coalation" is planning on indicting him on War Crimes...somehow.

 

[Goober]

I thought I heard a blip on the news he will just be in the airport, unless it was a sarcastic comment by the newscaster. I don't know.

Heh I remember the Halifax Peace Coalition were at the Scott Taylor presentation at Kings. The girl introducing him seemed abnormally excited and slightly disheveled. Would be comical to see what they have planned.

 

[winchable]

I know I'm going to the war crimes trial to have a good laugh anyway, if it's not raining, or cold.

You were right about him only going to the Airport though, this seems to be the consensus I've heard.

Bloody peace coalation.
Last year I was on my way to get something eat on base in my uniform and one of them handed me a pamphlet and said "What's an intelligent university student doing in a warmachine?"

And people wonder why I'm leaving!!

 

[Bograt]

LOL Che.

I needed a giggle this afternoon.

 

[Infanteer]

On a related note, I think it's a damn shame that our Parliament was unable to receive and address from the President of the United States of America due to fears of heckling.  Despite what some may think of the current president, the address should be seen as symbolic of the ties between our two countries.  The fact that we let a few party-poopers ruined it and forced that address to some sort of private dinner does not reflect well on our politicians.

If I was in charge, the address would have gone through in good order, with me enforcing things with the Mace.  ^-^

 

[Fishbone Jones]

I like the idea of three or four guys standing behind them with bamboo rods. As they open their mouths, a whack on top of the head. "Eyes front asshole, and shut your piehole!" ;D

 

[Bograt]

Typical grumbling on the Newfoundland call in shows today. The local intelligentsia are please POTUS is coming to Atlantic Canada, but they are upset he isn't coming to the Rock.  :

Do you think there is an address at the White House where I could send a bag cod toungues and a jar of bake apples?

 

[JBP]

I do agree also it's a shame that he couldn't come to Ottawa which would have been proper. I may have some "anti-American" sentiments etc etc... But I agree that for better or worse no matter what decisions are made in the next while (trade/economics, BMD) our two nations will stand as allies and be together no matter what. It would only serve the better interests of all Canadians if he could be accepted at our nations' actual capital!

I would commend Bush for going to the east coast and thanking them though, that's actually a nice sentiment.

As I read somewhere, apparently there won't be too much media coverage compare to usual when our PM meets Bush for talks. This is going to be a "down to business" and "cut and dry" setup and thier going to be seriously working things out apparently...

We can only hope, wait and watch!

Joe

 

[dutchie]

He is actually going to Ottawa, but he's not addressing Parliament, unfortunately.

 

[Big Foot]

From my point of view, it seems a little dictatorial of Bush not to want to face the music. Dissent is one of the cornerstones of democracy, yet he just hopes it will go away. Put up or shut up, as the old saying goes. If he believes so strongly in democracy, its time he starts listening to those who don't agree with him.

 

[a_majoor]

From my point of view, it seems a little dictatorial of Bush not to want to face the music. Dissent is one of the cornerstones of democracy, yet he just hopes it will go away. Put up or shut up, as the old saying goes. If he believes so strongly in democracy, its time he starts listening to those who don't agree with him.

He had Collin Powell as the most senior Cabinet minister for four years, so it is a little hard to see how the President dosn't put up with dissent. The President is being very polite and tactful with Canada; I can imagie the amount of forbearance it takes NOT to march into Parliament and hand Paul Martin an invoice marked "WW IV; for services rendered. Terms 2/10, net 30". I bet that would shut a few pie holes!

 

[Brad Sallows]

Bush already knows the tune by now, so he has no reason to face any music.  He seems to enjoy crowds which more closely approximate "average" citizens, so to go down east in recognition of hospitality makes perfect sense.

 

[sgt_mandal]

Changing the subject a little here, but it's about time he came up here and gave us a visit.

 

[Ex-Dragoon]

Changing the subject a little here, but it's about time he came up here and gave us a visit.

Why? He does not owe us anything. Why come to a country where most of its citizens have no respect for you whether right or wrong?

 

[jswift872]

i seen on the news this morning that the security measures for his visit to Halifax are going to be huge. They basically said the streets around Pier 21 are going to be locked down, riot control officers will have a huge presence. At least that's what they said this morning anyway. You guys know if this is in fact going to happen?

 

[Bruce Monkhouse]

If anyone involved in the security knew anything more than what is given to the media and disclosed it, .....he wouldn't be involved in the security for much longer.
I doubt anyone here could[or would] answer that question.

 

[jswift872]

I never really thought of it in the manner, but it does make sense, tahnks Brucel.

 

[sgt_mandal]

Changing the subject a little here, but it's about time he came up here and gave us a visit.

Why? He does not owe us anything. Why come to a country where most of its citizens have no respect for you whether right or wrong?

I guess so, but this could be his chance to redeam himself somehow. Maybe he might say something to us that he's been telling to all his supporters that would make sence to whats happning aroud the world involving the US. You never know, anything can happen.