bush hits lecture circuit

[keith in RI]

http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/city/story.html?id=21f98d59-dca7-4697-b5e8-de1cca7a00f6


When George W. Bush makes one of his first postWhite House speeches in Calgary, the 43rd president of the United States will be greeted by a special welcoming committee--protesters determined to voice their displeasure with his eight-year reign and the subsequent fallout.

Indeed, whether you like him or hate him, Bush is a polarizing figure who knows how to draw a crowd and a reaction.

And that will hold true in Calgary, when he arrives to speak to an audience of around 1,500 at a private gathering March 17 at the Telus Convention center.

Bush will likely find a friendly audience in the conservative heartland from those willing to pay to listen to him speak. But Republicans and Democrats alike insist he made many mistakes in office that angered people in Alberta and across Canada.

Gerry Chipeur, a Calgary lawyer and former head of Republicans Abroad Canada, said Bush's decision to close the border to Canadian cattle crippled Alberta beef producers, while his failure to recognize the province's energy potential riled petroleum producers and politicians.

"He made a huge mistake in banning Alberta beef," Chipeur said Friday, adding that Bush's energy policies also were flawed.

"The problem that Albertans would have is they would say, 'You haven't paid enough attention to the fact that Alberta and Canada is the answer to all of your energy needs,' " he added. "I just don't think they paid enough attention to those resources."

Peace activists say Bush's time in office was anything but momentous. They vow to be out in force with placards and megaphones to greet the man known for his own unique vocabulary, often dubbed Bushisms.

"There's no doubt there will be protests in honour of the occasion," said Grant Neufeld, co-ordinator with Peace Calgary. Many people remain furious with Bush for his record on human rights, torture and war in Middle East, he said.

"There's a number of people who would like to see him arrested."

Gil McGowan, president of the Alberta Federation of Labour, called Bush one of the worst presidents in history who will almost certainly attract demonstrations in Calgary.

The union, though, is concentrating its energy on the economic downturn in Alberta, he said.

"I'm certainly not going to roll out the welcome mat for Old Georgie Boy, but the good thing is he's a has-been."

Chipeur believes Bush will receive a warm welcome when he arrives in Calgary and doubts there will be any major protests to mark the occasion. It's also an opportunity for Alberta's oilpatch to appeal for investment and form a strong relationship with a man who knows the major players in the U. S. oil and gas industry.

"I know it will be a good visit. Calgarians are very hospitable. I'm sure they will welcome him," he added.

Even Mare Donly, co-chairwoman of the Calgary chapter of Democrats Abroad, wonders whether there's any point to protesting a man who's now a private citizen. But she doesn't mince words for how she feels about Bush.

"He left so much devastation in his wake," she said, blaming his policies for the economic carnage in the U.S."Things are in such bad shape right now and all fingers point to Bush."


© The Calgary Herald 2009

[Lloyd Danforth]

And $o it Begin$!

[MTPorcupine3]

Please correct your typo in the heading: bush and hits is one word.