First Putin, now the Pope: George Bush looks into Benedict’s eyes and sees…
April 14, 2008, 1:01 pm
Posted by David Gibson
Well, you should read the entire interview with the President conducted by EWTN’s Raymond Arroyo. (I just posted on it at Beliefnet.) It was largely an exchange of softballs and back-pats, with more than enough odd interpretations of world affairs to chew on for a while, especialy from this “Catholic” president.
ZENIT has the transcript, but if you read nothing else, check out the outro:
Q Mr. President, final question.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, sir.
Q You said, famously, when you looked into Vladimir Putin’s eyes you saw his soul.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes.
Q When you look into Benedict XVI’s eyes what do you see?
THE PRESIDENT: God.
Q Good way to end the interview.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, sir.
Q Thank you, sir. My pleasure.
ick.
Yes, cringe-worthy. But not exaclty a softball to remind Bush of one of the more un-insightful things he has ever said.
Strike two, for George W.
Too bad Mr. Bush doesn’t see God when he looks into the eyes of the poor and old in his own country, into the eyes of Iraqis whose country is a big mess, into the eyes of families who have lost loved ones in the military.
Though I suppose we’re all guilty of finding it a lot easier to see God in those who dress nicely, say nice things, don’t make us feel guilty for our material comforts, and ask nothing at all from us.
And what does the pope see when he gazes into Bush’s eyes: nothing.
If it is a choice between W, Raymond Arroyo or Obama, Obama has my instinctive vote. It truly boggles the mind to notice the fantasy world Arroyo and W. Bush inhabit. Images of quintessential disillusionment. And clearly both of them are the willing frontline dupes for those who bankroll them.
What would the inimitable sandra Magistra say? Maybe Deal Hudson can clue us in. Even a famous figure as Fr, Nieyhaus migh tenlighten us.
Jimmy Mac wins the thread.