BUSH'S RIDICULOUS TRIP TO ALBANIA

Jonathan Beale writes for BBC.com on Bush's ridiculous visit to Albania:

"President Bush has just received Albania's highest award "The Order of the National Flag". To Albania's Prime Minister I give the "Order of the Toady".

"Professor Doctor Sali Berisha - as he wants to be known - told reporters that Mr Bush was the "...greatest and most distinguished guest we have ever had in all times". "

Albanians think George Bush is the greatest person who has ever visited their small country. Amazing!

"No doubt this is an important visit for this tiny Balkan country. But really! Aren't they more proud of Mother Theresa?"

"It always seems a tad unseemly to offer such unquestioning praise - even if it's a pleasant change from listening to more Bush bashing."

Yet things are not always as they seem from the television scenes and the outward demonstrations. Most Albanians probably do love Bush, but . . . Jonathan Beale calls everyone back to reality:

"And why for example - if America's so loved and such a wonderful friend - did the president's Secret Service ask the Albanian military guard - who lined the road out of the airport - to surrender their weapons?


"And why did the Albanians agree to such a ridiculous request? They all looked a bit silly with their hands behind their backs in army fatigues. It can only mean that someone out there in Albania actually doesn't like Mr Bush. But today I don't think we'll find him!"