George Bush got rave reviews recently for his ability to duck some shoes thrown at him by an Iraqi journalist while giving a speech.The journalist, Muntader al-Zaidi, also was regarded by some as a hero for daring to hurl the shoes, which is apparently a rather strong sign of contempt in Iraq. Iraqi security guards did not think so, beating Zaidi in prison, according to the shoe thrower's brother. Sounds like the work of Dick Cheney.
The shoe-throwing incident has threatened to derail the career of the Iraqi prime minister, who claims Zaidi conspired with a terrorist to throw the shoe. Zaidi's family said he did it out of frustration towards the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq.
Meanwhile, Bush is not the only speaker who has dodged items.
Last April, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman ducked green-colored pies thrown at him, avoiding "the brunt of the contents," according to reports. Friedman returned to finish his speech.
You could say the shoe was on the other foot here - in one instance, a journalist throws the object and in the other, the journalist is the target. Is that how karma works?
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