Put yourself in Bush's shoes, how would you have reacted to shiite show thrower?

[Free Speech]

How Iraqis has dealt with the Iraqi journalist is not right. But how would you have reacted if you were the President at whom Iraqi journalist had hurled his shoes? After 8 years of Bush's tireless efforts for their freedom, how many in Iraqi shiite and sunni public and even some of their lawmakers have admired the show thrower, it is sad. But some thing must be said about Bush's generous sense of humor in response to this. How would you have reacted if you were the President of most powerful country?

This strange news from NYT

Shoe-Hurling Iraqi Becomes a Folk Hero

TIMOTHY WILLIAMS (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/w/timothy_williams/index.html?inline=nyt-per) and SHARON OTTERMAN (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/o/sharon_otterman/index.html?inline=nyt-per)
Published: December 15, 2008

]http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/12/15/world/15shoe-cnd.190.jpg

BAGHDAD — An Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at President Bush and called him a dog became a huge celebrity in the Arab world and beyond on Monday, with many supporters exalting him for what they called a courageous act in the face of American arrogance about the war.

Mr. Zaidi, a correspondent for an independent Iraqi television station, Al-Baghdadia, remained in Iraqi custody on Monday. While he has not been formally charged, Iraqi officials said he faced up to seven years in prison if convicted of committing an act of aggression against a visiting head of state.

In Sadr City, the sprawling Baghdad suburb that has seen some of the most intense fighting between insurgents and American soldiers since the 2003 invasion, thousands of people marched in his defense. In Syria, he was hailed as a hero. In Libya, he was given an award for courage.

In Sadr City, thousands of marchers on Monday called for an immediate American withdrawal from Iraq. The demonstrators burned American flags and waved shoes attached to long poles in a show of support for Mr. Zaidi.


In Najaf, several hundred people gathered on a central square to protest President Bush’s Sunday visit to Iraq, and demonstrators threw their shoes at a passing American military convoy.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/16/world/middleeast/16shoe.html?em

[notluzn]

Attacking the President of the United States with violence should = Dead man. No jury.

BTW, When will people figure out that no matter what you do for Muslims, they don't seem to give a rats ass even if you do help them out. I say, next Muslim Country we go in and bomb, we leave them to fend for themselves.

[fjccommish]

The journalist was an Egyptian, not an Iraqi.

[notluzn]

The journalist was an Egyptian, not an Iraqi.Proving my point. Thanks

[rhet 2]

It was a supreme Arab insult, yes: walk through the sewers of any Arab city and guess what you step in? And then, to show your scorn, take that soiled shoe and try to smear the same offal on your enemies.

Bush should be PROUD to be scorned by such an uncivilized and disgustingly filthy little savage.

He handled it brilliantly, mocking the piece of offal-soaked animalism exactly the way you would any other stupid wild jackass.

[Free Speech]

The journalist was an Egyptian, not an Iraqi.

In news yesterday they were saying he was some Iraqi shiite journalist. Maybe he wasn't if you know otherwise. But he was being praised by some Iraqi lawmakers according to news.

[Free Speech]

Attacking the President of the United States with violence should = Dead man. No jury.




it was big insult but luckily Bush's sharp reflxes helped him duck fast enough.

What should be punishment if he had thrown shows at Saddam?

I would take Bush reaction over yours. If Bush took your advice, how would be he different than Saddam?

Bush was praising freedom after that incidence, have to admire his strong conviction in Iraqi freedom even if you dont agree with his every policy.

[Free Speech]

Few Presidents would have shown such grace and humor.

Bush laughs off Iraq flying shoes drama

1 day ago
KABUL (AFP) — It will likely rank as one of the more bizarre episodes of his presidency -- George W. Bush, surely one of the most protected leaders in history, ducking as two size 10 shoes hurtled in his direction.
The US president laughed off the incident during a surprise visit to Iraq, although it highlighted the lingering hostility still felt toward the man who ordered the 2003 invasion of the country.
"I didn't know what the guy said, but I saw his sole," Bush quipped later, not the first -- and he won't be the last -- to rack up a shoe pun.



http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jhDp9zvIUInU7ix1iouVi5oNB8dw

[Justus]

As the president you can't cuss the guy out and order him to his death in front of all the reporters.

I'm sure deep down, when President Bush is alone he thinks real hard about all the crap he gets, maybe even cries inside a bit. You gotta hand it to him, he's taken so much throughout his whole presidency and can still sit there and smile at you. I'm sure he's a great man, and I'm sure he loves this country, but he was dealt a bad hand, and he also did things which I did NOT agree with.

[Mogera11]

He did well and was calm about the whole thing. I just hope the Iraqi government manages to dilute the whole thing so the journalist isn't made into some national hero with loafer size 10 standing proud in bronze.

[Safiel]

Attacking the President of the United States with violence should = Dead man. No jury.

The attack was with non deadly violence. The man should be given all due process. Tried. If found guilty, given the appropriate sentence for that level of crime.

We shouldn't sink to the level of our adversaries. We should react with justice at all times, no matter who. If we mete out justice only at our convenience, we become no better than the man throwing the shoe.

[Ex_Spy_Guy]

I would have called him a little bitch for being a little ***** boy, and asked him if we wanted to step outside and settle it like a man....if he could find his nuts in his little girly purse.

what a *****.....throwing shoes......old ass women do that to kids.

[Ex_Spy_Guy]

The attack was with non deadly violence. The man should be given all due process. Tried. If found guilty, given the appropriate sentence for that level of crime.

We shouldn't sink to the level of our adversaries. We should react with justice at all times, no matter who. If we mete out justice only at our convenience, we become no better than the man throwing the shoe.


when he goes to prison, he will be someones prison bitch......hopefully his 'husband' will have nice shoes.

[Deak2112]

I cant think of a better reaction. Bush did very well. He stayed calm, smiled and joked, and if you look far enough into it, probably even made a statement. I love G.W. and this whole thing does sadden me. In a forum on another site someone said this:
"That guy needs to learn to not throw shoes at Bush...unless he's wearing steal toed Doc martens and can ****ing aim." That makes me sad for America's youth because that forum was made up mostly of high school and college kids.

[ErrantVenture11]

Personally, I would have encouraged no charges filed, or any sentencing to be time-served, as an example of turning the other cheek, and hopefully sending a messege to the people that I am in fact on their side. Though if the Iraqis wanted to ignore my wishes, it is of course up to them.

I might even sit down with the man and speak to him afterwards. But if he got all angry and crap after I displayed my good will, I'd probably slap him around a bit with a pork chop. No videos of course :)

[MendacityDestructor]

Bush actually said "I hope they don't overreact". He is coming off looking very good imo, or, as good as he can given the fact that shoes were hurled at his head.

[irgun48]

I would have taken my shoes off and thrown them back at him.

[rhet 2]

I would have taken my shoes off and thrown them back at him.

That's why God let people invent Presidential aides: send them out for a quick pooper scoop and have them throw the Real Deal back at the crude little animal dressed up in people skin.

[Adlerian Thinker]

How Iraqis has dealt with the Iraqi journalist is not right. But how would you have reacted if you were the President at whom Iraqi journalist had hurled his shoes? After 8 years of Bush's tireless efforts for their freedom, how many in Iraqi shiite and sunni public and even some of their lawmakers have admired the show thrower, it is sad. But some thing must be said about Bush's generous sense of humor in response to this. How would you have reacted if you were the President of most powerful country?

This strange news from NYT

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/16/world/middleeast/16shoe.html?em

The way he acted was perfect. The moron couldn't hit an old man from 8-10 feet away, twice. if he had connected, he might have been viewed as a hero. As it is, he is viewed as a buffoon. Bush laughing at him only makes that worse.

[czzzaar]

Seven years in prison for attacking a head of state sounds about right, but if I were Bush I would ask for leniency for the guy. Perhaps a suspended sentence or house arrest for a period of time. Bush can afford to be generous in this situation. No harm, no foul.

[Impenitent]

I would have said "you're lucky I'm not the former president of iraq... you'd have been skinned alive for that..."

(of course I am sure bush could have made a crack about paying big league pitchers who could throw better...)

[smyrna]

How would you have reacted if you were the President of most powerful country?

If I were the President, we would not be in Iraq and Dick Cheney would not be the Vice President.

[Mohawk5]

Bush handled it well.

Me I would of run out from behind that podium and whooped up some ass!!!!

[Mohawk5]

Bush should of picked up the shoe and beat himself with it:D


What ever you say troll!

I wonder how long you'll be around.

[MasterBlaster]

How about we give all the Saddam Hussein supporters some Saddam style punishment? Any takers?

The reporter threw the shoes because the U.S. devestated his life of causing oppression and tyranny that he loved so dear.

[MendacityDestructor]

If I were in Bush's shoes I would hope to have handled it as adroitly and diplomatically as he did.

[comsense08]

I think it showed the class President Bush has always had. The liberal media has no idea what class is. I was always told by my parents to rise above the situation as he did. You know, this really shows the progress made in Iraq. They now have freedom and free speech (again paid for by American blood), and yet our "fantastic" media misses the entire point! Don't you just love it when you see stupidity on parade?
This is a true tribute to our progress in Iraq. President Bush, although not perfect, has accomplished what few leaders can, in spite of being opposed by almost the entire world (and half of America). Also, Thank God for Tony Blair!!

[comsense08]

If I were the President, we would not be in Iraq and Dick Cheney would not be the Vice President.
And you would have been what? The president that tolerated terrorism? And facilitated the death of many more American citizens?
Thank God you aren't president!

What price freedom? We have never known what "no freedom" is like.

[comsense08]

Let me see, what would have happened if an American had thrown, oh lets say a beer can at old Achmadinijad's head when he was here last. How would THAT have gone over in a "true free society"? Poor smuck would never see the light of day again! Seems Iraq might be "freer" than the old USA! That should excite the liberals!

[notluzn]

The guy is a Terrorist and attacked our President. What if an American did that to bush. he would be in Prison for 10 years or more or worse. I give 2 rats ass about the guy that attacked Bush. He's a Terrorist anyways.

[free2B]

it's a shoe people! thank the Iraqi and American security that it wasn't a hand grenade

[Safiel]

The guy is a Terrorist and attacked our President. What if an American did that to bush. he would be in Prison for 10 years or more or worse. I give 2 rats ass about the guy that attacked Bush. He's a Terrorist anyways.

Not a terrorist. Just a twit. Nothing more. Not a whole lot different from the more "western" custom of throwing eggs at politicians. Even if the shoe had connected, the result would have been nothing more than a shiner. Don't give this guy any more attention than he already has gotten by labeling him a terrorist. Just contemptuously ignore him as the twit he is.

[smyrna]

And you would have been what? The president that tolerated terrorism? And facilitated the death of many more American citizens?
Thank God you aren't president!

What price freedom? We have never known what "no freedom" is like.

What does our being in Iraq have to do with the death of American citizens? I can't wait to hear. I wish someone could explain it to me.

[Twichie]

Put yourself in Bush's shoes, how would you have reacted to shiite show thrower?
Nobody ever threw a shoe at President Jimmy Carter or President Bill Clinton but they have at Bush. I wonder Why? Maybe it's because they didn't go around killing innocent freedom fighters.

[alexz2317]

I would have waterboarded him than shoot him.

[alexz2317]

Nobody ever threw a shoe at President Jimmy Carter or President Bill Clinton but they have at Bush. I wonder Why? Maybe it's because they didn't go around killing innocent freedom fighters.
Are you a freaking moron? Innocent? You need a history lesson junior.

[Twichie]

I would have waterboarded him than shoot him.Then be taken to the International Criminal Court and charged with torture and sentenced to a few years of rigorous sensitivity training.

[Twichie]

Are you a freaking moron? Innocent? You need a history lesson junior.I'm a Libtard I'm allowed to be insane.

[Wndrtch]

Attacking the President of the United States with violence should = Dead man. No jury.

BTW, When will people figure out that no matter what you do for Muslims, they don't seem to give a rats ass even if you do help them out. I say, next Muslim Country we go in and bomb, we leave them to fend for themselves.

Altho I may share in your frustration when I see events like this, I would caution you about lumping all Iraqis/Muslim together based on a few lunatics.

Because the media operates with a "if it bleeds, it leads" mentality, we don't get to see the thousands of examples of Iraqi people working with US soldier in rebuilding the infrastructure of Iraq.


Students, Community Celebrate Al Kanat School Renovations Friday, 19 December 2008

FOB LOYALTY — Students, faculty and community members celebrated as a local leader cut the ribbon symbolizing completion of renovations to Al Kanat School in the Rusafa district of eastern Baghdad, Dec. 16.

Ali Hussein Nahi, the deputy minister of education for Rusafa, cut the ribbon, and Al’aa Dagher, Rusafa district council chairman, helped mark the project’s completion and official school re-opening.

Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, joined in the celebration, too.
The ceremony included the dramatic reading of passages and poems, plus a student group performance of the Iraqi national anthem.

The school is a secondary school for boys in grades seven through 12, explained Capt. Timothy Green, effects coordinator for 3rd Sqdn., 89th Cav. Regt. The school was greatly improved with many small refurbishments, said Green, a Columbus, Ohio, native.
“A fresh coat of paint, new tiles, [and a renovated] bathroom, small stuff like that adds to the appearance of the school and the overall mentality of the students,” commented Green, saying a good, clean school is conducive to a good learning environment.
Mohammed Alraw, owner of Alburjass and contractor in charge of the school renovations, remarked he was quite happy with the results of his labors. He said he spent a lot of his own time – time that was not in the contract – on the project just to give a little more to the students. When Alraw began the renovations, cracks and garbage were all over the school. However, he was able to change all that.

“It’s a 100-percent change,” he said.

(By Sgt. Grant Okubo, 10th Mountain Division)

Try going to the Multi-National Force, Iraq website. They have stories like that all the time.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

[cmorlan]

The journalist was an Egyptian, not an Iraqi.

I heard he was an Iraqi national who worked for an Egyptian news org.

[Adlerian Thinker]

Nobody ever threw a shoe at President Jimmy Carter or President Bill Clinton but they have at Bush. I wonder Why? Maybe it's because they didn't go around killing innocent freedom fighters.

What a coincidence. Neither did Bush. :rolleyes:

[Digital Patriot]

So *** is new about this crap? SOSDD, IMHO. They (the Muslims) are not our friends , even on a good day. This has been true throughout history. They hate us and nothing will change that unless we adopt their religion and customs. The only thing they respect is power and thats not even really respect, it's fear.

[Twichie]

What a coincidence. Neither did Bush. :rolleyes:So the orders to invade gave themselves?

[Twichie]

So *** is new about this crap? SOSDD, IMHO. They (the Muslims) are not our friends , even on a good day. This has been true throughout history. They hate us and nothing will change that unless we adopt their religion and customs. The only thing they respect is power and thats not even really respect, it's fear.What about the Muslims that refuse to follow Mohammad the Prophet's life example and do not wish to kill infidels? Do they hate us too?

[Adlerian Thinker]

So the orders to invade gave themselves?

We invaded a country of freedom fighters?

It's cute how easily you marginalize yourself.

[Adlerian Thinker]

What about the Muslims that refuse to follow Mohammad the Prophet's life example and do not wish to kill infidels? Do they hate us too?

What about the terrorists you support as freedom fighters?

[wiley8425]

Oh come on you big bunch of sillies... The terrorists don't hate us, they're too busy being cute and cuddly for that.

[smyrna]

Originally Posted by comsense08 http://forums.hannity.com/firestorm/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://forums.hannity.com/showthread.php?p=44952971#post44952971)
And you would have been what? The president that tolerated terrorism? And facilitated the death of many more American citizens?
Thank God you aren't president!

What price freedom? We have never known what "no freedom" is like.

What does our being in Iraq have to do with the death of American citizens? I can't wait to hear. I wish someone could explain it to me.
#34 (http://forums.hannity.com/showpost.php?p=44988441&postcount=34)
http://forums.hannity.com/firestorm/statusicon/post_old.gif December 19th, 2008, 11:32 am
http://forums.hannity.com/image.php?u=377291&dateline=1226421569 (http://forums.hannity.com/member.php?u=377291)Twichie (http://forums.hannity.com/member.php?u=377291) http://forums.hannity.com/firestorm/statusicon/user_offline.gif
Man On The Street
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 69


http://forums.hannity.com/images/icons/icon1.gif
Quote:
Originally Posted by smyrna http://forums.hannity.com/firestorm/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://forums.hannity.com/showthread.php?p=44972321#post44972321)

Put yourself in Bush's shoes, how would you have reacted to shiite show thrower?

Nobody ever threw a shoe at President Jimmy Carter or President Bill Clinton but they have at Bush. I wonder Why? Maybe it's because they didn't go around killing innocent freedom fighters.
__________________
Obama's the man.


Forum moderator...how is he able to misquote me like this?

[Adlerian Thinker]

Originally Posted by comsense08 http://forums.hannity.com/firestorm/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://forums.hannity.com/showthread.php?p=44952971#post44952971)
And you would have been what? The president that tolerated terrorism? And facilitated the death of many more American citizens?
Thank God you aren't president!

What price freedom? We have never known what "no freedom" is like.

What does our being in Iraq have to do with the death of American citizens? I can't wait to hear. I wish someone could explain it to me.
#34 (http://forums.hannity.com/showpost.php?p=44988441&postcount=34)
http://forums.hannity.com/firestorm/statusicon/post_old.gif December 19th, 2008, 11:32 am
http://forums.hannity.com/image.php?u=377291&dateline=1226421569 (http://forums.hannity.com/member.php?u=377291)Twichie (http://forums.hannity.com/member.php?u=377291) http://forums.hannity.com/firestorm/statusicon/user_offline.gif
Man On The Street
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 69


http://forums.hannity.com/images/icons/icon1.gif
Quote:
Originally Posted by smyrna http://forums.hannity.com/firestorm/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://forums.hannity.com/showthread.php?p=44972321#post44972321)

Put yourself in Bush's shoes, how would you have reacted to shiite show thrower?

Nobody ever threw a shoe at President Jimmy Carter or President Bill Clinton but they have at Bush. I wonder Why? Maybe it's because they didn't go around killing innocent freedom fighters.
__________________
Obama's the man.


Forum moderator...how is he able to misquote me like this?

If you have a complaint to make, go to the TTTM forum and register it. Go to the offending post, click on the number in the upper right hand corner, then copy the URL in your browser window so the mods can look directly at what you think is wrong.

Just from this, I cannot tell to whom you are referring. Just some friendly advice.

[culture_warrior]

Nobody ever threw a shoe at President Jimmy Carter or President Bill Clinton but they have at Bush. I wonder Why? Maybe it's because they didn't go around killing innocent freedom fighters.



No one ever threw a shoe at Saddaam Hussein either. Wonder why? Maybe they didn't want to end up dead like the thousands of innocent Kurds he gassed back in the 80's!

[culture_warrior]

Calling the Taliban "Freedom Fighters" can only ever be the truth if you mean that they are fighting against freedom. They are oppressors. Study the life of women under Sharia law. THEN tell us who the real Freedom Fighters are.

[Lootin-Putin]

I'd have taken off my belt and said, "Bring him here".

Then I'd have fired my secret service agents for not shooting.
I could get shot climbing over the White House fence, but this guy throws his shoes and is now a celebrity? Can anyone say Rendition?

[MendacityDestructor]

No one ever threw a shoe at Saddaam Hussein either. Wonder why? Maybe they didn't want to end up dead like the thousands of innocent Kurds he gassed back in the 80's!

If we hadn't directly caused the deaths of 1.2million+ Iraqis since 2003, your statement would have more punch to it.

[MendacityDestructor]

I'd have taken off my belt and said, "Bring him here".

Then I'd have fired my secret service agents for not shooting.
I could get shot climbing over the White House fence, but this guy throws his shoes and is now a celebrity? Can anyone say Rendition?

Doesn't the rule of law work for you? Or, are you another Jack Bauer disciple?

[Nevarwinter]

If I were Bush, i'd have made a quip that the reporter must miss Saddam. Stupid Democracy.

[Lootin-Putin]

Doesn't the rule of law work for you? Or, are you another Jack Bauer disciple?
From now on I'll encapsulate my humor in asterisks so as not to be misconstrued. Sorry.

[consusa]

"Well, I guess the Washington Redskins will have to keep looking."

[Free Speech]

I'd have taken off my belt and said, "Bring him here".

Then I'd have fired my secret service agents for not shooting.
I could get shot climbing over the White House fence, but this guy throws his shoes and is now a celebrity?

Isnt weird how it came about.

Monday, 22 December 2008

Bush 'shoe maker' hit by demand


http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45320000/jpg/_45320718_006639887-1.jpg Ramazan Baydan insists his firm made the shoe thrown at President Bush

A Turkish shoe firm says it has had to take on 100 extra staff to cope with a surge in orders after an Iraqi threw shoes at US President Bush.

Istanbul-based Baydan Shoes claims it made the shoes and says it now has tens of thousands of orders from around the world - including from the US and Iraq.


The shoe was called Model 271 but has been renamed Bush shoe, the firm said.


However, the brother of shoe-throwing journalist Muntader al-Zaidi says he believes the shoes were Iraqi-made.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7796047.stm

[Rhonda]

I heard he was an Iraqi national who worked for an Egyptian news org.

Exactly what I heard

[Free Speech]

Calling the Taliban "Freedom Fighters" can only ever be the truth if you mean that they are fighting against freedom. They are oppressors. Study the life of women under Sharia law. THEN tell us who the real Freedom Fighters are.


I could be mistaken but oddly Afghan Mujahideens had same sharia law in Reagn era and then we called them freedom fighters I think.

[PhantomPholly]

Bush should have simply said, "You're welcome - for the freedom we gave you to express such disagreement!"

[cjzzzz]

Me personally, I would have jumped at him and started punching...which is why I am not an elected official. I am a total hothead.

[Lootin-Putin]

Me personally, I would have jumped at him and started punching...which is why I am not an elected official. I am a total hothead.
Rumsfeld was a hot head and he enjoyed a long political career.
Don't get me started on Cofer Black.:cool:

[Adlerian Thinker]

What would have been super cool? Bush catching the shoe in mid-air, and throwing it back, hitting the sumbitch right in his face.

[enchantedking]

:hug:by ripping his head clean off his shoulders
breathing down his neck
and tearing him limb by limb:naughty:
then shove a claymore up his rectum sideways and tell him to go his merry way
then detenete the claymore via remote control clicker
or by shoving a bundel of dynamite up his rectum tied in a 500 feet primer cord then tell him to run and at about 250 feet away plug the plunger:evil:

[enchantedking]

What would have been super cool? Bush catching the shoe in mid-air, and throwing it back, hitting the sumbitch right in his face.
they should have let the PRESIDENT do what popeye does after eating some spinach:hug:
I'll take what I could stands till I cant stands it no MORE:naughty:

[RWReaganfan]

If I were the President, we would not be in Iraq and Dick Cheney would not be the Vice President.


If you were President, Saddam would still be murdering his people, his sons would still be torturing and raping, and the Afghan people would still be suffering under the Taliban.

[Loyal American]

Shoe-throwing Iraqi journalist gets 3 years



Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Friday, March 13, 2009

The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at then-President George W. Bush during a Baghdad press conference last year has been convicted of assault and sentenced to three years in prison.

The sentence was announced Thursday in an Iraqi court.

Muntadher al-Zaidi could have received up to 15 years in prison for his actions, which took place during Bush’s final visit to Baghdad, in December.

More in link:

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=61296

Wow! :eek:

[Mohawk5]

He did exactly what he is supposed to do. Nothing.

[Kegler300]

If it were me, I would've picked up his shoes and beat the shiite out of him.

[MasterBlaster]

I like the way it's thought of as a Post war Iraq against Bush and the U.S. Nobody realizes anymore that there was once a terrible regime there. My opinion is that he was a staunch supporter of Saddam. He used to watch in amusement and pleasure as hundreds of thousands of men women and children were murdered and tossed in mass graves. Perhaps he even pulled the trigger a few times himself. Now all he has left to do is throw his shoes. The shoe monument is there to remind the Iraqis that when once people were terrorized by murderous thugs with AK-47s. All those people have left are their shoes.