I can just imagine what would have taken place if the Iraqi reporter who hurled his shoes at US President George Bush was carrying a firearm. What would have happened to President Bush?

Beyond the concerns about the president, however, this Iraqi reporter was just one of the many thousands of people who have had enough of the actions of the Americans in their country.

In the Iraqi culture, crossing your legs and showing the sole of your feet is an insult to whomever sees it. Throwing your shoes at them is an even bigger insult. When the first shoe was thrown, the reporter yelled in Arabic, "this is a gift from the Iraqis, this is a farewell kiss, you dog".

As the president stood to make his speech, his facial expression revealed that he was expecting anything but a shoe.

It really is just too late now to be extending the hand of friendship to the Iraqis, considering the thousands of lives that have been lost. Certainly, he did not expect to hear:

I am, etc.,

WAKEISH BRYAN

wakki_bryan@yahoo.com

Mandeville