Iraqi Shoes Blues
Most have us have already seen the great footage of Iraqi reporter, Muntazir Az Zaydi, throwing his shoes at George Bush, calling him a ‘dog’ and referring to the widows and orphans a dead bodies created by the war. The video has been viewed with great amusement by those of us who feel the same way about George Bush. But, even Bush supporters have found the symbolic act impressive and amusing. That being the case, we cannot allow this man to be persecuted for giving us all so much pleasure.
It appears that, as he was dragged from the room by his hair, he was being kicked and beaten. He has not been seen since. His family is very concerned about him, and AlBaghdadiya, the newspaper he worked for has requested that he be released. I think we should all stand behind this brave soul. You can sign a petition for his release here.
If you are having second thoughts, imagine what would happen if a member of Code Pink were treated this way after shouting down some warmonger in Congress while throwing around fake blood or holding up a banner or any of the other symbolic acts they are prone to. And then go and sign the petition. The petition will be forwarded to the White House, with a copy to Al Badhdadiya, Mr. Az Zaydi’s employer.