Screw human rights; give us oil!

Bush Urges Saudis to Boost Oil Production

With little regard for the fact that they still bar 50% of their population from voting based on biology alone, Bush pleaded with Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia today to boost oil production so Bush's self-absorbed constituency can continue to irresponsibly consume every natural resource available on (and under) this planet's surface. The article says "the United States has long-standing concerns about human and civil rights in Saudi Arabia." But what's a little oppression between old pals, right?

A joint statement by the two leaders reflected tensions over the issue of democratic change. It said: "While the United States considers that nations will create institutions that reflect the history, culture and traditions of their societies, it does not seek to impose its own style of government on the government and people of Saudi Arabia." (my emphasis)

Don't give me that Prime Directive crap. This feigned cultural sensitivity doesn't stop the United States from imposing whatever we damn well please elsewhere. Bush is more concerned that we're paying $2.20 a gallon for gas than he is about the right of women to vote in Saudi Arabia. Remember that the next time he gives lip service to "spreading democracy."

Comments

[Michael B]

To me this seems like an act of desperation by Bush. We're practically *begging* for more oil. It's embarrassing!

[John]

With the growth in development in China and India, begging may be our best option.

What is very interesting is the same day of this meeting, we find out that 40 christians are reported to have been arrested for attending a service.

Here is a link

http://www.christiantoday.com/news/meast/289.htm

[Kathy]

Democratic Underground has a great picture of Bush and the prince holding hands as they walk together (scroll down to see the post). Between the oil and the buddy-buddy routine, they don't have time to be bothered with women!

[Susan]

Of course, another option is encouraging the use of alternative fuels, maybe even leading the way internationally. We led the way to the moon. We're leading the Mideast to democracy (if certain people are to be believed). We export culture--for better or worse--that influences other nations. Isn't conservation of the planet (something I think we all rely on from time to time) worth the effort?

Heck, I'd be happy to see this administration just encourage reasonable use of resources. Instead, they allow big oil and utility companies to write their energy bill, then stonewall the GAO when they ask about the arrangement (oh yeah, they also let power companies have a say on whom the administration hires to regulate them).

Yes, turning a blind eye to the denial of basic human and religious rights by our "allies" is just one of the steps Bush and Co. will go to in order to assure our overconsumptive lifestyle can continue without any disruption to our nation's anesthetized conscience.

[Susan]

Kathy:

I thought it was going to be a Photoshop creation, but that's really touching.

Throw in Robert Mugabe, an armadillo, and a house plant and you've got yourself a family.

[Kathy]

That Troy King -- what a card! I'm so proud to have him as my Attorney General ; )