Bush's Holy Gaffe

[illinoisprogressive]

It will be so nice in jan of 09 to no longer have to suffer from the constant embarassment of Bush. He just cannot be let out to meet leaders or anyone for fear of doing something stupid.
Case in point:

Bush in holy gaffe
09/06/2007 14:10 - (SA)

Click here to find out more!
# Bush begins Rome visit
# 'Dumb Dubya' in right royal gaffe
# Bush laughs off summit gaffe

Vatican City - US President George W Bush drew gasps at the Vatican on Saturday by referring to Pope Benedict XVI as "sir" instead of the expected "His Holiness", pool reporters said.

They could clearly hear the US leader say "Yes, sir" when the pope asked him if he was going to meet with officials of the lay Catholic Sant'Egidio community at the US embassy later during his visit.

A handful of pool reporters were on hand as Benedict greeted Bush at the door of his private library ahead of a private audience of about half an hour.

On his way to see the 80-year-old pontiff, the US leader apparently recognised someone he knew, and could be heard greeting the person with a casual "How ya doin'?"

The pool reporters also noted Bush's relaxed posture, crossing his legs "Texan style" while facing the pope across his desk in the private study of the apostolic palace.

http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_2127232,00.html

[deadmessengers]

1. Compared to most of all his screwups, this isn't a big one.

That says a lot, actually.

[Aviation Pro]

2. He's just trying to assert his "authority".....

...like any psychotic madman would.

[jwirr]

4. That is what I was thinking, refusing to address the man by is title and

body language that says "we are equals regardless of what you think". While none of this bothers me as I am not a Catholic. It is plan that he does not respect the pontif.

[WinkyDink]

11. EXACTLY. He REFUSES to behave within NORMAL social guidelines!!

[Fridays Child]

3. Personally, I don't believe that the pope deserves more than a courteous "sir." However...

...I fully understand the rules that apply to these sorts of meetings. Unfortunately, George does not and, yes, he is a CONSTANT embarrassment.

[Captain Hilts]

5. Yeah, but when you're under Cardinal Rat's roof, it's polite to play by his rules. nt

[Fridays Child]

7. That's pretty much what I said--or meant,anyway.

So, I agree with you. :)

[Captain Hilts]

10. Then it's settled! In other words, Bush should listen to the protocol folks whispering in his ear.

[kurth]

8. Diplomatic courtesy from one head of state to another

There are rules, written and unwritten.

The idiot is evidently immune.

[sam sarrha]

6. did he call him 'Your Pontif Guy'...

[Fridays Child]

9. Your Popeness, maybe?

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

12. I am having a real problem with this one. Calling someone You Holiness means

that you actually consider that person Holy, which I don't look upon a Pope as being. I'm not Catholic, nor Christian. I also wouldn't address Shrub as pResident Bush, as I don't consider him my President.