Iraqi man throws shoe at President Bush

http://www. breitbart. com/article. php?id=081215121703. 9anjkcex&show_article=1

Now, I'm no expert in Iraqi law but I am familiar with the concept of free speech and consequences of actions. Throwing a shoe at someone could definitely be considered to be 'assault' under American law. Again, I'm not sure what Iraqi laws are regarding assault but I imagine that there are consequences for assaulting someone.

This reporter does not like President Bush. Fine - he's entitled to his beliefs.

He chose to express it publicly. GREAT! Freedom of press and freedom of speech are ideas that I hold very dear to my heart.

However, the manner in which this reporter chose to express it? Completely inappropriate.


Actions have consequences. Illegal actions have consequences. Being thrown in jail is a likely consequences of doing something illegal.

"Al-Baghdadia television demands that the Iraqi authorities immediately release their stringer Muntazer al-Zaidi, in line with the democracy and freedom of expression that the American authorities promised the Iraqi people," it said in a statement.

If I threw a shoe at a visiting foreign national representative, I'd be tossed in jail for assault here in the USA. Shoe throwing is a 'violent' (I use that lightly but it's true nonetheless) form of political protest and the first amendment does not protect that right. Political protests can and should be civilized and non-violent, with violence used only as a last resort.

Why this reporter and his company demand special treatment under the law is beyond me. Their reasoning that this sort of political protest is championed by Americans (it isn't) and is therefore ok under Iraqi law (it isn't) is just stupid. I think charging him with attempted murder is a bit excessive, as death by flying shoe happens only in Austin Powers movies, but this reporter should face the consequences for his act.

As a last note, knowing that this man may face jail time (hopefully with a fair and speedy trial by jury) is actually a GREAT thing because under Saddam Hussein, this man would have been hung publicly or tortured privately by now for daring to speak out, let alone throw a shoe at a visiting foreign representative. This is a positive step in Iraq.