The last day of NATO negotiations ended here in Romania with key figures wearing dark ties and the propaganda machine in full swing. Even before Dictator Putin arrived on the scene, it was declared on the media that he had won a major victory and that America was very low in the world’s estimates. This didn’t seem to phase president Bush and he seemed to enjoy himself at the meetings. While visiting the Black Sea, he commented that his ice cream was “the best I’ve ever had.” This is Texas humor, a Texan’s impression. But commentators swarmed against him and insisted it would have been better had he complemented their salami- (a traditional specialty).
Another interesting moment in the circus was the close inspection of dignitaries wives. What is she wearing, how is she sitting, waving, who is she looking at? But the best of show was the wife of President Rahmon of Tajikistan who won the Miss Nato award when she swept in to meetings like Audrey Hepburn in the movie ‘Roman Holiday’.
Not allowing the Ukraine into NATO became a sore spot. It is unclear why Albania was accepted-(because many say they weren’t ready). However, after visiting the Ukraine a few times myself and having to pay the police bribes at the border- (every one)- then after the border- (every policeman that approached you), then in the car- (each policeman that stopped you for having foreign plates)- (and paying the next policeman who stopped you two minutes later), I am not surprised.
It was also comical when Romania rejected America’s offer for anti-rocket protection and then later accepted after soliciting for funds that no one else could afford to give.
So the summit began with dignitaries in burgandy and red ties to show their power. The next days faded to shades of blue- friendly, peaceful, democratic. At dinner the night of the third day, President Bush was shown wearing a yellow green reptilian colored tie which was plainly a fashion disaster or a cleverly devised plot to disarm the other dignitaries. His specific choice spoke volumes.
Possible interpretations include:
“I don’t take myself too seriously”.
“You can laugh with me tonight, and maybe underestimate me, but tomorrow it’s you and me, pal.”
“Come on guys, it’s only NATO, can’t you just have a little fun for a change?”.
“We’re America. We aren’t worried and we don’t really have to prove anything.”
In the long run, I was very proud to have my president in town and to have the journalists praise Laura Bush for being the most friendly woman of the whole group when she greeted them and waved. In all the news coverage, I can’t remember seeing anyone else smile at all.
A job well done guys.
