Shoe thrower exposes Bush's arrogance

The Times' Dec. 16 editorial, "Bush’s shoe toss,” takes an appropriate and interesting look at the "history of footwear and politics" and the reactions by President Bush and the Iraqis immediately following the incident. The Times notes how deftly Bush ducked and made light of the "size 10" shoes hurled at him, and we read about how the shoe was "laced" with blame, insult and pent-up anger. We also read about how deeply insulting such a "shoe episode" is in the Arab world, especially when accompanied by the words "you dog."

By Dorian de Wind

December 23, 2008