You know that guy who threw his shoe at the Still Current President the other day? Well, not “that guy” but this guy who, armed only with sole power, attacked the “God appointed” leader of the free world then threw curses when he ran out of footwear.
He’s a “folk hero” now.
BAGHDAD — An Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at President Bush and called him a dog became a huge celebrity in the Arab world and beyond on Monday, with many supporters exalting him for what they called a courageous act in the face of American arrogance about the war.
This is what the New York Times is reporting.
More after the jump…
Mr. Zaidi, a correspondent for an independent Iraqi television station, Al-Baghdadia, remained in Iraqi custody on Monday. While he has not been formally charged, Iraqi officials said he faced up to seven years in prison if convicted of committing an act of aggression against a visiting head of state.
Hitting someone with a shoe is a deep insult in the Arab world, signifying that the person being struck is as low as the dirt underneath the sole of a shoe. Compounding the insult were Mr. Zaidi’s words as he hurled his footwear at President Bush: “This is a gift from the Iraqis; this is the farewell kiss, you dog!†While calling someone a dog is never polite, among Arabs, who traditionally consider dogs unclean, the words were an even stronger slight.
Honestly Mr. Zaidi, I’m sure there are many people the world over that are tickled pink by your actions. Yet one cannot help but think there must have been an easier, and less extreme, way to get your feelings across. You could have written and angry letter or fired up your snark reserves for some exceptionally biting satire, maybe. Anything that would keep you out of the stockades for 7 years could have been a Mission Accomplished for you and yours.
But seeing as the deed is done and the judgment to come will undoubtedly be harsh, I’m forced to consider the immortal words of a most famous Man of Mystery:
I find it curious that a man taken down by an unassuming pretzel develops cat-like reflexes when not 1 but 2 angry-laden shoes are brought on the scene. I also find it curious that Iraqi journalist shoes are Secret Service kryptonite.
