Bush makes fun of legally blind man's shades!

[Steve M.]

Bush Apologizes to L.A. Times Reporter
By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer
Wed Jun 14, 8:22 PM

WASHINGTON - President Bush, who often teases members of the White House press corps, apologized Wednesday after he poked fun at a reporter for wearing sunglasses without realizing they were needed for vision loss.

The exchange occurred at a news conference in the Rose Garden.

Bush called on Los Angeles Times reporter Peter Wallsten and asked if he was going to ask his question with his "shades" on.

"For the viewers, there's no sun," Bush said to the television cameras.

But even though the sun was behind the clouds, Wallsten still needs the sunglasses because he has Stargardt's disease, a form of macular degeneration that causes progressive vision loss. The condition causes Wallsten to be sensitive to glare and even on a cloudy day, can cause pain and increase the loss of sight.

Wallsten said Bush called his cell phone later in the day to apologize and tell him that he didn't know he had the disease. Wallsten said he interrupted and told the president that no apology was necessary and that he didn't feel offended since he hadn't told anyone at the White House about his condition.

"He said, `I needle you guys out of affection,'" Wallsten said. "I said, 'I understand that, but I don't want you to treat me any differently because of this.'"

Wallsten said the president said he would not treat him differently, so Wallsten encouraged him to "needle away."

"He said, `I will. Next time I'll just use a different needle,'" Wallsten said.

Wallsten said he thought that was a pretty good line. And his only complaint is that the president didn't answer his question at the news conference.

Wallsten, who is also author of a book coming out next month titled "One Party Country: The Republican Plan for Dominance in the 21st Century," had asked about White House credibility now in the aftermath of top aide Karl Rove having been cleared in the CIA leak investigation. But Bush said he wouldn't comment with another top White House aide still facing prosecution in the case.

(Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

[MsOrange]

the guy made a mistake and apologized for it. It was meant to be a joke, it was just his luck the guy happened to have a condition. Obviously Walston isn't all upset about it, why should anyone else be? The title of this thread is completely mis leading... Bush didn't stand up there, point nad laugh, and make jokes about a man he knew was blind.

[Auntie]

the guy made a mistake and apologized for it. It was meant to be a joke, it was just his luck the guy happened to have a condition. Obviously Walston isn't all upset about it, why should anyone else be? The title of this thread is completely mis leading... Bush didn't stand up there, point nad laugh, and make jokes about a man he knew was blind.
First of all, i didn't hear anything about this, so unless I see it (or hear about it on Fox news(cable) it's just gossip. Secondly, if there is any truth to it, at least he didn't bold face lie in front of the entire world about having an affair with one of his interns (like some past ex president) I can name

[MsOrange]

First of all, i didn't hear anything about this, so unless I see it (or hear about it on Fox news(cable) it's just gossip. Secondly, if there is any truth to it, at least he didn't bold face lie in front of the entire world about having an affair with one of his interns (like some past ex president) I can name
what the hell kind of argument is that?

[Janice]

SHADEGATE!!

Reporter Peter Wallsten, who was very gracious, has an eye condition where his eyes are sensitive to light and glare. He can see. He's pictured below, wearing glasses. Notice he's writing on a pad of paper.


http://www.booknoise.net/oneparty/src/authorphoto.jpg


http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/pub_info/photos/Overton/askew8a.jpg

[James"Thunder"Early]

It never fails for him to make a mistake in some capacity

[James"Thunder"Early]

First of all, i didn't hear anything about this, so unless I see it (or hear about it on Fox news(cable) it's just gossip. Secondly, if there is any truth to it, at least he didn't bold face lie in front of the entire world about having an affair with one of his interns (like some past ex president) I can nameMore obsession with Bill Clinton.

[Mister Show]

I'm no fan of the Bush administration but there is nothing really to be made of this considering everything else thats going on with this country.

What caught my attention and really disturbs me was this...

First of all, i didn't hear anything about this, so unless I see it (or hear about it on Fox news(cable) it's just gossip.

Did you type this with a straight face?

[JT]

First of all, i didn't hear anything about this, so unless I see it (or hear about it on Fox news(cable) it's just gossip. Secondly, if there is any truth to it, at least he didn't bold face lie in front of the entire world about having an affair with one of his interns (like some past ex president) I can name
What does that have to do with ANYTHING?

[MsOrange]

SHADEGATE!!

Reporter Peter Wallsten, who was very gracious, has an eye condition where his eyes are sensitive to light and glare. He can see. He's pictured below, wearing glasses. Notice he's writing on a pad of paper.


http://www.booknoise.net/oneparty/src/authorphoto.jpg


http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/pub_info/photos/Overton/askew8a.jpg
serioulsy, the article never even said he was blind, So therefore Bush didn't do anything to a "legally blind person"

[Steve M.]

I originally got the information that he was legally blind from the most trusted name in television news - Jon Stewart. :lol:

[KissMyGrits]

First of all, i didn't hear anything about this, so unless I see it (or hear about it on Fox news(cable) it's just gossip. Secondly, if there is any truth to it, at least he didn't bold face lie in front of the entire world about having an affair with one of his interns (like some past ex president) I can name

And she's off and running!! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Forgive her, she can't help herself......

Seriously though, my father was legally blind in one eye for years and had many instances where he was made fun of. Not intentionally but it is hard to know if a person is blind or not. Not everyone shows it. They want to be treated like a normal person so they don't call attention to themselves. My dad actually like it when someone would do something like this. Made him feel good about himself....

[MsOrange]

I originally got the information that he was legally blind from the most trusted name in television news - Jon Stewart. :lol:
well , if that's the case...
:lol:

[Ireneparalegal]

First of all, i didn't hear anything about this, so unless I see it (or hear about it on Fox news(cable) it's just gossip. Secondly, if there is any truth to it, at least he didn't bold face lie in front of the entire world about having an affair with one of his interns (like some past ex president) I can name
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Moonlight Lady]

First of all, i didn't hear anything about this, so unless I see it (or hear about it on Fox news(cable) it's just gossip.

So let me get this straight, because You didn't hear about it, It's gossip.
To me, that's rather self-centered. :rolleyes:

[Ireneparalegal]

So let me get this straight, because You didn't hear about it, It's gossip.
To me, that's rather self-centered. :rolleyes:
she thinks she is the only one that matters. she can pass judgment on others...but dare not pass judgment on her. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[KissMyGrits]

she thinks she is the only one that matters. she can pass judgment on others...but dare not pass judgment on her. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Very typical of her!!

[Chad Michael Murray]

First of all, i didn't hear anything about this, so unless I see it (or hear about it on Fox news(cable) it's just gossip. Secondly, if there is any truth to it, at least he didn't bold face lie in front of the entire world about having an affair with one of his interns (like some past ex president) I can name

Well, I think we can all agree, left wing AND right, that this is possibly the most absurd stance anyone has ever tried to take on an issue before.

Thank you, Auntie, for brightening everybody's day.

[Ireneparalegal]

Well, I think we can all agree, left wing AND right, that this is possibly the most absurd stance anyone has ever tried to take on an issue before.
i think she's just jealous because it was Monica instead of her.:lol: :lol:

[Moonlight Lady]

i think she's just jealous because it was Monica instead of her.:lol: :lol:

:rotflmao: You Rock Irene! :notworthy

[Central Perk]

Well, I think we can all agree, left wing AND right, that this is possibly the most absurd stance anyone has ever tried to take on an issue before.

Thank you, Auntie, for brightening everybody's day.

:yeahthat peacesign: :rockon:

[Ireneparalegal]

:rotflmao: You Rock Irene! :notworthy
THANK U...:lol: :wave:

[Fleet]

Hey, Irene... I remember that cereal in your avatar very well!
From the early 1970s, I would guess.

[Ireneparalegal]

Hey, Irene... I remember that cereal in your avatar very well!
From the early 1970s, I would guess.
yep. i found it here on this interesting food website...check it out:

http://www.hometownfavorites.com/index_dyn.asp

[ABlairican Pie]

First of all, i didn't hear anything about this, so unless I see it (or hear about it on Fox news(cable) it's just gossip. Secondly, if there is any truth to it, at least he didn't bold face lie in front of the entire world about having an affair with one of his interns (like some past ex president) I can name:nod: Yep, worse than Watergate.








:rolleyes:

[Ireneparalegal]

:nod: Yep, worse than Watergate.








:rolleyes:TRUE.
even Jesus forgives...some people can't.

[James"Thunder"Early]

i think she's just jealous because it was Monica instead of her.:lol: :lol:Bad Irene :nonono::rofl:

[Ireneparalegal]

Bad Irene :nonono::rofl:
I may be bad, but i am honest. :D

[Ireneparalegal]

for those hypocrites, this is for YOU:

[Fleet]

:nod: Yep, worse than Watergate.
:rolleyes:
Well, if you want to get into that...
Nixon never lied under oath. Nixon himself did not take part in the actual crime; he just tried to cover it up. According to Jimmy Roosevelt (FDR's son), his father did exactly the same thing Nixon did... he was just never caught.

Watergate was a 3rd rate burglary in which Nixon did not even participate in; Clinton participated AND tried to cover up Monicagate. However, that scandal was one of the least important of Clinton's.

[PrettyinPink55]

Well, I think we can all agree, left wing AND right, that this is possibly the most absurd stance anyone has ever tried to take on an issue before.

Thank you, Auntie, for brightening everybody's day.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Janice]

Okay. A couple of pages on Auntie is sufficient. Thank you.

Glad to see you back Irene. I hope your wrist is feeling better.

[Ireneparalegal]

Okay. A couple of pages on Auntie is sufficient. Thank you.

Glad to see you back Irene. I hope your wrist is feeling better.
thank you Janice. typing with one hand (if u want to call it that...LOL) couldn't stay away from the boards. :wave:

[Janice]

thank you Janice. typing with one hand (if u want to call it that...LOL) couldn't stay away from the boards. :wave:
I notice your posts are shorter, lol.

[Ireneparalegal]

I notice your posts are shorter, lol.
yep. :lol: :lol:

[Fleet]

Now, time to break out the Quisp. Where's my bowl?
I even remember that funny-looking "alien."

[foureyes]

Get off Auntie's case.

[Ireneparalegal]

Now, time to break out the Quisp. Where's my bowl?
I even remember that funny-looking "alien."
my mouth is wanting some QUISP! THAT WAS A GOOD CEREAL!

[Ireneparalegal]

Bush Apologizes to L.A. Times Reporter
By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer
Wed Jun 14, 8:22 PM

WASHINGTON - President Bush, who often teases members of the White House press corps, apologized Wednesday after he poked fun at a reporter for wearing sunglasses without realizing they were needed for vision loss.

The exchange occurred at a news conference in the Rose Garden.

Bush called on Los Angeles Times reporter Peter Wallsten and asked if he was going to ask his question with his "shades" on.

"For the viewers, there's no sun," Bush said to the television cameras.

But even though the sun was behind the clouds, Wallsten still needs the sunglasses because he has Stargardt's disease, a form of macular degeneration that causes progressive vision loss. The condition causes Wallsten to be sensitive to glare and even on a cloudy day, can cause pain and increase the loss of sight.

Wallsten said Bush called his cell phone later in the day to apologize and tell him that he didn't know he had the disease. Wallsten said he interrupted and told the president that no apology was necessary and that he didn't feel offended since he hadn't told anyone at the White House about his condition.

"He said, `I needle you guys out of affection,'" Wallsten said. "I said, 'I understand that, but I don't want you to treat me any differently because of this.'"

Wallsten said the president said he would not treat him differently, so Wallsten encouraged him to "needle away."

"He said, `I will. Next time I'll just use a different needle,'" Wallsten said.

Wallsten said he thought that was a pretty good line. And his only complaint is that the president didn't answer his question at the news conference.

Wallsten, who is also author of a book coming out next month titled "One Party Country: The Republican Plan for Dominance in the 21st Century," had asked about White House credibility now in the aftermath of top aide Karl Rove having been cleared in the CIA leak investigation. But Bush said he wouldn't comment with another top White House aide still facing prosecution in the case.

(Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

I seen the tape of this yesterday and this article didn't add everything that was said. When the President mentioned there was no sun, the reporter stated words to the effect of "maybe not for you" and then Bush stated TOUCHE! then it went on. I know Bush also stated something abt the reporter having a positive outlook or something like that when the reporter stated "maybe not for you"...the remark given by Bush was something similar to "you see the glass half-full"...i wish i could remember the words he said. It was a nice banter back and forth and for the President to call him up later after realizing his mistake was a very good gesture on his part. I could see what Bush was referring to since the guys glasses were the same ones in the pics provided here on this thread, the only difference is they were tinted. they must be those glasses that turn dark when he is outdoors.

[Hollow]

First of all, i didn't hear anything about this, so unless I see it (or hear about it on Fox news(cable) it's just gossip. Secondly, if there is any truth to it, at least he didn't bold face lie in front of the entire world about having an affair with one of his interns (like some past ex president) I can name
lolz.

[Mister Show]

...and who did Enoch ****?... and Irad, and Mehujael, and Methusael... EACH OTHER?

I'm glad I wasn't drinking something when I read this line.

[T_ID]

so unless I see it (or hear about it on Fox news(cable) it's just gossip.[/B]It's entirely different. Should have written: 'so if I see it (or hear about it on Fox news(cable) it's just gossip.' :D

*goes off mumbling* bloody zealots..

[James"Thunder"Early]

It's entirely different. Should have written: 'so if I see it (or hear about it on Fox news(cable) it's just gossip.' :D

*goes off mumbling* bloody zealots..LOL, they don't believe anything unless they hear it on FOX News or a right-wing radio show.

[ABlairican Pie]

Now, time to break out the Quisp. Where's my bowl?
I even remember that funny-looking "alien."Remember Quake, Quisp's nemesis?

I'm gonna go to the store and look for Quisp!! It rocked!!! :rock:

[Fleet]

Remember Quake, Quisp's nemesis?

I'm gonna go to the store and look for Quisp!! It rocked!!! :rock:
I vaugely remember Quake.

Quisp is no longer available, correct?

[ABlairican Pie]

In the late 60's he was a tough guy with a miner's hard hat.

http://theimaginaryworld.com/qwwisp03.jpg

At the turn of the 70's they changed his image to an Aussie cowboy, why, I have no idea. Didn't make sense. :confused:

http://theimaginaryworld.com/box1303.jpg

In the late 60's, Quisp and Quake would be battling it out for world supremacy on Saturday morning cartoon commerials. Some people thought the commercials were too "violent". :rolleyes:

[Janice]

In the late 60's he was a tough guy with a miner's hard hat.

At the turn of the 70's they changed his image to an Aussie cowboy, why, I have no idea. Didn't make sense. :confused:
I hear a Brokeback Mountain-Rugged cowboy version is next. ;)

I wish I had and knew how to use Photoshop. So many comical ideas swirling around in my mind, but no artistic talent to apply them.

[Brian Damage]

I vaugely remember Quake.

Quisp is no longer available, correct?

Incorrect, you can buy it online

http://www.quisp.com/

[Fleet]

Incorrect, you can buy it online

http://www.quisp.com/
Wow... I thought it was discontinued years ago. Maybe it was discontinued and brought back? Do supermarkets have it? I'll have to check next time I'm at one.

[Brian Damage]

Wow... I thought it was discontinued years ago. Maybe it was discontinued and brought back? Do supermarkets have it? I'll have to check next time I'm at one.

very select stores, but the best place to buy it is online.

[ABlairican Pie]

I hear a Brokeback Mountain-Rugged cowboy version is next. ;)

I wish I had and knew how to use Photoshop. So many comical ideas swirling around in my mind, but no artistic talent to apply them.:lol: :nod:

[Fleet]

In the late 60's he was a tough guy with a miner's hard hat.

At the turn of the 70's they changed his image to an Aussie cowboy, why, I have no idea. Didn't make sense. :confused:

In the late 60's, Quisp and Quake would be battling it out for world supremacy on Saturday morning cartoon commerials. Some people thought the commercials were too "violent". :rolleyes:
I really don't remember those boxes. But I never was a big cereal fan... my brothers are, though.

[I can't believe it]

First of all, i didn't hear anything about this, so unless I see it (or hear about it on Fox news(cable) it's just gossip. Secondly, if there is any truth to it, at least he didn't bold face lie in front of the entire world about having an affair with one of his interns (like some past ex president) I can name

Hi, I know someone said to leave Auntie alone, but this has to be said. Do you realize how many other politicians and presidents have had affairs? Just because Clinton's was the most recent (that you know of) does not mean that his affair was the worst. And Bush has been caught lieing continuosly, but if the only place you get your news is "Fox News" then you actually might believe his lies. Wake Up!

Please visit this website, even the Bush's have had their share of extramarital sex: http://www.geocities.com/jacksonthor/knowrsex.html

and by the way, if this comment was regarding Clinton being too busy with Monica to protect our country (as a certain wing and recent docu-drama happens to want you to believe) think again, if he was too busy doing anything it was with the impeachment trial.

fox "news"
http://www.youtube.com/v/fpChNJbILZM

[Fleet]

Hi, I know someone said to leave Auntie alone, but this has to be said. Do you realize how many other politicians and presidents have had affairs? Just because Clinton's was the most recent (that you know of) does not mean that his affair was the worst. And Bush has been caught lieing continuosly, but if the only place you get your news is "Fox News" then you actually might believe his lies. Wake Up!

Please visit this website, even the Bush's have had their share of extramarital sex: http://www.geocities.com/jacksonthor/knowrsex.html

and by the way, if this comment was regarding Clinton being too busy with Monica to protect our country (as a certain wing and recent docu-drama happens to want you to believe) think again, if he was too busy doing anything it was with the impeachment trial.

fox "news"
http://www.youtube.com/v/fpChNJbILZM
How many presidents have lied under oath (perjury), obstructed justice and engaged in witness tampering to cover up an affair?

What is with the quotation marks around "Fox News?" Is it any less credible of a news station than CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS or MSNBC and if so, why? Is it because that station isn't obviouly left-leaning like the other ones?

[theshark8777]

How many presidents have lied under oath (perjury), obstructed justice and engaged in witness tampering to cover up an affair?




Correct me if I'm wrong, but Clinton was never convicted on any of these charges. He was impeached, which is only a legal statement of charges. He was also acquitted, or he would have been removed from office. Let's not forget that. He was not convicted on any of these.

# Bill Clinton was impeached on December 19, 1998 by the House of Representatives on grounds of perjury to a grand jury (by a 228–206 vote) and obstruction of justice (by a 221–212 vote). Two other articles of impeachment failed — a second count of perjury in the Jones case (by a 205–229 vote), and one accusing Clinton of abuse of power (by a 148–285 vote). He was acquitted by the Senate.


That would be like me going to trial on a theft, and getting acquitted. Same concept.

[Fleet]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Clinton was never convicted on any of these charges. He was impeached, which is only a legal statement of charges. He was also acquitted, or he would have been removed from office. Let's not forget that. He was not convicted on any of these.

# Bill Clinton was impeached on December 19, 1998 by the House of Representatives on grounds of perjury to a grand jury (by a 228–206 vote) and obstruction of justice (by a 221–212 vote). Two other articles of impeachment failed — a second count of perjury in the Jones case (by a 205–229 vote), and one accusing Clinton of abuse of power (by a 148–285 vote). He was acquitted by the Senate.
That would be like me going to trial on a theft, and getting acquitted. Same concept.

Not a good idea to try and defend a corrupt president. Clinton was guilty of lying under oath (giving false statements). He was found in contempt of court. He was disbarred.
Just because he was aquitted doesn't mean he was innocent. Clinton, as the #1 lawmaker (president) broke the very laws he was sworn to uphold while he was in office. And he was only the second president to be impeached because of his crimes.

[theshark8777]

So why didn't the Senate convict him? That's all I want to know.

[Fleet]

Because the Democrats in Congress put party politics over the rule of law.

[theshark8777]

Because the Democrats in Congress put party politics over the rule of law.

Yeah because Republicans dont ever do that.

[Fleet]

Yeah because Republicans dont ever do that.
Well, you said you wanted to know.
Besides, had Nixon been impeached, it's a safe bet that (unlike the Democrats) very, very few Republicans would have voted against removing him from office.