Way to go, Al:
JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia - Former Vice President Al Gore told a mainly Saudi audience on Sunday that the U.S. government committed “terrible abuses” against Arabs after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and that most Americans did not support such treatment.
Gore said Arabs had been “indiscriminately rounded up” and held in “unforgivable” conditions. The former vice president said the Bush administration was playing into al-Qaida’s hands by routinely blocking Saudi visa applications.
“The thoughtless way in which visas are now handled, that is a mistake,” Gore said during the Jiddah Economic Forum. “The worst thing we can possibly do is to cut off the channels of friendship and mutual understanding between Saudi Arabia and the United States.”
Gore told the largely Saudi audience, many of them educated at U.S. universities, that Arabs in the United States had been “indiscriminately rounded up, often on minor charges of overstaying a visa or not having a green card in proper order, and held in conditions that were just unforgivable.”
“Unfortunately there have been terrible abuses and it’s wrong,” Gore said. “I do want you to know that it does not represent the desires or wishes or feelings of the majority of the citizens of my country.”
Snake.
Hat tip to Captain Ed, who notes Tigerhawk’s spot-on remarks regarding Gore’s speech. From Tigerhawk’s blog:
Procedurally, Gore’s speech is repugnant. It is one thing to say such things to an American audience in an effort to change our policy. Whether or not one agrees with Gore on the substance, if he wants to change American policy to let in more Saudis the only way he can do that it is to campaign for that change among influential Americans. It is, however, another thing entirely to travel to a foreign country that features pivotally in the war of our generation for the purpose of denouncing American policies in front of the affected foreign audience. It is especially problematic to mess with Saudi political opinions, which are subject to intensive influence and coercion by internal actors and the United States, al Qaeda, and Iran, among other powers. Supposing that some Saudis were inclined to be angry over the American visa policy, won’t they be more angry after Al Gore has told them that they’re being humiliated? How is that helpful?
Finally, Gore’s outrage at the American treatment of Arab and Muslim captives may be genuine, and it may even be worthy of expression in the United States, where we aspire to do better than press accounts suggest we have done. But whatever nasty things we have done in exceptional cases in time of war, they pale in comparison to the standard operating procedure in Saudi Arabia. So this is what Gore has done: he has traveled to Jiddah to explain to the elites of an ugly and tyrannical regime that the big problem in the world isn’t the oppression of Arabs by Arabs throughout the Middle East and North Africa, but the mistreatment of a few hundred Arabs in the United States. This is like visiting Moscow in 1970 and denouncing the United States in front of a bunch of Communist Party deputies for the killings at Kent State. Indeed, the differences in that comparison reflect badly on Gore.
There is simply no defense for what Gore has done here, for he is deliberately undermining the United States during a time of war, in a part of the world crucial to our success in that war, in front of an audience that does not vote in American elections. Gore’s speech is both destructive and disloyal, not because of its content — which is as silly as it is subversive — but because of its location and its intended audience. He should be ashamed. But he won’t be. The leadership of the Democratic party should disavow Gore’s Jiddah speech. But it won’t.
Exactly right.
Al Gore is apparently of the Rockefeller mindset: he thinks it’s ok to travel to foreign soil and criticize sensitive US foreign policy issues with countries who are light years behind us in the human rights department (I should note Michael Moore shares this mindset as well, on a more general scale of just trashing this country on foreign soil, no matter the issue). Oh please, please run for president, Al. It’d be so much fun to watch you lose yet again.
Update: Others blogging about this: Michelle Malkin, Oblogatory Anecdotes , RightWinged.com, Atlas Shrugs, Blogs For Bush, Expose the Left, Slobokan, National Institute for Truth and Freedom, Explicitly Ambiguous
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“It is especially problematic to mess with Saudi political opinions, which are subject to intensive influence and coercion by internal actors and the United States, al Qaeda, and Iran, among other powers. Supposing that some Saudis were inclined to be angry over the American visa policy, won’t they be more angry after Al Gore has told them that they’re being humiliated? How is that helpful?”
Yes. They might get angry that there isn’t mutual understanding and sharing of values.
But again wiht the going to a foreign country thing. As if we didn’t have a global telecoms structure.
Comment by andrew @ 2/13/2006 - 10:04 am
If you do the right thing for the wrong reasons you will fail. If you do the wrong thing for the right reasons you will also fail. bush has failed and Gore is mearly pointing out the obvious. The “beef” seems to be that Gore spoke truth to power outside the country, that is a silly point of view in today’s world. Peace
Comment by steve @ 2/13/2006 - 10:41 am
The Bush administration instituted a policy toward Saudi immigration in June, 2001, called “Visa Express.” Under this bent rule, Saudis could obtain U.S. visas without being photographed or having to apply in person.
3=Number of 11 September hijackers whose entry visas came through special US-Saudi “Visa Express” program.
140=Number of Saudis, including members of the Bin Laden family, evacuated from United States almost immediately after 11 September.
Bandar bin Sultan - Prince Bandar has endured controversy over allegations in the book Plan of Attack by Bob Woodward that President George W. Bush informed him of the decision to invade Iraq ahead of Secretary of State Colin Powell. Also, the book alleged a deal had been worked out to reduce oil prices just ahead of the November 2004 election. Bandar publicly endorsed President Bush.
Gore complained of “endemic hyper-corruption” among Tehran’s religious and political elite and asked Arabs to take a stand against Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran says its program is for peaceful purposes but the United States and other Western countries suspect Tehran is trying to develop nuclear weapons.
“Is it only for the West to say this is dangerous?” Gore asked. “We should have more people in this region saying this is dangerous.”
Cherie Blair, wife of British Prime Minister
Tony Blair, made a plea at the forum for women’s rights, telling Saudi leaders that the dearth of women in the work force was “undermining economic potential” of the kingdom.
It was a forum in which lots of different opinions were expressed.
Such a complicated world. So many things to remember, facts to keep straight.
Comment by William Mc @ 2/13/2006 - 11:36 am
“It was a forum in which lots of different opinions were expressed.
Such a complicated world. So many things to remember, facts to keep straight. ”
And too bad you can’t see fit to comment on the actual issue, and instead sidestep it. NONE of what you wrote addresses the issue. Try to focus on this: the former VP of this country went on Saudi soil and slammed his country in front of a group of people who, I repeat, live in a country light years away from ours in terms of advances in human rights.
Nice way to NOT comment on an issue, but anytime you’re ready to, I’ll be happy to listen.
Comment by Sister Toldjah @ 2/13/2006 - 11:59 am
“the former VP of this country went on Saudi soil and slammed his country in front of a group of people who, I repeat, live in a country light years away from ours in terms of advances in human rights.”
He showed them what it means to care about human rights? The bastard!
Comment by andrew @ 2/13/2006 - 12:57 pm
Democrats just love to criticize the United States of America when traveling abroad. It’s amazing that Democrats like Al Gore think that 9/11 never happened. There is no terrorist threat! “Hey Al” how many of the 9/11 hijackers were Saudi nationals? These Democrats that criticize and degrade the United States in front of Muslims are simply giving aid and comfort plain and simple.
Comment by Jim M @ 2/13/2006 - 1:22 pm
Moore and all the leftist spent all of 2002-2004 bashing the Saudi. Can’t they figure out where they stand?
No since they have no ideas, no loyality and no brains.
Al Gore is the smartest one in the bunch? That is soooo sad.
Comment by charmingtail @ 2/13/2006 - 2:21 pm
“the former VP of this country went on Saudi soil and slammed his country in front of a group of people who, I repeat, live in a country light years away from ours in terms of advances in human rights.”
Not to mention the fact that his statement that following September 11, 2001, there was an “indiscriminate rounding up” of Arabs in the U.S., is on shaky ground. What proof did Gore provide to support this charge, and the use of the inflammatory terms “rounded up” and “unforgivable conditions”? The fact that no Norwegians were “rounded up”? That all males of Arab descent in Detroit between the ages of 18 and 65 were “rounded up” and sent to Gitmo? Even the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (link here: http://www.adc.org/terror_attack/9-11aftermath.PDF) which complained of discrimination and profiling of Arab-Americans in the six months immediately following 9/11 didn’t allege that Arab men were “rounded up” in the U.S. It does allege that 5,000 Arab men were targeted for “interviews” and 2,500 actually “interviewed” by the FBI by March 27, 2002. It doesn’t complain that they were detained, and certainly not under “unforgivable conditions.” Gore uses hyperbole which is likely to inflame his listeners. “Speaking truth to power,” indeed…
Comment by Kjoe @ 2/13/2006 - 3:03 pm
It’s only “hyperbole” if you do not agree with the speaker or writers point of view, if you agree with the speaker it is speaking truth to power. The Right takes a position and when they are called on it they yell foul and use insults like “un-American”. Have the courage of your convictions and when you are shown to be wrong admit it. Cheney trying to kill a guy is just wrong. Peace
Comment by steve @ 2/13/2006 - 3:54 pm
It’s only “hyperbole” if you do not agree with the speaker or writers point of view, if you agree with the speaker it is speaking truth to power. The Right takes a position and when they are called on it they yell foul and use insults like “un-American”. Have the courage of your convictions and when you are shown to be wrong admit it. Cheney trying to kill a guy is just wrong. Peace
Uh….when did cheney try to kill a guy? Just curious.
Best Regards, CHOW
Comment by CHOW @ 2/13/2006 - 4:47 pm
- As a leftist Steve you just crossed over the line. You are free to express your opinions, thats a great thing about America. No matter how mis-guided or contrary to common sense they may be, you can express yourself. But:
“Cheney trying to kill a guy is just wrong.”
…is over the line, in the same vein if I were to post that you abusing children is just wrong, without some definate proof.
I know you guys are desperate to regain power. But there are some things even the “means to the end” gaggle can’t get away with in the name of free speech. You use Marxist tactics to screech your crap, and then you wonder why you can’t win elections….
- After that last remark as far as I’m concerned you can post into oblivion….No more responses to your nonsense from me….If Sistah tolorates you thats her right. I wouldn’t….
- Bang
Comment by Big Bang Hunter @ 2/13/2006 - 4:54 pm
Hyperbole, Hunter, hyperbole. Peace
Comment by steve @ 2/13/2006 - 7:23 pm
Has Gore lost his marbles? Or does he think he can tell lies to an International audience with impunity?
He has sunk nearly to the same depths as Jimmuh. Good Lord, what are these Dems drinking?
Comment by benning @ 2/13/2006 - 7:52 pm
- The kool aide benning….the kool aide…
- Bang
Comment by Big Bang Hunter @ 2/13/2006 - 11:36 pm
Hmmm what other person has been out trashing the US on foriegn soil?
Could this be a big for a Gore/Sheehan Ticket?
Please let it be so…..
Comment by sanity @ 2/13/2006 - 11:49 pm
CHOW do yourself a favor and do not try to understand Poster Steve or try to pin him down on the garbage that comes forth from his keyboard. It would be easier to nail jello to a wall. He is indeed orbiting somewhere around Pluto, and most of his ideas are too. Of course he will say something about how I am being mean spirited, and harsh, and blah blah blah. Trust me he just grows tiresome with his silly thought processes. - Lorica
Comment by Lorica @ 2/14/2006 - 12:02 am
“Trust me he just grows tiresome with his silly thought processes.”
He has no logical thought processes. At least, none evidenced by anything he or she has posted to the comment section of this blog.
Comment by Kjoe @ 2/14/2006 - 12:05 am
Besides CHOW, Steve tried to kill the children of a muslim woman….. She cried. She pleaded. But to no avail… Steve wouldn’t budge from his no peace stance…
Comment by Baklava @ 2/14/2006 - 12:08 am
I actually do hope that Gore runs against Hillary. IT woold be so cool to see those two debate, the Non-Issues of the Democratic party.
A question for Mr. Gore: How would you deal with the deficit. Answer: Well the first thing I would do is impeach Bush for how he clear cut Texas of all it’s trees. I have proof and pictures.
http://www.franapples.com/GOP2000/11GWpics2.html
Seeeeeeee (insert best howard dean screech here )
A question for Hillary: Hillary how would you repair our friendship with the world?? Answer: First I would make everyone chocolate chip cookies. Then I would impeach President Bush. I still want to know What he knew and when did he know it.
Blah, blah, blah. If this is the cream of the crop of the democratic party, conservatives are a shoe in for both 06 and 08. Not a single idea amongst them, but by God they are going to get Bush. - Lorica
Comment by Lorica @ 2/14/2006 - 12:18 am
No, no, no, Lorica…
Dean said they have a plan…..
It only took them how many years to get one….
Only he says they will not reveal it till 2006….
By the way Dean, still waiting on that plan…..unless your big plan was to impeach Bush.
Please tell me you have something more than that.
Please tell me you have something, anything to move America forward, to protect its citizens and grow the economy….
Mr Dean are you still there?
Mr Dean…?
Anyone in the Democrat Party…..Hello?
Plan?
* Obstructionism is not a plan.
* Hate Bush is not a plan.
* Hate Republicans is not a plan.
* Impeach Bush may be a plan, but it does nothing to move this country forward.
* Trashing America on foriegn soil to anyone with an Anti-American stance is not a plan, unless your plan is to increase the danger to our troops and to the US from increased terrorism.
* Silencing and Apologizing for Freedom of Speech does not move America forward or even help it. You destroy that Freedom which we find inherent in our society. Sad thing is European Countries seem to value Freedom of Speech more than Democrats and US Media. Sad indeed.
Comment by sanity @ 2/14/2006 - 12:40 am
How long will it be before Gore’s remarks are repeated on an Al Queda tape?
Is it true that this event is being partially underwritten by the Bin Ladin group in Saudi Arabia?
Comment by Mike's America @ 2/14/2006 - 1:57 am
Al-Al FrankenGore halves stated that there plan is coming soon to a theater near you…..Moore or less later.
Shame and Respect have been torn from the play book long ago. Honor, is what happened to the wife of Mr. Alito, by the disrespectful and shameless tactlessness of those who have no claim to Honor. Wasn’t Gore a VP once somewhere? Is his most recent disgusting hack job of the US, the kind of example he would’ve wanted by an Ex-VP of the US, for our country back when he was in office and we started having some unsettling issues with certain Saudi’s. Way to help out the team, guys! BTW, which one would that be?
Comment by forest hunter @ 2/14/2006 - 3:44 am
Personally, I don’t think steve really exists, at least not as a “real” person in any physical sense. Looking at the illogical, random, and inane posts he makes, here and elsewhere, has led me to the inescapable conclusion that steve is a poorly coded, bug-ridden Turing machine.
Comment by Severian @ 2/14/2006 - 8:16 am
Severian,
That was a blood libel to Turing machines everywhere.
Other than compter geeks and historians, does anyone else know what a Turing machine is? Has anyone seen a Turing Machine?
Comment by PCD @ 2/14/2006 - 9:08 am
Not Long Mike, not long at all. Hell I wouldn’t doubt that OBL wrote the speech for Al. - Lorica
Comment by Lorica @ 2/14/2006 - 12:44 pm
In all seriousness, what has happened to Al Gore? Sometime between the 2000 election and now the man lost his mind. I honestly can’t think of another VP or President in the last 50 years giving the kind of wild-eyed, ridiculous commentary that has, sadly, become his trademark.
Comment by Jasonian @ 2/14/2006 - 8:28 pm