Posted on 01/21/2005 5:06:21 PM PST by ambrose
Friday, January 21, 2005 · Last updated 3:10 p.m. PT
Bush shifts ex-ballclub partner to Japan
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON -- President Bush is naming a former fellow investor in the Texas Rangers, J. Thomas Schieffer, to be the U.S. ambassador to Japan, the White House announced Friday.
Schieffer, the U.S. ambassador to Australia and brother of Bob Schieffer of CBS News, was a member of the investment group that bought the Rangers in 1989 and was president of the baseball team while Bush was a part owner. He also was a Dallas attorney with a portfolio centering on oil and gas companies and, a Democrat, served three terms in the Texas House.
Former Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker, a Tennessee Republican, announced in December he was leaving the post in Japan in February.
During Baker's tenure as ambassador, Japan has been supportive of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and reconstruction. The Japanese government last month extended by one year a humanitarian mission by 550 of its troops in the southern Iraqi city of Samawah.
Japan also has been a key U.S. partner in efforts to end North Korea's nuclear programs.
In addition, Japan recently agreed to reopen its market to U.S. beef. Japan banned U.S. beef imports late last year after a case of mad cow disease was discovered in Washington state.
No wonder Bush was let off so easy by Schieffer in the debate! He is in the pocket of big oil! Bush and oil!!! Halliburton Halliburton Halliburton! Its all a conspiracy with BushHitler and his rich oil friends!!!!!!!! Halliburton Halliburton Halliburton!!!!
sorry - was channeling DU for a moment.
Seems Chip Carter and Rev. Billy Graham's son are business partners.
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