Pakistan deletes 'pro-Bush' poem (from school textbook)

BBC News World Edition ^

[StarCMC]

Pakistan deletes 'pro-Bush' poem

Mr Bush (left) is a key backer of President Musharraf

Pakistan's government is to remove a poem from a school textbook after it emerged the first letters of each line spelt out "President George W Bush".

The anonymous poem, called The Leader, appeared in a recent English-language course book for 16 year-olds.

Critics say it praises Mr Bush. Its rhyming couplets describe someone "solid as steel, strong in his faith".

Officials cannot explain how the poem entered the curriculum. Pupils are to ignore it ahead of a reprint next year.

Not deliberate'

The BBC's Zaffar Abbas in Islamabad says it is a bizarre episode which has left education officials short of explanations.

THE LEADER by anonymous Patient and steady with all he must bear, Ready to meet every challenge with care, Easy in manner, yet solid as steel, Strong in his faith, refreshingly real. Isn't afraid to propose what is bold, Doesn't conform to the usual mould, Eyes that have foresight, for hindsight won't do, Never backs down when he sees what is true, Tells it all straight, and means it all too. Going forward and knowing he's right, Even when doubted for why he would fight, Over and over he makes his case clear, Reaching to touch the ones who won't hear. Growing in strength he won't be unnerved, Ever assuring he'll stand by his word. Wanting the world to join his firm stand, Bracing for war, but praying for peace, Using his power so evil will cease, So much a leader and worthy of trust, Here stands a man who will do what he must.

 

At first they put the poem's appearance in the grade 11 textbook down to a coincidence.

Then on Monday they said it may have been downloaded from the internet by a textbook writer, and later approved for publication by the curriculum committee.

An education ministry spokesman argued that the poem was a good description of a true leader - which might explain how it got through the vetting process.

But the poem has prompted criticism in local media in Pakistan, where there is opposition to President Pervez Musharraf's support for the US-led "war on terror".

Some opposition members say the poem shows the government has gone over the top in its support for the US.

Pakistan's government has denied any deliberate attempt to promote the US president.

The education ministry said it would remove the poem from the textbook and discipline the person responsible for including it.

[StarCMC]

I'm not sure what "couplet" means exactly, but the way it's phrased it would lend itself to being printed that way, I think!

[mylife]

I'm not sure what "couplet" means exactly, but the way it's phrased it would lend itself to being printed that way, I think!

I believe you are correct.(gut instinct) One of the things I like about FR is questions Your phrasing definitely reminds me of Kipling. Kipling is well known in Pakistan. Hmmmmmm....

[StarCMC]

2 entries found for couplet.

cou·plet    ( P )  Pronunciation Key  (kplt)
n.

1. A unit of verse consisting of two successive lines, usually rhyming and having the same meter and often forming a complete thought or syntactic unit.
2. Two similar things; a pair.

 

---

[French, from Old French, diminutive of couple, couple. See couple.]

[Download Now or Buy the Book]
 

Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

couplet

n 1: two items of the same kind [syn: couple, pair, twosome, twain, brace, span, yoke, distich, duo, duet, dyad, duad] 2: a stanza consisting of two successive lines of verse; usually rhymed

[StarCMC]

And the British spelling of the word "mould" is interesting as well.

[marsh_of_mists]

I should have clarified. A PUBLIC school shouldn't politicize the curriculum because it's funded by the government (the taxpayers). Educational establishments not funded by the taxpayers indeed can teach however they want.

[StarCMC]

LOL -- figured that's what you meant....but the indoctrination in countries like Pakistan -- they don't live by the same rules as us.

[mylife]

In music Id refer to it as a doublet

Makes sense.

I truely have questions about the origins of the poem.

I see no good coming from praising the west using the style of imperial era poetry, tho I love Kipling and think he was the finest at seeing "the natural condition of humanity"

Kipling God rest his soul was a trusting lad though not without judgement

[SevenofNine]

THat cute poem I got ping Daily Dosers GUYS GET IN HERE IN HEREEEE NOWWWW

[Left2Right]

"Could you imagine the uproar if it was printed in OUR schoolbooks, let alone an Islamic schoolbook?"

The ACLU and the MSM would be all over it.

Probably Karl Rove was behind it...

[Herford Turley]

It was a great poem.

[Herford Turley]

And who are these "critics"?

The mainstream media using anonymous people to inject their viewpoint into an already biased article.

[Tarantulas]

I think it should be mandatory in all Pakistani textbooks. Well, not really, but it's pretty funny. Sounds like an "All Your Base Are Belong To Us" incident.

[HiTech RedNeck]

Amazing prank.

[expatguy]

http://laotze.blogspot.com/2005/09/bush-rises-to-top-in-southeast-asia-in.html

[expatguy]

No they don't any I think many in America might be surprised to find out how much that President Bush is respected as a leader.

An American Expat in Southeast Asia

[Old Sarge]

When people are in trouble, and all seems to be so wrong,
A man steps forth without the crowd, to be so gently strong,
and demonstrates determination, without being cross,
and you're proud to say to all around who hear you, "That's My Boss!"

He calls no attention, makes no pretense, knows just what he needs,
to bring us comfort, resolve and strength - or simply put, he leads;
Just like a pro, he'll deftly field what evil men will toss,
and they just stand in shock and awe, while the troops say, "That's My Boss!"

He's walked with us, he's worn our boots, flown with us in the skies,
a steel glance that withers, if you dare to meet those eyes,
but also, can shed healing tears, as rain on forest moss,
and that lump just will not leave your throat, as you murmur, "That's My Boss!"

So, jaded pol or hardened cynic, meet this noble man,
belittle him, if you dare, or try to best him, if you can,
for even hardest heart will change, and take up America's cause,
and you'll stand along with me, and say with feeling, "That's My Boss!"

(c) 05-06-2004 by JSR

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[StarCMC]

THERE ya go!! I have that one saved to hard drive and ALMOST posted it myself!! GMTA!

[StarCMC]

Interesting blog -- is this yours??

There was a lot worth quoting there, but this was my fave:

A local here summed up the mood among many of the people here when he told me "We might not agree with the foreign policy of the United States and many of our people don't like Bush, but we respect him as a true leader and as a man."

That sort of says it all.

[Soaring Feather]

I remember this poem very well Sarge. Wonderful work. I am sure it is in the Lair.