Posted on 06/16/2008 6:33:24 PM PDT by snugs
The President and First Lady continued their visit to United Kingdom today spending part of the day in London and then travelling to Northern Ireland before departing for Washington.
There were some serious meetings where the Presdent was assure that Britain would continue their support and in fact would increase troops in Afganistan.
The relationship between Gordon Brown and the President seemed more relaxed than at any of their previous meeting.
On a lighter level the President and First Lady visited an integrated primary school in Belfast and the First Lady also visited the British Museum earlier in the day with Sarah Brown (I will post photos of these tomorrow when I get home).
Pray for President Bush -- Day 2833
I am not sure if that was because it was not considered that important (initially) or if it was for security reasons I suspect he latter.
At first a lot of the media were saying there was not much to come out of this visit it was just a farewell tour as most people in their mind have not moved on to the next President. Though to be fair BBC cable news channel did say that people would be wrong to treat the visit completely as this as some things are important between the 2 countries and regardless of what stage of Presidency and there are also certain issues that will be as important to the new President and it is important what is discussed now and agreed as it will have impact on the next Presidency.
Today I think proved this with the announcement of the Afghan troops we are bring 400 hundred home but sending out 600 specialists so obviously we are changing emphasis in some areas but the overall mission we are still very much committed to. This will mean we will have over 8000 troops in Afghanistan.
Also the relationship between Brown and GWB was obviously warmer and more relaxed.
Yes, I am so thankful that Britain has wonderful security
and I did feel easier with him there.
What did people on the street say of his visit? We never hear
anything but “official” news. :D
Thank you so much snugs. You are definately a winner when it comes to showing pictures of our wonderful President.
Mrs. Laura Bush speaks with students in the Lough View Integrated Primary School’s Gym in Belfast, Northern Ireland, June 16, 2008. White House photo by Shealah Craighead
To be honest I have not heard anyone actually mention the visit but then the people I mix with day to day are not that political and normally only mention politics to complain about the government and some new policy or tax.
As I to dmd25 I think a lot of people were not even aware he was here.
Snugs, this is one of your most awesome threads ever. Thank you1
You’re welcome
Thanks snugs for all your time and effort in putting up the Dosetoday. Great pictures that we would not normally see.
Thanks to all the other posters too, who posted the last several days. I enjoyed seeing all the pictures.
Silent jonny, your sketches were absolutely beautiful. I’m glad you rec’d a personal note from our wonderful President.
Well, guess that’s true of most people here. They probably
didn’t even know he had left the country.
I also find it interesting how No. 10 Downing Street looks a lot like the inside of the Oval office, to me.
Answer to prayers that he & Laura are home safely. What a marvelous trip. I am guessing he will return for no other reason than to put the “last trip” MSM people on the wrong side of the discussion
Thanks for all the effort tonight. There were obviously a lot more pix than other days.
None of Blair though.. or the biking excursions.
There was no state dinner in London? None at all on trip. Perhaps because of the whirlwind nature he requested none.
What cute pictures of the President playing basketball with the girls!
I felt that GWB and PM Brown's relationship improved and am pleased to hear you say the same thing.
As you said, I do feel better about him being in Britain than about anywhere else as far as security goes.
Thanks again for this great thread!
I loved that “last trip” remark. Wouldn’t it be a hoot if McCain is elected if he were to ask W to take the Sec of State position so he could continue advancing his freedom and democracy agendas?
Outstanding work, snugs. I love that you started with a photo of the First Couple back on the South Lawn.
If you have time, could you explain what is meant in Nnorthern Ireland by ‘integrated’ schools. Does it mean Catholic and Protestant children going to the same school?
Previously the schools were very much apart, I would presume this school is a non church school which for primary schools are unusual in Britain.
Most of our primary schools are still partly funded by the the Church of England though there are some totally local authority funded schools. Senior schools most are local authority funded by even some of those are funded by the Church of England. In my own town about 10 - 12 years ago the Church of England built or contributed towards the building of a senior school one of the first part funded church of England senior schools for many years. Since I believe others have followed in other areas.
Catholic state schools for seniors are fairly common place though often the children have to travel 10 - 15 plus miles to one but if they are a catholic family then the travel would either be paid or subsidized.
Great Dose, Snugs!
Thank you so much! That’s very kind of you to say :)
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