Posted on 08/06/2008 6:01:56 PM PDT by silent_jonny
President Bush waves after a joint news conference with Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, not pictured, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008, at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand.
Lost-boy Lomong to carry U.S. flag (at Olympics) (Former Sudanese Refugee)
The United States chose former Sudanese refugee Lopez Lomong to carry their flag at Friday’s Olympic opening ceremony in a move that could embarrass Sudan and its ally China.Lomong, who spent 10 years in a refugee camp after fleeing his native Sudan as a child, was given the honor after a vote by the team captains of the entire U.S. Olympic squad.
“This is the most exciting day ever in my life,” Lomong said … “It is a great honor for me that my team mates chose to vote for me. The opening ceremony is the best day and the best moment of Olympic life,” added the 23-year-old, who will race in the 1,500 meters.
Lopez Lomong of the U.S. celebrates winning the men's 1500 meters race at the Reebok Grand Prix athletics meet in New York May 31, 2008.
Lomong fled on foot from rampaging government-sponsored Arab militias in southern Sudan at the age of six in 1991, becoming separated from his parents.Along with thousands of similar children, known as “the Lost Boys of Sudan,” he was eventually resettled in the United States and became a U.S. citizen in July 2007.
“I’m here as an ambassador of my country and I will do everything I can to represent my country well,” Lomong said.
“This is another amazing step for me in celebrating being an American.” …
While Lomong will no doubt be concentrating on trying to win his race, his selection is likely to provoke extensive debate about China’s relations with Sudan.
Speaking of which …
China revokes ex-speedskater Joey Cheek's visa
Former Olympic speedskater Joey Cheek had his visa revoked by Chinese authorities Wednesday, hours before he was set to travel to Beijing to promote his effort urging China to help make peace in the war-torn Darfur section of Sudan.Cheek, the president and co-founder of a collection of Olympic athletes known as Team Darfur, was planning to spend about two weeks in China, when he received an unexpected call from authorities.
The 2006 American gold medalist said they told him they were denying him entrance into the country and were "not required to give a reason."
Gold and silver Olympic speed skater Joey Cheek, co-founder and president of Team Darfur, an international coalition of athletes committed to raising awareness and ending the crisis in Darfur, Sudan, speaks during a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, Tuesday, July 1, 2008.
From today’s Press Gaggle with Dana Perino:
Q: ... do you have any reaction to the reported decision of the Chinese government to not allow Joey Cheek to come to Beijing?Dana Perino: We were disturbed to learn that the Chinese had refused his visa. We are taking the matter very seriously. We have sent in our embassy in Beijing to démarche the Chinese. That is where we go in and we say we are concerned about this, and we want you to reconsider your actions. So we would hope that they would change their mind. And I'll hopefully have more for you later, but we had to also wait for Washington to wake up to take any further action.
Thanks for the thread tonight! Great Photos of the Day!
Bet it was hard to pick “just” two! I hope he is having
a wonderful and a productive trip to the far east.
President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush receive a warm welcome during their arrival in Seoul on August 6, 2008. With the Bush's onstage at the United States Embassy is Ambassador Sandy Vershow, right, and Lisa Vershbow. White House photo by Shealah Craighead
President George W. Bush, top center, and Mrs. Laura Bush stop to pose with a group of elementary school children at the Blue House in Seoul on August 6, 2008. White House photo by Shealah Craighead
President George W. Bush is joined by South Korean President, Lee Myung-bak, as he greets children during his visit to the Blue House Wednesday, August 6, 2008, in Seoul. White House photo by Eric Draper
Deb ... that video of their welcome is SO incredible !! Thank you for posting it. I'm withholding my comments about OUR media ........ GRRRRRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
This is amazing ... unbelievable, VOLUNTARY gathering of just the Christians !! God bless them ..for their kindness to Pres. Bush. I'm just wowed by that... tears. And God bless and protect our wonderful President and his family til they're safely home.
Thank you, again ............. dear jonny.
Thank you for all your hard work in putting the photos together
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR ‘FR’IEND
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!
[I hope your family is busy spoiling you rotten!!]
I LOVED your rant vis a vis Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) . . . He will be getting a ‘wake up’ call from me tomorrow morning.
Thaddeus McCotter (MI)
202.225.8171
http://mccotter.house.gov/HoR/MI11/Contact/Office+Contact+Information/Zipcode+Authentication+Page.htm
Great choice and Happy Birthday have you done anything special
Thanks for the mega dose tonight, sorry not been around much today or yesterday but heavy couple of days at work and home.
Tomorrow should be better though not so much to do at either and Friday is make the Christmas cake.
See you all tomorrow
Thank you. No not really
Thanks, silent_jonny, for all the pictures. I’m happy (and a bit embarrassed) that a strange bit of FReeper lore brought me to your thread.
Thank you, that was beautiful :)
Thank you, that was beautiful :)
My pleasure :) Thank you.
You’re very welcome :)
True :)
I know. When Clinton was president, it was front page news if he sneezed. President Bush meeting with our troops and allies ... nothing.
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