Don't get me wrong. I have enjoyed my travels in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Columbia, Panama, Peru, Chile, etc. My point is that, at this critical time, President Bush should avoid traveling to countries where opportunities for his assassination would be fairly high. In this regard I would include virtually all of central and South America.
I realize that this could adversely impact Bush's effectiveness at the bully pulpit, but his work at home is mission critical. There is no reason why these international summits cannot be held in countries where security would be handled much more effectively. I present today's experience in Chile as exhibit "A".
Just watched the video (link at Post 695) and am even more disturbed about this incident. A couple things really struck me.
First, I watched all 21 leaders arrive and enter the building. In none of those arrivals, except Bush, did Chilean guards attempt to block the doorway. As soon as Bush and wife had entered, Chilean guards immediately sealed off the doorway as if expecting something to happen.
Second, once Bush and wife were in, the Chilean president had them linger at the doorway area much longer than any of the other leaders lingered, as if waiting for something to happen.
This whole thing spooks me. I feel nervous about Bush's safety in the US, let alone on foreign soil. As a law student in Seattle, I can tell you that some of the things I hear from students and law professors alike is chilling.
One humorous note in watching the video (again Post 695) is that the incident caused a bit of a delay of the motorcades that came after Bush. For some reason, I liked seeing Vladimir Putin's motorcade at a dead standstill in the middle of the road, while Bush's SS straightened things out.