Bush God comments 'not literal'

[Player-X]

Bush God comments 'not literal'
A Palestinian official who said the US president had claimed God told him to invade Iraq and Afghanistan says he did not take George Bush's words literally. Nabil Shaath said he and other world leaders at a Jordan summit two years ago did not believe Mr Bush thought God had given him a personal message.

Mr Bush's spokesman said the original allegation, which will appear in a BBC documentary next week, was absurd.

Scott McClellan said the comments had never been made.

The comments were attributed to Mr Bush by Mr Shaath, a Palestinian negotiator, in the upcoming TV series Elusive Peace: Israel and the Arabs.

Mr Shaath said that in a 2003 meeting with Mr Bush, the US president said he was "driven with a mission from God".

"God would tell me, George, go and fight those terrorists in Afghanistan. And I did, and then God would tell me, George, go and end the tyranny in Iraq... And I did.

"And now, again, I feel God's words coming to me, Go get the Palestinians their state and get the Israelis their security, and get peace in the Middle East. And by God I'm gonna do it."

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, who attended the meeting in June 2003 too, also appears on the documentary series to recount how Mr Bush told him: "I have a moral and religious obligation. So I will get you a Palestinian state."

'Strong faith'

But in an interview for the BBC Arabic service on Friday, he said the president - who had just announced an end to hostilities in Iraq, was merely expressing his heartfelt commitment to peace in the Middle East.

"President Bush said that God guided him in what he should do, and this guidance led him to go to Afghanistan to rid it of terrorism after 9/11 and led him to Iraq to fight tyranny," he said.

"We understood that he was illustrating [in his comments] his strong faith and his belief that this is what God wanted."

The TV series charts recent attempts to bring peace to the Middle East, from former US President Bill Clinton's peace talks in 1999-2000 to Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip this year.

It seeks to uncover what happened behind closed doors by speaking to presidents and prime ministers, along with their generals and ministers.

What the? I tought there shoud be a wall between politics and religion there.
Now that we have a phyco beliving in divine prophecies in control of half the worlds nukes and not beliving in a few vital enviomental issues we are screwed

[Katsuya]

Hmmm... perhaps Armageddon is nigh? Anyway, he does not have full control over the nuclear weapons. A system is supposedly in place to stop the president in case he ever goes crazy.

[Player-X]

Originally Posted by Katsuya

Hmmm... perhaps Armageddon is nigh? Anyway, he does not have full control over the nuclear weapons. A system is supposedly in place to stop the president in case he ever goes crazy.

I hope that works, even if it works he can still do alot of damage

The truth about God and George
A senior Palestinian who said that George W Bush claimed to be on first-name terms with God stood by his comments today but conceded that President was using a figure of speech.
NI_MPU('middle');
Nabil Shaath told the BBC that in June 2003 he heard Mr Bush tell Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Prime Minister: "God would tell me, ‘George, go and fight those terrorists in Afghanistan’, and I did, and then God would tell me, ‘George, go and end the tyranny in Iraq’, and I did."

The White House quickly issued a terse denial last night dismissing the Palestinians Information Minister's comments as: "absurd." Scott McClellan, a spokesman, said that Mr Bush, although a devout Christian, "never said that".

Mr Shaath, whose interview was recorded for Israel and the Arabs: Elusive Peace to be broadcast this month, today stood by his recollection of the meeting but accepted that the statement had not been meant literally.

"It was really a figure of speech (by Bush). We felt he was saying that he had a mission, a commitment, his faith in God would inspire him ... rather than a metaphysical whisper in his ear," he said.

Mr Bush, once quoted as saying: "I believe that God wants me to be president", is a devout Christian and makes no secret of appealing to God for strength, but denies using God to justify his decisions.

Mr Abbas also recalled today how the President told him: "’I have a moral and religious obligation... so I will get you a Palestinian state.’"

Mr Bush launched an impassioned attack on Islamic militants during a speech in Washington yesterday, accusing them of seeking to "enslave whole nations" in an empire stretching from Spain to Indonesia.

Mr Bush's alleged comments have provoked anger among religious groups.

Andrew Blackstock, director of the Christian Socialist Movement, said: "If Bush really wants to obey God during his time as President he should start with what is blindingly obvious from the Bible rather than perceived supernatural messages.

"That would lead him to the rather less glamorous business of prioritising the needs of the poor, the downtrodden and the marginalised."

A BBC spokesman said the content of the programme had been put to the White House but it had refused to comment on a private conversation.

Last month, senior figures in the Church of England questioned America’s sense of "moral righteousness" in its foreign policy.

The bishops of Bath and Wells, Oxford, Coventry, and Worcester, said in their report on countering terrorism: "There is no uniquely righteous nation. No country should see itself as the redeemer nation, singled out by God as part of his providential plan."

be afaraid......be very afraid......

[cloudsBro]

this must show gorge w bush is a psycho

[Cid Highwind]

Normally someone will get treatment when he is hearing voices....

In america he becomes president

One thing to think about: What kind of justification could this be when you are against islamic terrorism? They are also guided by their god who gives them orders. If Bush thinks he is doing the right thing because his god told him, why does he get so upset when others do the same and blow up two towers?

Seriously, if there is a god, the best thing he could have ever done was commit suicide right after he created the earth without humans letting known he has ever existed.

[Radix865]

Yay, next he says he IS the God...

"let there be light and the light came" he said while pressing the red button on the black suitcase.

[Xymet]

One thing to think about: What kind of justification could this be when you are against islamic terrorism? They are also guided by their god who gives them orders. If Bush thinks he is doing the right thing because his god told him, why does he get so upset when others do the same and blow up two towers?

you know, you are accusing the whole islamic community when you say islamic terrorism? what about islamic terrorism, did all the muslims contribute to a terror among you. Do you feel terrified at the mere sight of Muslims? What do you know about the word "terrorism" anyway? You say this as if it is a justification, as if it gives you soothing. Don't you DARE say that Muslims are terrorists when they don't even hold up with guns ok!! But, in the mean time, , there are some muslims, who are rather mindless. Mad, you may say, like the OLD Bush fellow. But mind you, no muslims would go on ranting, that they got inspiration from Allah to blow up the two towers.

Tell me, do you really think that tyranny, comes from the Muslims side or from others. Look into history and you will see how wrong you are to say that muslims are tyrannic and moreover, terror creaters. We do not create or wage wars do we. NO, and no!, not unless we are whipped about our butts more than we can cope with. We will not act like slaves neither to be whipped, so we may act. But we never had acted like terrorists have we? . Please stop accusing the muslims, just because muslims are muslims. OK!!!

All you guys who disbelieve in God, be not wary, for you may be gravely punished.

[Cid Highwind]

Originally Posted by Xymet

you know, you are accusing the whole islamic community when you say islamic terrorism? what about islamic terrorism, did all the muslims contribute to a terror among you. Do you feel terrified at the mere sight of Muslims? What do you know about the word "terrorism" anyway? You say this as if it is a justification, as if it gives you soothing. Don't you DARE say that Muslims are terrorists when they don't even hold up with guns ok!! But, in the mean time, , there are some muslims, who are rather mindless. Mad, you may say, like the OLD Bush fellow. But mind you, no muslims would go on ranting, that they got inspiration from Allah to blow up the two towers.

Tell me, do you really think that tyranny, comes from the Muslims side or from others. Look into history and you will see how wrong you are to say that muslims are tyrannic and moreover, terror creaters. We do not create or wage wars do we. NO, and no!, not unless we are whipped about our butts more than we can cope with. We will not act like slaves neither to be whipped, so we may act. But we never had acted like terrorists have we? . Please stop accusing the muslims, just because muslims are muslims. OK!!!

All you guys who disbelieve in God, be not wary, for you may be gravely punished.

I'm really sorry if I offended you with my post, but this must be a big misunderstanding . I am perfectly aware of the fact that not all muslims are terrorrists. I know it's a small group giving a larger group a bad name, and that's something I really regret. The only thing I was trying to say that Bush justifies his actions by saying it was something he got told by god. Therefor it was the right thing for him to do. He expects us to respect his decisions based on that, but at the same time when a few terrorist bombers claim they are doing it because of their religion, they are wrong. I hope you are able to see my point.

I recall reading some quotes from the Quran posted by Elly quite some time ago, those were a real eye opener to me when it comes down to suicide and Islam.

[DB7]

Originally Posted by Xymet

But mind you, no muslims would go on ranting, that they got inspiration from Allah to blow up the two towers.

Umm not to be drawn into a religious debate but didn't Osama Bin Laden say he got inspiration from God to destroy the Twin Towers and last I checked he is a Muslim.

but I don't think anyone believes that all followers of Islam are terrorists, just like no-one thinks that all people from the Republic of Ireland are members of the IRA.

Islamic Terrorism is a sadly broad term to describe those few people who choose to pervert a peaceful religion for their own violent aims. I understand you feel the need to defend your relgion in these stressful times, but in a calmer manner would help you get your point across.

[Player-X]

Now that we know that when you get down to it both sides are pretty much the same

[KillerShots]

Hmm... I'd have to say I'm skeptical. Here's why:

1. Old news. June of '03? I'd think someone would have said something by now.
2. Mr. Bush - Anything that repeatedly says that says they have an axe to grind and may say just about anything (true or not). I tend to ignore anything that says Mr. Bush rather than President Bush.
3. Seems out of character for him - He's religious and deeply faithful, yes, but he would not go that far
4. Again, all this on something somebody recalls from two years ago? What other evidence have we? Has he ever said anything similar to anyone? If that's how he feels, I'd think we'd know it.

[Eface]

Bush

that's the name of my little plants... Well, looking at his usual expression, i see the resemblance. Really devoid of any intelligence Like the name bush implies

About the god statement, well, i do my streetracing in the name of god

[ArchIBaLD]

Don't you DARE say that Muslims are terrorists when they don't even hold up with guns ok!!

they are terrorists and they carry guns. yes, no all of them, a REALLY small part but that what it takes to bring down the two towers now doesn't it? and don't you DARE to be so naive about the muslims. many many of them support terrorism.

Tell me, do you really think that tyranny, comes from the Muslims side or from others

both sides. from the muslim side it doesn't seem like tyranny, yes, but terrorism is a form of it.

But we never had acted like terrorists have we? . Please stop accusing the muslims, just because muslims are muslims. OK!!!

well, some of you did. i am not accusing you of being muslim, i am accusing the people of your religion that use terrorism (yes, not all of them).

well, basicly what i want to say is that you seem to overprotect your fellow muslims and you seem to think that a small part of them are terrorists. well, fine. a small part of them ARE terrorists. but they are still dangerous. still, not all of them. you really think that i would survive if i go on a trip to iran?

All you guys who disbelieve in God, be not wary, for you may be gravely punished.

ha ha

on the subject: OMG, USA's president is a moron.

[Xymet]

u speak of a tiny speck of the muslim community, who are in-fact lets say, offended in some way, mayb in terms of war?

oh and yes, i'd be naive about my fellow muslim brothers and sisters, because most of them don't support terrorism, but only a tiny spec of them do.

Well, taking arms, against people who attack you (whether in defence or in offence) is terrorism, all the men working in the armies of all countries are classified as terrorists.

yes you would survive if you go to Iran on friendly terms and not waving a gun over your head. If you dont offend any one the latter would not be defensive/offensive. So what am I saying, don't be unfriendly. If you are friendly they wouldn't kick your butt.

ha ha

Well laugh all you want, but I did warn.

[p.s. you are patriotic, so playing your part saving every critic from throwing a blast at your country? ummm, I wouldn't mind if I were you/]

[Player-X]

they are terrorists and they carry guns. yes, no all of them, a REALLY small part but that what it takes to bring down the two towers now doesn't it? and don't you DARE to be so naive about the muslims. many many of them support terrorism.

I may be not muslim but you more than 50% of the population here is
how do you explian the muslims here not blowing stuff up regulary any why are they all against terrorism?

both sides. from the muslim side it doesn't seem like tyranny, yes, but terrorism is a form of it.

I can safely say Adolf Hitler isn't muslim I can also safely say that Stalin was not muslim

well, some of you did. i am not accusing you of being muslim, i am accusing the people of your religion that use terrorism (yes, not all of them).

You already know that looks like you are saying terrorism and islam is the same thing to him, I amy not care about him but I do care about political correctness

well, basicly what i want to say is that you seem to overprotect your fellow muslims and you seem to think that a small part of them are terrorists. well, fine. a small part of them ARE terrorists. but they are still dangerous. still, not all of them. you really think that i would survive if i go on a trip to iran?

If all muslims or even if a majority are dangerous then why do I still brethe? besides it seems like you are overattacking them instead of him overprotecting them

on the subject: OMG, USA's president is a moron.

That is the only thing I agree with you on this thread

I may not be muslim but being in a country with a majority of them and not being blown up and not religiously opresed is a good sign that islam isn't a evil religion in itself, it's people who reinteprete scripture for thier own uses that are evil, I can reinterpart the bible or other holy text in a way that makes it seems like it basicly says "kill everyone else"

From your "Isreal is never wrong" stance on this issue you appear to suffer from media bias from overexposure to govement media

Also Do you have to turn every thread with even a little politics into a "Isreal VS Muslims" argument

[cloudsBro]

All i know is one thing ppl, every religion has been turned into a farce, christianity, islam all. for example, islam is said to be a religion of peace and unity yet muslims seem to divide themselves into 3 different groups, sunnis, shias and wahabi. now if they divide their own people up, how is islam unity anymore? Religion isnt what it was once upon a time..

[Radix865]

I'll rise a question, who is behind the most of the wars after WWII?

And muslims, yeah they carry guns, but watch the movie/document "Bowling for Columbine", and then say IF they are the only ones...

[_mr_m_]

does anyone think that the media these days is *way* too biased?
this is really getting out of hand. almost every day i turn the news on, all i hear is all the horrid terrible things going on. why cant they report on something good happening?

also on religion:
give me a break, people are getting upset over 'god' being in the pledge of alleigance

say what you want,
but isnt changing the plegde of allegiance, an american custom, almost a sign of un-americanism?
no one is forcing you to say it. at the very least, we ask you to stand to respect your nation. not to honur any god.

[Player-X]

no one is forcing you to say it. at the very least, we ask you to stand to respect your nation. not to honur any god.

it's not the issue of worshiping a god but the inherent problem with the sentence itself, if someone dosn't belive in god or belives in more than one divine being does that make the pledge invalid for him?