Blair Gets White House Ceremony As Thanks

[Nambe]

Emmis Interactive/Chicago

President Bush goes out of his way to pay back friends, particularly allies in the wars against Iraq and global anti- terrorism. This week, it's a White House ceremony for Britain's Tony Blair and a stay at the Bush ranch in Texas for Italy's Silvio Berlusconi.

Bush has a full menu of perks to reward a foreign leader. The selective special treatment has another purpose, too: It sends a not-so-subtle message to those who miss out. ---

After an Oval Office meeting Thursday afternoon, Bush and Blair are to stride into the majestic, marble-floored Cross Hall to make statements and answer a few questions from reporters.

Blair was making a brief sprint through Washington _ staying only about seven hours _ primarily because he was invited to address Congress on the way to Asia. Last month Congress agreed to give Blair the Congressional Gold Medal but the still- to-be-minted award won't be presented until the fall. ---

Ride Don’t Drive It’s Global Cool

[I AM SPARTACUS]

1. so, Poodle...did Smirko "respect you in the morning"...????

...did he say "I'll call ya..." after a quick peck on his way out the door...???

[tom_paine]

3. Blairolini will answer as soon as his ass stops hurting

And a Bush NEVER respects the servants.

That would be lowering yourself.

[kskiska]

5. No, he just left the money

on the dresser.

[ewagner]

2. Cooolllll!!!

they're going to answer a "few questions"...

This should be goooooooodddddd!!!

[diplomats]

4. I can't wait

Bush will assuredly say something stupid. He always does.