In yet a grand statement to the quality of sensitivity and intelligence that G.W. Bush is so well known for, I’ve come across this splendid piece from the Huffington Post that expresses his feelings towards the Philippines and Filipino-Americans. This statement was said to the PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES:
PRESIDENT BUSH: Madam President, it is a pleasure to welcome you back to the Oval Office. We have just had a very constructive dialogue. First, I want to tell you how proud I am to be the President of a nation that — in which there’s a lot of Philippine-Americans. They love America and they love their heritage. And I reminded the President that I am reminded of the great talent of the — of our Philippine-Americans when I eat dinner at the White House. (Laughter.)
Now, take a minute to pick your jaw up from off the ground.
Woops, there it fell again. Yeah. One more time.
Just grab that jaw of yours and pick it up and hold on to it there for a second until the shock wears off. Dubya just told the President of the Philippines that he just loves the kitchen staff in the White House that happen to be Filipino-American.
What next? Telling Obama that he appreciates black people? Just like the ones who used to do his laundry as a kid? Or how about that Chinese American kid who helped him cheat his way through college. Will he share those remarks with the Premier of China?
I’m twitching. Can’t talk now. Gotta go find a sling for my jaw now. I can’t hold it on and type like this.
(Flickr photo credit: dcJohn)
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8 Comments to “Bush To Filipino President: “I Am Reminded Of The Great Talent Of … Philippine-Americans When I Eat Dinner At The White House””
Jason wrote:
Well, he wasn't just talking about the “kitchen staff in the White House that happen to be Filipino-American” — he was referring to Cristeta “Cris” Comerford, the head White House chef since August of 2005 and a naturalized U.S. citizen.
PRESIDENT BUSH: … I am reminded of the great talent of the — of our Philippine-Americans when I eat dinner at the White House. (Laughter.)
PRESIDENT ARROYO: Yes.
PRESIDENT BUSH: And the chef is a great person and a really good cook, by the way, Madam President.
Posted on 25-Jun-08 at 12:22 pm | Permalink
Jeff C. wrote:
Ahhh… nothing like the HuffPo to leave out critical facts in order to distort images…
Pres. Bush was obviously referring to Cris Comerford, a Filipino-American and the White House Executive Chef who plans and prepares all the meals for the Bush family and friends… a position slightly more important than the “Filipino member of his kitchen staff” the article refers to her as
She also just happens to specialize in Filipino cuisine (surprise surprise), so I'm sure Bush has had his fair share of Filipino dishes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristeta_Comerford
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House_Execut...
The article also left out that by the end of the meeting, Bush had pledged US Navy support to help with the ferry disaster and rice to help with food shortages from the typhoon.
But yeah… “Philippine-American” was pretty bad…
Posted on 25-Jun-08 at 1:22 pm | Permalink
eg wrote:
Isn't he referring to the fact that the White House's executive chef is Filipina (Cristeta Comerford)? In his vague-and-inarticulate-and-easy-to-make-fun-of style?
Posted on 25-Jun-08 at 1:39 pm | Permalink
Uchinamuru wrote:
I just love when fellow Asians overreact about nonsense. It reminds me how mature some of us are…I mean It's Ms. Ming Jung's fault that she couldn't think of anything to write when her boss reminded her of the next morning deadline. Sigh…
Posted on 26-Jun-08 at 3:40 pm | Permalink
minjungkim wrote:
What I find embarrassing by this situation is that the President would relay in a sweeping tone that he appreciates Filipino Americans not by their contribution to local and national government affairs, military contribution, or social/scientific progress but to how they only directly affect him. And his stomach.
It's demoralizing and embarrassing.
If our president's *only* interaction and impression of other Filipino-Americans is based on his interaction with his head chef, then that speaks to ignorance on his part.No disrespect to Cris Comerford as I'm sure she's an awesome chef, but if she is the sole representation for Filipino-Americans to our President, then I find that lacking.
He *could* have mentioned Congressman Robert Scott, or Michelle Sisa an ambassador in Lebanon. But oh wait, that would mean he'd have to speak with someone knowledgeable about the mideast for that to happen.
Posted on 26-Jun-08 at 6:48 pm | Permalink
moye wrote:
I agree with min jung. I don't think we're overreacting by taking offense to his statement. There are many other things to celebrate about the Filipino community in America than his chef.
Tt reminds me of that episode of Flipping Out on Bravo, where Jeff, the realtor, presents his cleaning lady/housekeeper with her self-portrait wearing a maid's uniform as an artsy gift.
Posted on 27-Jun-08 at 2:34 pm | Permalink
mimi wrote:
Get that ass hat out of office. Goddamn hillbilly.
Posted on 30-Jun-08 at 2:01 pm | Permalink
pod pil wrote:
seriously, what is wrong with what he said? just because she's in the kitchen (the white house kitchen, mind you), doesn't mean she doesn't deserve to be recognized. Please, before you over react to a piece like this, think and realize that someone might have actually been floating on cloudnine by such a comment….Does he always need to name every accomplishment of every Pilipino-American? No! Get over it..
Posted on 30-Jun-08 at 11:09 pm | Permalink
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