Anti-Bush Graffiti: 25 Countries, Six Continents

07/29/08  Print This Post Print This Post    177 Comments   Popular   Written by Laura Copeland
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Barack Obama recently made headlines with his eight-day tour of Europe and the Middle East.

Many analysts here and abroad agree it was a smart political move for the U.S. presidential nominee, but some argue it was just a drop in a substantial bucket of goodwill needed to improve international relations with America.

As President George W. Bush nears the end of a mostly disastrous eight-year term, he too should be given credit for public appearances overseas.

Traveling by air — er, compressed air, that is — and landing on everything from brick walls to telephone poles to the doors of trash chutes, Bush boasts a presence in just about every last nook in the world.

Curitiba, Brazil

Unlike Bush’s approval rating, attendance at Disney theme parks doesn’t seem to have taken a hit in America’s worsening economy.

Photo by mlbor

Granada, Spain

Bush’s Starbucks-colored tank creeps toward a McDonald’s logo.

Photo by juanti

Lisbon, Portugal

Photo by Graffiti Land

London, England

Painted on a wall facing East London’s members-only Shoreditch House is this poignant portrait.

Photo by nickburcher

Sofia, Bulgaria

Faded from foot traffic, the sidewalk mugshot reads: Wanted Dead: George W. Bush, for crimes against humanity and the planet.

Photo by kiki

Berlin, Germany

Bush faces off with Osama bin Laden outside a record store in Berlin. War is terror, the caption reads.

Senator Obama’s tour included a stop in Berlin, where he gave a speech to a crowd of more than 200,000. American blogger Fred Wilson responds: “This kind of worldwide popularity is something we need in the US right now.”

Photo by shawnbot

Colonia, Uruguay

This makeshift banner welcomed Bush to Uruguay in March of 2007, when Bush met with President Tabaré Vasquez.

Translated, the greeting reads: Your dead, hungry, unemployed, disappeared [illegally imprisoned], lying cronies salute you.

Photo by MichaelO’B

Durango, Mexico

Photo by OliverAlex

Wellington, New Zealand

Give Bush an inch, and he’ll bomb a country, one stencil remarks.

Bush’s critics argue he never should have sent troops to battle without Congressional approval. Legally, the power to declare war lies in the hands of the Congress, not the President.

Photo by glutnix

Gullbringusysla, Iceland

Flanked by missiles, could Bush be folding his hands in prayer?

Photo by choufiphone

San José, Costa Rica

Translation: Mentally ill in service of capital.

Photo by C-Monster

Rome, Italy

Photo by tracymadaj

Melbourne, Australia

Photo by Toots Fontaine

Rosario, Argentina

Joyfully riding a missile — gut protruding, cowboy hat waving — Bush’s embodiment of Texan stereotypes is as much the subject of this artist’s mockery as the President’s flippant attitude toward explosives.

Photo by pablodf

Mito, Japan

Prolific graffiti artist Og Akim shares his rich political artwork at the X-Color exhibit in Japan.

Photo by nattynattyboom

Johannesburg, South Africa

A donkey-eared Bush and his toy tank ponder their next move.

Photo by banter

Israel

Bush is pictured here with Ariel Sharon, Israeli Prime Minister when this photo was taken in 2006.

Photo by greenwonderland

Bangkok, Thailand

Photo by G4Glenno

Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine

Bush, a United Methodist, tries on some Devil horns in the city of Jesus’ birth.

On June 10, 2000, the President declared Jesus Day in Texas.

Photo by hazy jenius

Riga, Latvia

Photo by Patient Dinosaur

Victoria, BC, Canada

On a brick wall in Victoria, British Columbia, Bush discusses world domination with Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper. (The dialogue references a mid-90s animated television show, Animaniacs, which began airing in Canada late last year.)

What are we going to do tonight, George?
What we do every night, Steve. Try to take over the world.

Photo by ngawangchodron

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Lyrics to the United States national anthem take on a less hopeful meaning.

Photo by Jamie Rushell

Wrocław, Poland

Photo by ChrisJ.

Styria, Austria

Photo by newsrepublic

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Bush mzushi, loosely translated: Bush is a rumormonger.

Photo by Msomi

As voters and the media shift their attention toward the November elections, Bush’s reign as one of the most widely loathed political leaders comes to a close. With fewer than a hundred days before a successor is named, here’s to hoping that displays like these will stop appearing — and won’t reemerge with the likeness of Senator John McCain.


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About the Author

Laura Copeland

Laura Copeland is from Modesto, California, a bedroom community consistently ranked one of the country's worst places to live. The wide-eyed nerd and Peace Corps candidate recently moved to Silicon Valley, where she enjoys lively walks and cutesy photography shoots with her newly adopted dog, Pixel.

177 Comments... join the discussion!

  • Impermanent Marker replied on July 30, 2008

    Here's my personal favorite: ” target=”_blank”>http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2006/07/whi... I believe it has inspired some others to take up the cause: http://www.madeyouthink.org/browse.php

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  • Impermanent Marker replied on July 30, 2008

    Here's my personal favorite: ” target=”_blank”>http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2006/07/whi... I believe it has inspired some others to take up the cause: http://www.madeyouthink.org/browse.php

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  • michigan seo replied on July 30, 2008

    I can't believe this moron is still president.

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  • Dude replied on July 31, 2008

    To Greg and Larz Blakman and Dazed and confused, Oh come on, Obama isn't a Muslim and if you're too stupid to know that, then America is in even more shite than if she does eventually elect a Muslim leader. Obama will stand up for the country and be a RESPONSIBLE president, one who doesn't disregard the rest of the world, waste money and soldiers' lives, nor plunge America into the biggest budget deficit ever. It is NOT anti-American or unpatriotic to question the president, even if he is an unelected fraud president. The way Greg suggest responding to terror is what got America into the shit in the first place. You sound like a caricature from Fox News Channel. Are you for real?

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  • stupidcomments replied on July 31, 2008

    Ok I see your point however, I still disagree. You cannot deny that some of these pro Bush comments are ridiculous. I am sorry but calling anyone who dislikes Bush a Communist or a non patriot, is a joke. And telling them to "get out" is even worse. Isn't America a democracy? It used to be. And I never once said that "every conservative is an ignorant redneck," but some of them are, same with liberals. And I'm sorry you are so sensitive to the word "asshole" but I do see it as fitting for these people, it is after all my opinion. So, instead of being upset by the crude language on the internet maybe you should be more concerned as to what your terrible president has done to your country. And sorry for my "elementary grammar and punctuation" but English is not my first language. Though, I do not expect Republicans to be very open minded of other cultures. But it's nice of you to assume that every poster is a American. Not to mention I rushed the message, and this is the internet after all.

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  • R U KIDDING ME!!!11 replied on July 31, 2008

    Can I guess what the R in your name stands for? I can? Great! R…hmm… Republican? Retarded? Or maybe O'Reilly (with a silent and invisible O). Get of the internetz you douche.

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  • Brad D replied on July 31, 2008

    Not only do I actually hate you more than anything. But you fucking suck at making points. "OSOMA OBOMA" if your going to make such a terrible argument at least SPELL THEIR FUCKING NAMES RIGHT it's Obama and Osama. Seriously what the fuck is wrong with you? What asshole let you use a computer? And by the way its not "Bushs' back" it's "Bushs' back" because it's his back. Normally I don't care about spelling or grammar. But seriously if you are going to preach so much BS hate, then at least do it right. And just out of curiosity as to how crazy you are, please explain the "anti-American (American has a capital letter) media firestorm" cause I have no idea. Explain why would the media, which is owned by American companies, be anti-American? Are all these people traitors? Communists? Or what? And what exactly would they gain from that? Let me guess do you watch FOX? Fuck you. If you don't stand up for your fellow Americans who hate Bush (over 70%) and recognise that there is a problem with the president and fight to defend the constitution, then you are a traitor and no American. Fuck you.

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  • joe replied on July 31, 2008

    Because disney is an imperialist company that exploits labor worldwide to make crappy plastic toys. In addition, their story lines are often racist and or supporting the status quo stereotyping muslims and other non christians in a negative way. Mickey is a symbol of american capitalism.. so boycott that sh&^$!

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  • Brad replied on July 31, 2008

    Is there a reason why you are shouting? Does writing BIG make your comment better? Because your an idiot. And also you obviously don't understand what this article is about, cause all these "people who are upset… are more than welcome to leave" makes no sense as all these graffiti is from OTHER COUNTRIES (I wrote that big to help you understand the point). So how exactly are these traitors from other countries supposed to leave "our great country." But no your right, all those people in Europe and Asia should leave…eh…. America…. Really a great argument. If anyone should leave its people like you. And just so you know Bush wasn't actually elected President… Does the Florida recount mean anything to you? You Dick

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  • SayItAintTrue replied on July 31, 2008

    Why did you have to remind me? I'm leaving is McSame wins it.

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  • Save America replied on July 31, 2008

    Agreed. I was in Italy recently and there were countless signs saying they didn't want Americans there. It's sad and I would be pissed off, but I kind of feel we brought it on ourselves. He shouldn't have had a second term. And he should have been kicked out of office. Lets hope that Obama will be able to clean up the mess Bush left behind. At least so far other countries seem to like him. Lets go back to the way it was before Bush.

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  • Brad replied on July 31, 2008

    If your going to be so picky about grammar you should follow your own rules. You can't have brackets directly after a comma. And here in NY, yes all conservatives are assholes.

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  • MS replied on July 31, 2008

    Ok ok calm down. I had the same problem but it works eventually.

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  • redbaby replied on July 31, 2008

    I find it interesting that the stencil used in Israel and Brazil appear to be the same, only flipped. Could they have been done by the same hand?

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  • kyle replied on July 31, 2008

    It's so embarrassing having him as president!!!

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  • Moe replied on July 31, 2008

    Oh, so you're a bigot. OK, sure.

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  • eboy replied on July 31, 2008

    Just wanted to say thanks to the poster… nice post.

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  • Missy replied on July 31, 2008

    Dear Republics, I am sick of your shit. Read before you rant. Obama is a born again Christian JUST LIKE YOU ! If Clinton was about to be impeached for Monica, then what should happen to Bush for KATRINA ? I guess everybody forgot about that old gal?

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  • MISSY replied on July 31, 2008

    DEAR REPUBLIC DOO DOO BRAIN. I AM SICK OF YOUR SHIT ! READ SOMETHING BESIDES YOUR STUPID FOWARDED EMAILS. GET OUTSIDE AND BREATHE SOME POLLUTED AIR IN AN OZONE HOLE THAT WILL BURN ANOTHER HOLE IN YOUR BRAIN SO YOU CAN NOT VOTE IN NOVEMBER.

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  • Gio replied on August 1, 2008

    Your Bush declared the Constitutions as "some damn piece of paper". He's shit on it so many times that I sincerely laugh at your comment for even bringing it up.

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  • Korlis replied on August 1, 2008

    Which part? the sad? or the sad indeed?

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  • Korlis replied on August 1, 2008

    omfg! Hitleriffic indeed!!

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  • Korlis replied on August 1, 2008

    And also your apparent conclusion that it can't be both, a spin on an old movie AND a commentary on the power-mad Bush Emperor, is wrong.

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  • Korlis replied on August 1, 2008

    Canada too…

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  • Korlis replied on August 1, 2008

    I think it is so cute that you can say "elected" and "2000"… Aren't you just adorable! Here, have a rattle…

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  • Korlis replied on August 1, 2008

    "If you don't like America then you can get out…" Rabble rabble rabble!! Mr. Larry C. Colin I hereby charge you with the crime of being a Bush sympathizer, thus in conjunction with that also a traitor of the Highest Order. Your sentence is to be locked, naked in an Iraqi jail cell for the duration of your natural life, you will be awoken every morning by a guard throwing a bucket of crude oil on you and kicking you in the balls. You will be fed McDonalds morning, noon and night, and certain days will involve "random selections" for painful and embarrassing public cativity searches. Your precious Emperor Bush will be joining shortly.

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  • john smith replied on August 2, 2008

    I''ve lived in the Middle East for the past 13 years, and people there still look to America with hope and interest, and most of the people i know there, if given the opportunity, would gladly move to the US in hopes of a better future for their decendancts *sp?* Because they understand that there is a significant difference between the domestic Americans and our countries foreign policy. All of those who visited who were of arab decent had a good time when they went on holiday, met many nice people and came away feeling that Americans in general are very friendly, inviting people…However, they got fucked at immigration. All, i repeat, ALL of them *those who looked like arabs* were held for between 1 and in one case, 6 hours, because they were selected for ""random searches"". These people are not ani-american, they are anti big-government, anti-conglomerate, and hate how they see corporations worming their way into governments around the world. And American (personified internationally as Bush) represents this developing problem perfectly. So, don''t go connecting anit-bush sentiments with anti-american sentements. Too much paranoia can cause you to reach some seriously wrong conclusions, as history has shown us what happens when countries start becoming paranoid of their neighbors.

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  • somedood replied on August 2, 2008

    Interestingly enough, the one in Berlin has something written in Farsi that reads, "Death to Khamenei." Khamenei is Iran's spiritual leader.

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  • Ottoman replied on August 2, 2008

    So…..you….want to be hated. Hmm, interesting! Why would anyone desire to be universally despised?

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  • kristy behrs replied on August 3, 2008

    now there is a brilliant mind, d. Ed. –thank you for providing some historical insight :)

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  • Seattle BuzzKill replied on August 3, 2008

    My take – ” target=”_blank”>http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielmcg/158877802/... rat bastard pig dog mother f*cker. Worst. President. Ever.

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  • Seattle BuzzKill replied on August 3, 2008

    My take – ” target=”_blank”>http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielmcg/158877802/... rat bastard pig dog mother f*cker. Worst. President. Ever.

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  • Esteba replied on August 3, 2008

    He was governor of Texas. Texas idiots voted him into office. You can run but you can't hide from the truth. If you are from Texas this disaster is YOUR FAULT!!!

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  • Scott Shapses replied on August 3, 2008

    Strong arguments there buddy. Yeah you know I hear all the best lawyers read from Dr. Seuss to make their cases. "I do not want Post-Traumatic Stress disorders, I do not want them Uncle Sam. I do not want them here or there, I do not want them anywhere. However i would like them where all the nuclear weapons were…which was no-where." Look I can make a point when i do it too. And dont be so fucking pretentious that you think you are the only one who gives a damn about this country. I can love my country but i can also recognize when it reaches a point at which it would be treasonous not to speak out. As Americans we take alot of pride in our leaders which is a good thing but now the majority of our citizens realize the danger of blind following and not speaking up for what is right which is truely an American ideal

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  • dirk replied on August 3, 2008

    "The dialogue references a mid-90s animated television show, Animaniacs, which began airing in Canada late last year" The Animaniacs did not just start airing in Canada last year….we get the same programs at the same time as the U.S.

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  • Bob Kincaid replied on August 4, 2008

    Um, Sandy? Remember how all the wingnut b/s artists like Phlegmball and his ilk said "the sissy liberals want to treat 9/11 like a law enforcement problem . . ."? Well, Sandy, Spain treated its bombing disaster like a law enforcement problem and caught the criminals who did it. Instead of doing that, your Preznit went gallumphing off into Iraq and the criminals STILL haven't been caught. Not that that matters to a good, patriotic 'Murrkkkan like you, of course.

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  • Well said replied on August 4, 2008

    "rat bastard pig dog mother f*cker. Worst. President. Ever. " Perfect.

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  • You Sure? replied on August 4, 2008

    Not sure where you are getting this information from but if you look at the picture NO WHERE does it say "Death to Khamenei." So maybe you were looking at the wrong picture? Or are you just lying? Also I live in Berlin so I don't know what you are talking about. But I would really like you to explain where you got this from. All this graffiti is anti Bush, non of it has anything to do with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But please explain… Or stop wasting time with lies. Thanks.

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  • Brad replied on August 4, 2008

    I doubt it, because you can now get those stencils of the net, then all you need to do is spray. The Bush with mickey ears seems to be a pretty common one. Look at Styria's one too. But who knows, it could be.

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  • DK replied on August 4, 2008

    Well said sir, well said…

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  • PissedOffInNY replied on August 4, 2008

    Hmm… I wonder why? Would it have anything to do with the fact that he will hate you if you look anything like a Muslim, regardless of your actual religion. This is part of the bullshit I hate so much, he lumps everyone together and brands them all terrorists, and anyone from any country that looks like an "enemy of America and Freedom" without actually putting any consideration into who these people are and the millions of people he is isolating. It is one thing that pisses me off in general about Americans (some not all) they fear of anyone who resembles, dare a say it… a "Muslim." Just look at some of the posts above about Obama being a Muslim. Even though he is NOT a Muslim, so fucking what if he was! What would it matter?! He would still make a better president than the so called "god fearing Christian" that's in office now. The same Christian who created "Jesus Day" in Texas AND started two wars… And yet there are so many Americans worried about Obama being Muslim, when look at how a Christian FUCKED up America. Religion and politics should not mix. Yet for some reason it does in America. Its taken this long just to get a black candidate, and now so many people are freaking out about his religion. Enough with this bullshit racism. Fuck Bush.

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  • Brad replied on August 4, 2008

    Your right Larz… Just think about what a big scary Muslim would do to our amazing country… Probably start a random war or two. Start taking away American's freedoms. Destroy the constitution. Ruin the economy. Open concentration camps (kind a like Gitmo) to hold people with different religions. Send thousands of young Americans to die… Wait… Hasn't Bush already done all that? But that cant be he is a CHRISTIAN. No say it isn't true… Look even if Obama was a Muslim (which he is not) he couldn't make the country any worse than it is. So enough with this xenophobic racist bullshit. FUCK YOU LARZ.

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  • Just Wrong replied on August 4, 2008

    Joe… dude really? Look I get the whole anarchy/flip the bird to "the man" thing, but seriously… Disney? Fair enough "exploiting labor world wide" but name one company that doesn't. But also please explain what you mean by "exploit" because I have never heard of Disney using child labor nor sweat shops, unlike some other companies… Mostly because it might tarnish their family friendly image. So yeh they have toys and stuff made in other countries but what company doesn't. Did you know that the majority of American flags are made in China? So what does that say about our fine country? And most medication comes from China, so does that mean doctors are evil capitalists too? As for the racism thing… eh what? Did you know old Walt was one of the few people to speak out against racism. Have you ever noticed some of the positive symbolism in Disney movies? Don't read the shit from extreme Christians who claim racism and red flag at anything. People also blame Disney for poor moral messages and giving kids an unrealistic ideas of happiness and physical appearance. People love to point fingers in case you haven't noticed (like what your doing in your post) eg movies make you violent etc. That's just people. Read actual analysis from people who actually understand movies not crazy Christians clinging to their Bible. But where do you get this Muslim stereotyping from? So before you go on a "boycott everything" rant… just don't… not every company is completely evil. And being just a bit evil is good by todays standards. I'm not trying to defend them but that was really over the top… Get some focus in your argument… Taking shit like that is too right wing Republican for my liking.

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  • Nate replied on August 4, 2008

    Brad…….I SALUTE YOU!!!!! You spoke the truth….and the truth sucks…but its true, which is good.

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  • bla replied on August 5, 2008

    Fuck Bush and fuck Obama. They're the same.

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  • Buzzmaxwell replied on August 6, 2008

    If you think that Saddam had nothing to do with terror or terrorists, you are indeed delusional. If you look at the generations of hate that has been perpetrated in the name of Allah by people like Saddam and Ayatollah types in their just propagation of religious freedoms. The freedom they promote is not like the freedom those graffiti sprayers have. The reason we don't see the opposing view spray painted on peoples property through out the world is that those mocked will kill the artists in many cases. The real tyrants must be opposed. Spray an anti Chinese message on a wall in Tibet or Sudan..I hope your travels will show you what they have me, that war is always bad, but it is often better than the alternative of living under the oppression of a dictator. It was only after a decade of cease fire violations from an unjust invasion by Iraq that we "invaded" the violators country. The people of Iraq had years of our support and more than one opportunity to overthrow the brutal regime of Saddam and chose to live in his terror instead.

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  • buzzmaxwell replied on August 6, 2008

    boB, you are way off on your comment about not catching the guilty. We have been able to capture or kill most all of the highest ranking planners and material providers, except for the scumbags that died in the homicide attacks initially.We have tracked down those that oppose freedom for two hundred years so people like you can piss and moan about how bad it is to safeguard the very liberty you enjoy.

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  • buzzmaxwell replied on August 6, 2008

    I see the same flaws..these kids will wake up and smell real war with their savior Obama in office for a couple of years.If we really want to get a better PR image lets get our lazy asses to Tibet and Darfur and Congo and spread our technology to people that are still using ultra polluting animal dung to cook on stoves consisting of three rocks,,that is when the world will appreciate us..when we quit bitching and start fixing…

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  • Truthiness replied on August 6, 2008

    I spray and I have that exact stencil. The real reason for the disney reference is it makes a fast point. Making Bu$h like a cartoon, you need the most globally recognisable character there is. It's also a play on "Mickey Mouse" politics (ie. bullshit). What joe said wouldnt make sense or else he would need an oil pipe up his ass. Hope that clears it up a bit.

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  • esther replied on August 6, 2008

    i don't know why everyone's so worried about our business … let them spend their energy on their own governments. anyone else sick of this political shit. anyway, if you need a laugh, check out this guy jimmy breaux who's running for president (yeah, in the US… supposedly)…. funny shit. if he's for real, he just might get my vote. http://www.jimmybreaux2008.com

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