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So-so

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and speak a bit ill of the dead, mainly because the news coverage of this really frosts my ass. I'm referring to George H.W. Bush's anecdote during his eulogy for Ronald Reagan -- presumably to illustrate Reagan's wit.

When asked about how his meeting went with Bishop Desmond Tutu, Reagan responded, "Tutu? So-so."

Tutu had just gotten through publicly savaging Reagan and his administration for their continued support of the vicious, racist and murderous apartheid government of South Africa.

A real knee-slapper, folks. The Great Communicator at his best.

Comments

Yeah Tutu has a great record as well. He still supports the murderous, racist Mugabe regime, after all.

Tutu's record is irrelevant here, and I'm certainly not trying to defend him. The point is, Reagan was a real four-star asshole, Marty.

How does that comment suddenly make one a four-star asshole? Or how would making such a comment confirm that fact, if indeed it was true?

Reagan's record pretty much speaks for itself.

"Yeah Tutu has a great record as well. He still supports the murderous, racist Mugabe regime, after all."

Yes, that's why Tutu has described Mugabe as a vile caricature of an African dictator.

Holding aside the issue of South Africa for the moment, wouldn't the comment be evidence of the President's tact and respect? When asked about a contentious meeting, he didn't trash or attack the bishop, who was criticizing him both privately and publicly. He merely said the meeting didn't go so well.