By now, unless you live under a rock, you have heard of the two flying shoes of shame hurled at the Decider’s head. I was surprised he was so quick. For a person whose speech sounds like he is perpetually drunk the man moved like a banshee. Maybe when was looking at that upside down book he really was reading it, and the joke is on us.

Back to the issue at foot, what do we make of this act? The sole of ones shoe is a one of the ultimate signs of disrespect, to actually throw the show is like disrespect times 10. Afterwards Bush said he saw the man’s sole, perhaps much like he saw Putin’s soul I guess.

The other week I wrote a Members Speak about Deepak Chopra and his excellent take on terrorism and its roots. It is acts of humiliation that are the soil where terrorism grows.

If anyone is torn on what to think about this act we can direct ourselves back to Deepak (who knew). To act in a way that is meant to humiliate will never create a situation that peace and understanding can flourish. The act of throwing these shoes will not create peace; it will not leave Iraq in a better state.

The greater wisdom has to be seen through this action of show throwing. If you believe as I do that throwing shoes at Bush will not create a better Iraq than you have to believe that war will not create a better Iraq either.

This action is the result of a man who feels his land and his people have been humiliated and unjustly made to live through years of war.

Respect and hard work will create a better Iraq. Every American boot on an Iraqi neck or back will only create humiliation and more of the anger we claim war will quench. Instead we only fuel the fires of hate. We are lucky that the only attack was that of shoes being thrown at those most responsible for the debacle in Iraq.

Oum Mina, an Iraqi woman, said she didn't consider the shoe throwing an act of heroism.
"Bush is our enemy. But when you invite your enemy into your home, you don't treat him this way. This could destroy the image of Iraqis."

After enduring so much war and pillaging she is still so respectful. We could learn a thing or two.