Bush Groping the German PM...

Don't have a link, just heard it on the radio. Appearantly Bush walked past the German PM and gave her a little love squeeze on the shoulders. I think he should keep his hands to himself personally, but he likes her and I guess he was just being affectionate. Of course the lefty blogs are all nuts about it comparing it to Clinton showering young jewish interns with man gravy. So what do you think? Should Georgey apologize to her for his impromptu touch, or is this all about nothing since a former world leader has made it acceptable to sexually harass?:book:

I saw some pictures of it ... actually looked like a non-issue to me. Even if Angela Merkel seemed to feel a bit uncomfortable (at least partly because she did not see Bush coming from behind), comparing it to e.g., sexual harrassment or demanding an apology is blowing it out of proportion IMO.

https://img85.imageshack.us/img85/18...massagetk3.jpg

A little strange, yes, but hey it's Angie and Georgey we're talking about.
Or maybe there's more going on behind the curtains.....:inquisitive:

That´s sexual harassment!!!
What if she wil become pregnant!?!?!?!?!~:rolleyes: :laugh4: :laugh4:

It's dominance behaviour. He overdoes the whole alpha-monkey thing imo.

He was supposed to give her a "message", not a "massage". :wall:

https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/5330/wrger2fl6.gifhttps://img162.imageshack.us/img162/5582/wrgeruy5.jpg

Hmm ... :shifty:

Looks like normal chimp grooming behaviour to me, what's the problem?

http://www.people.fas.harvard.edu/~gilby/chimp1.jpg

What can I say? Merkel's a babe.:jumping:

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Originally Posted by Ser Clegane

https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/5330/wrger2fl6.gifhttps://img162.imageshack.us/img162/5582/wrgeruy5.jpg

Hmm ... :shifty:

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Jesus, she doesn't look pleased. Sorry, but this is unwanted touching. Look at her face. Bush should know better, I bet Laura had his ass when he saw her. I have a feeling that Laura Bush won't put up with Bush falandering like Hillary did with Bill.

A video ~:)

Obviously Bush thought they had a closer friendship then they really did.

Appropriate to do in front of world leaders? No.

Sexual harrassment? Of course not.

I hadn't heard about this just now, and I thought it would have been another Busengrapscher incident.

I saw this on the Daily Show last night I though it was funny.

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Originally Posted by Idaho

It's dominance behaviour. He overdoes the whole alpha-monkey thing imo.

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For once and probably the last time I agree. :sweatdrop:
You just don't go around touching women or for that matter anyone without their consent, it's called common assault.

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You just don't go around touching women or for that matter anyone without their consent, it's called common assault.

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:laugh4:

You have to be joking?

No.

I'll join the Idaho crowd too. Bush' behaviour is entirely inappropriate.

He eats and talks with his mouth open, uses profanities at G8 summits, and sexually harasses women. And the Chancellor of the worlds third largest ecomony at that.

Just keep that hick at home and spare yourselves the embarrassment. :no:

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Originally Posted by PanzerJager

:laugh4:

You have to be joking?

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Put it this way, would you like any male just to come up behind you and rub your shoulders?

Sources, Louis? I'm curious...

Can you say non-issue?

Oh, wait I mean...kill bushitlerburton! Gah!

Crazed Rabbit

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Originally Posted by Idaho

It's dominance behaviour. He overdoes the whole alpha-monkey thing imo.

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Actually the alpha would be the one getting groomed first not doing the grooming. So he is saying the Chancellor is higher up the chain...

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Originally Posted by Crazed Rabbit

Can you say non-issue?

Oh, wait I mean...kill bushitlerburton! Gah!

Crazed Rabbit

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Yeah it's a non-issue when the guy who represents your Kingdom...opps, sorry your democarcy makes a prick of himself. (again)

If I was a Yank, I'd be mortified.

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Originally Posted by Papewaio

Put it this way, would you like any male just to come up behind you and rub your shoulders?

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Non-issue, for the groping/whatever itself...

Pape: full-blown massage ? probably not :laugh4: a pat on the back ? no problem (regardless of my or his/her gender).

I don't see a problem with touching a woman (or a man, for that matter), within reasonable limits, of course. If you touch their hand, shoulder, back - I think it's usually fine. Sexual harrassment and crap is just the usual PC junk, and I regard it as no more than junk. PC run amok. "Oooh, you touched me, I'll sue you for all your money, and you'll rot in jail for 10 years for sexual assault". Blech, utterly disgusting.
Again, please note I did say "within reasonable limits".

However, it is true that some people simply do not enjoy being touched, in any way, by strangers, or by other people in general. This should be kept in mind before one attempts to touch a stranger whose tastes/preferences/idiosyncracies in this matter one is not aware of.

Wouldn't you say this is being blown out of proportion?


"he touched my shoulders, WAHHHHHH WAHHHHHH WAHAHAHAH"


Don't be a cry baby over it. This just shows GWB is a down to earth and informal.:2thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by Alexander the Pretty Good

Sources, Louis? I'm curious...

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I was referring to the Merkel/Bush incident, for which Ser Clegane provided a video earlier in this thread, and to this.

didnt seem like a dominating posture or groping on Georges part, some people are more ''physical'' then others, whats wrong with that?

What a dashing show of diplomatic sense!

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Originally Posted by Papewaio

Actually the alpha would be the one getting groomed first not doing the grooming. So he is saying the Chancellor is higher up the chain...

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I certainly wouldnt claim assault, as the insane one suggested. ~:rolleyes:

I guess I don't see what the big issue is, aside from being intrusive and highly informal for such a meeting to take place. As an American I'm not mortified that he would do such a thing, I'm just mortified that so many people thought he would be a good leader.

OK, Louis - watched the video. Well, we all knew Bush wasn't a diplomat. :book:

He doesn't strike me as one either in this video on the G8. Besides the lack of table
manners we're all well aware of, his other observations shown indicate something
lacking.

Amusing programme, though.

Its kind of funny that mostly Non-American Orgahs take real issue with this, aside from DevDave, whom I would assume is successfully baiting.

It shows a difference between our cultures. In America, if you have a friendship between a man and a woman, this would be perfectfully acceptable. In England it's Called "Common Assault", which I find horribly disgusting and indicative of the evils of liberalism. Like I said, Bush clearly thought they were better friends than is the reality.

:laugh4:

I don't know what "Common assault" ecompasses, but I doubt it is the same as "sexual harassment" because, y'know, they're different terms :idea2:

If she didn't react, it wouldn't be appropriate IMO (nation leaders should know better then to hug and kiss on television, you know) and people would have frowned but it wouldn't have been an issue.

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Originally Posted by Divinus Arma

It shows a difference between our cultures. In America, if you have a friendship between a man and a woman, this would be perfectfully acceptable. In England it's Called "Common Assault", which I find horribly disgusting and indicative of the evils of liberalism. Like I said, Bush clearly thought they were better friends than is the reality.

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Even if there was a friendship, between world leaders on such a stage it seems
difficult to see how that could be acceptable. It is not some cosy meeting on
his ranch.

Considering this assault is insanity. By that standard most Italian men are commiting rape everytime they greet someone.

The guy's an uncouth buffoon, leave it at that.

I agree with Proly and SSNeo.

Well, in the strictest legal sense, I believe that any unsolicited physical contact can be labeled "common assault," though I believe the assaulted party has to bring the complaint (Pindar, help us with this). In practice, I don't think this case would go very far....

Inappropriate? Yes. Another example of GWB's spotty social graces? Indeed.

Silly? Almost Ford-esque. Scandalous? Oh, please.....

John Riggins mouthing off "Loosen up Sandy-baby" to Justice O'Connor before sliding under the dinner table drunk was worse.

Bush 41 barfing during his presentation in Japan was more "off-putting."

Reagan "outlawing Russia" was a more substantive gaffe.


I'll bet GW can even tell the difference between a bidet and a commode.

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Originally Posted by Seamus

Reagan "outlawing Russia" was a more substantive gaffe.

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No, that was inspired. :idea2:

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Originally Posted by Proletariat

Considering this assault is insanity. By that standard most Italian men are commiting rape everytime they greet someone.

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Making wife scrub is banned

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FORCING your wife to kneel down and scrub the house floor clean is a crime because it amounts to mistreatment, Italy's highest appeals court has ruled.

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Originally Posted by Eclectic

Its kind of funny that mostly Non-American Orgahs take real issue with this, aside from DevDave, whom I would assume is successfully baiting.
.

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Why are you trying to ruin my fun!?!?!:laugh4:

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Originally Posted by Eclectic

Its kind of funny that mostly Non-American Orgahs take real issue with this, aside from DevDave, whom I would assume is successfully baiting.

It shows a difference between our cultures. In America, if you have a friendship between a man and a woman, this would be perfectfully acceptable. In England it's Called "Common Assault", which I find horribly disgusting and indicative of the evils of liberalism. Like I said, Bush clearly thought they were better friends than is the reality.

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But consensual sex is bad.

IFF the opposition is doing it.

How would you react if it was Clinton doing that to your wife, sister or daughter?

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Originally Posted by Papewaio

But consensual sex is bad.

IFF the opposition is doing it.

How would you react if it was Clinton doing that to your wife, sister or daughter?

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The difference is that Clinton is a known adulterer. Bush is not. Bush can rub my wife or daughter's shoulders anyday and I would be fine with it. I'm not saying that Clinton is then going to try to seduce my family, I am just pointing out who I would feel more comfortable with. Bush at least has a pretty wife to bang. Clinton has the battleaxe of horror in his bed.

I would also rather leave my hypothetical six yr old son with a pastor than a priest.

Hey I can't blame Bush. That's one fine piece of ass. :2thumbsup:

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Like I said, Bush clearly thought they were better friends than is the reality.

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From the video I saw, it looked as though she could not see who was doing it, and just as the video ended and she saw whom it was, it looked as though she smiled at him.

So - it could have been that shes simply skittish and doesnt dislike him.

I cant believe Im actually analyzing this stupidity... :wall:

Yet another sign of American decline.


Clinton would have had her bra off.

My brother in America emailed me that. The link was on som show, I'll pull up the email... The Daly Show? That is what it says in the email. But the US president has to brus up on his "moves". Yes? I hope that is not how you Americans woo a woman.

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Originally Posted by Byzantine Prince

Hey I can't blame Bush. That's one fine piece of ass. :2thumbsup:

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:furious3:
Man, you are talking about our Kanzlerin! So don't you forget to mention her outstanding hair style :laugh4:

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Originally Posted by PanzerJager

I cant believe Im actually analyzing this stupidity...

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I agree with you. There were much more stupid things during this visit. Isn't it frightning to see how many policemen you need today just to invide a friend to BBQ?
Did you know that they selected the people who could see George and jubilee? The common people were not allowed to enter the town during the visit. I guess that is old practice from a time when visitors still came from the Communist block. :no:

Some compare it to the vulcan nerve pinch.:laugh4: From boingboing.net:

https://img215.imageshack.us/img215/...vepinchpn5.jpg

It's also being called a "Blitz-massage" now. :wink:

I find it amusing to see the divided opinion on this, particularly from the European side.

Back in the day, virtually no-one in my circle of European acquaintance could see what the Clinton fuss was about. He slept with an intern - what, only one? And she wasn't that hot. Where were the leggy blondes that 'intern' in Strasbourg or Brussels? Mind you, there was concern about the use of a fine cigar and hope that it would turn out to be a cheap make.

In Russia (where their president of the time was a drunk, impotent old fool) Clinton was thought of as a great man, since his virility was much more important to the Russian mind than his politics (see Putin). There was talk of offering him their presidency if he got impeached. :grin:

Now we all seem to be up in arms about an inappropriate but hardly criminal act of misplaced jollity. No wonder the Yanks don't understand us any more than we do them.

:laugh4:

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Now we all seem to be up in arms about an inappropriate but hardly criminal act of misplaced jollity. No wonder the Yanks don't understand us any more than we do them.

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Speak only for yourself, it's a non-issue in Germany. In fact, I haven't heard any where else of it than here.

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Originally Posted by Eclectic

I'm not saying that Clinton is then going to try to seduce my family, I am just pointing out who I would feel more comfortable with. Bush at least has a pretty wife to bang. Clinton has the battleaxe of horror in his bed.

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Then cut him some slack will ya :laugh4:

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Originally Posted by Eclectic

Its kind of funny that mostly Non-American Orgahs take real issue with this, aside from DevDave, whom I would assume is successfully baiting.

It shows a difference between our cultures. In America, if you have a friendship between a man and a woman, this would be perfectfully acceptable. In England it's Called "Common Assault", which I find horribly disgusting and indicative of the evils of liberalism. Like I said, Bush clearly thought they were better friends than is the reality.

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well im british and dont see what the issue is!

He didnt hit her, there was no malice he looked like he was was being freindly!

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Originally Posted by A.Saturnus

Speak only for yourself, it's a non-issue in Germany. In fact, I haven't heard any where else of it than here.

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Same over here, I don't see how people can blow this out of proportion really.

Not the smartest thing to do but hey, other than the German PM, who did he hurt with his action ? ~;)

:balloon2:

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

I'll join the Idaho crowd too. Bush' behaviour is entirely inappropriate.

He eats and talks with his mouth open, uses profanities at G8 summits, and sexually harasses women. And the Chancellor of the worlds third largest ecomony at that.

Just keep that hick at home and spare yourselves the embarrassment. :no:

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How is it sexual harassament? I mean come on this incdent would merit at worst an "akaward silence" at a party (and Im talking at worst) Just take a step back and imagne it wasnt Bush

In motion!

http://dump.geenstijl.nl/mediabase/2...0d0/index.html

Anyway, what's the big deal, just a friendly gesture. Sometimes Bush appears almost like a human being, sympathy = +1

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Originally Posted by InsaneApache

You just don't go around touching women or for that matter anyone without their consent, it's called common assault.

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~:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Louis the Fat

I'll join the Idaho crowd too. Bush' behaviour is entirely inappropriate.

He eats and talks with his mouth open, uses profanities at G8 summits, and sexually harasses women. And the Chancellor of the worlds third largest ecomony at that.

Just keep that hick at home and spare yourselves the embarrassment.

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~:rolleyes: ~:rolleyes:

GMAFB. Way to blow this entirely out of proportion. It was just a squeeze on the shoulders. Why does everytime a man touches a woman constitute sexual harassment? And I'm not a Bush lover by any means. I think the guy is a fool, but I don't see anything wrong with what he did here.

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Originally Posted by Strike For The South

How is it sexual harassament? I mean come on this incdent would merit at worst an "akaward silence" at a party (and Im talking at worst) Just take a step back and imagne it wasnt Bush

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Yes. Also consider that Merkel herself isn't the most socially skilled person.

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Originally Posted by A.Saturnus

Yes. Also consider that Merkel herself isn't the most socially skilled person.

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Ooohhh, this sounds good!!! Sat, hook us up with the 411 on the PM. Is she, as we say her in da states, a Frrraaaeeeeek?:laugh4:

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Originally Posted by Cowhead418

~:rolleyes:


~:rolleyes: ~:rolleyes:

GMAFB. Way to blow this entirely out of proportion. It was just a squeeze on the shoulders. Why does everytime a man touches a woman constitute sexual harassment? And I'm not a Bush lover by any means. I think the guy is a fool, but I don't see anything wrong with what he did here.

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I agree that its not a big deal, but there is something silly about it.

Why does he think he can double clutch her shoulders in that setting ? Can you kick people in the groin too ? Because that would be cool.

I have touched a woman like that in the workplace. Oooh. Great time for a spinoff thread.

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Originally Posted by whyidie

I agree that its not a big deal, but there is something silly about it.

Why does he think he can double clutch her shoulders in that setting ? Can you kick people in the groin too ? Because that would be cool.

I have touched a woman like that in the workplace. Oooh. Great time for a spinoff thread.

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I agree that it is silly, and I have no idea why he did it, but I'm just trying to argue against those who think he is 'assaulting' or 'harassing' her.

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Originally Posted by Cowhead418

I agree that it is silly, and I have no idea why he did it, but I'm just trying to argue against those who think he is 'assaulting' or 'harassing' her.

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But then you'll be taking them seriously.

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Originally Posted by Devastatin Dave

Ooohhh, this sounds good!!! Sat, hook us up with the 411 on the PM. Is she, as we say her in da states, a Frrraaaeeeeek?:laugh4:

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No, more a nerd.

I call this incest. :skull:

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Originally Posted by whyidie

But then you'll be taking them seriously.

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:oops: My mistake, I guess I haven't been here long enough. It's sometimes hard to catch sarcasm over the internet, because you can't read any body language or listen to any tone of voice.:laugh4:

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Originally Posted by Cowhead418

:oops: My mistake, I guess I haven't been here long enough. It's sometimes hard to catch sarcasm over the internet, because you can't read any body language or listen to any tone of voice.:laugh4:

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Even if they are serious about it, it doesn't mean we should take them that way. Its silly. Charges should be brought against anyone, much less the President of a fairly reputable nation for a misguided shoulder grope ?

Its like those crazy guys on the street proclaiming the end is near. Don't make eye contact and keep moving. But don't give them a second of your thoughts. Unless its laughing.

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Originally Posted by whyidie

Even if they are serious about it, it doesn't mean we should take them that way. Its silly. Charges should be brought against anyone, much less the President of a fairly reputable nation for a misguided shoulder grope ?

Its like those crazy guys on the street proclaiming the end is near. Don't make eye contact and keep moving. But don't give them a second of your thoughts. Unless its laughing.

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My, what a classy respons of yours.

You may agree or not, but groping women in a professional environment is, much like your posting style, very inapropriate and very offensive behaviour. Both befit only uncouth buffoons.

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

My, what a classy respons of yours.

You may agree or not, but groping women in a professional environment is, much like your posting style, very inapropriate and very offensive behaviour. Both befit only uncouth buffoons.

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~:rolleyes:

Let's see how the dictionary defines groping (in the way implied in this thread):

Slang.To handle or fondle for sexual pleasure.

We don't know why GWB touched her, but we are making one hell of an assumption that he was doing it for sexual pleasure.

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

My, what a classy respons of yours.

You may agree or not, but groping women in a professional environment is, much like your posting style, very inapropriate and very offensive behaviour. Both befit only uncouth buffoons.

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So what should be done ? Charges pressed or just more outrage ?

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Originally Posted by whyidie

So what should be done ? Charges pressed or just more outrage ?

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:laugh4: Seeing Bush, the leader of the most powerful nation in the world, on trial in Europe for sexual harrassment charges would be quite possibly the most hilarious thing in the world. Except if he was found guilty and convicted, which would be even funnier.

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Originally Posted by whyidie

So what should be done ? Charges pressed or just more outrage ?

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Nah, no charges. It is inappropriate behaviour - for those who doubt that, sneak up on your female boss tomorrow, give her an unsolicited shoulder massage, and see what happens next...

But it's nowhere near serious enough to warrant pressing charges.

What should be done, is that somebody ought to buy that hick a baseball team to run and to stop him from playing president of the United States of America.

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

Nah, no charges. It is inappropriate behaviour - for those who doubt that, sneak up on your female boss tomorrow, give her an unsolicited shoulder massage, and see what happens next...

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That sounds like angie is Bush´s boss.:eyebrows:

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Originally Posted by Husar

That sounds like angie is Bush´s boss.:eyebrows:

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The whole world bows to her magnificence. Deutschland is hot!
And, for the first time in sixty years, loved by all. Most notably and best of all, by the Germans themselves. :germany: :2thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

The whole world bows to her magnificence. Deutschland is hot!
And, for the first time in sixty years, loved by all. Most notably and best of all, by the Germans themselves. :germany: :2thumbsup:

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I have to say it worked both ways, I developed some love for France as well.:2thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

Nah, no charges. It is inappropriate behaviour - for those who doubt that, sneak up on your female boss tomorrow, give her an unsolicited shoulder massage, and see what happens next...

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That's only a valid comparison if you're allowed to call your boss "Angie".

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

Nah, no charges. It is inappropriate behaviour - for those who doubt that, sneak up on your female boss tomorrow, give her an unsolicited shoulder massage, and see what happens next...

But it's nowhere near serious enough to warrant pressing charges.

What should be done, is that somebody ought to buy that hick a baseball team to run and to stop him from playing president of the United States of America.

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As I meant to say earlier in this thread, I have never nor would I ever do anything like that to a co-worker. Unfortunately it came out completely wrong as I left out the "never":

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I have touched a woman like that in the workplace.

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