Five years ago today: Kissinger praises Bush in Minneapolis

Today, citizens across the nation will pause in recognition of the five-year anniversary of President Bush’s infamous “Mission Accomplished” speech and then slap their foreheads or simply try to think about something else. Locally, we can reflect on former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger’s address before the conservative think tank Center of the American Experiment’s annual fundraiser, which also took place on this date five years ago.

The day began as Kissinger was welcomed to the Minneapolis Convention Center by a few dozen protesters accusing him of genocide. Kissinger was then introduced by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who apparently did not accuse him of war crimes. Finally, Kissinger’s speech, which was filled with effusive praise for President Bush, was interrupted three times during the evening by even more protesters who had signed up to volunteer for the event in lieu of paying the $150 to $2,500 cost of admission. Kissinger is often accused of war crimes for past U.S. policies in Vietnam, Chile, East Timor and other countries around the world, but has never stood trial.

While Minnesota Monitor was unable to obtain a transcript of either the governor’s introduction or Kissinger’s speech, an account of the event in the Star Tribune by Eric Black and Kavita Kumar offers up a few nuggets of wisdom that have not quite held up to the test of time.

“Anyone who has seen the president in action knows he will fulfill the goals he has set for himself. …

“I am convinced history will record that President Bush saved not only America’s security but the world’s prospects for progress by the courage with which he faced those challenges.”

In a message delivered shortly after the disruption, the rabble-rousing protesters explained why they had taken action and gave security at the convention center a positive review.

To get in the news, you have to make news. The cost to ourselves was minimal, aside from the time to plan and carry out the action. I admit to being very nervous, and we were prepared for the possibility of arrest. But we were just dumped outside on the sidewalk, with no further consequences. To be fair, the security people were very quick and effective, but they were not unnecessarily rough. I would strongly recommend that others take advantage of similar opportunities in the future.

Good news, folks: John Bolton will be the keynote speaker at this year’s event.