Howard hailed at White House

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HellNo!!!!!!!!!, shit then they might have to check his Administrations Kickbacks

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Oil For Food Programme

And Bush put paid to any thought that Howard might be retiring at the end of this year, saying he did not expect to have to develop a similar relationship with another Australian prime minister.
“I suspect he's going to outlast me, so that is a moot point,” Bush said.

From correspondents in WashingtonMay 17, 2006

PRIME Minister John Howard has been welcomed to the White House in a lavish ceremony featuring hundreds of military guards, two brass bands and thousands of spectators.In scenes reminiscent of a Hollywood movie, Mr Howard was hailed by US President George W. Bush as a hero before waving to the crowd from the curved balcony overlooking the South Lawn.
Ceremonial guards from all six of the US military forces began lining the South Lawn about half an hour before Mr Howard and his wife Janette arrived in a black limousine.

Praise: He ain't pretty, he's John Howard, says Bush

The Howards were greeted by Mr Bush and his wife Laura before being presented to Vice-President Dick Cheney and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Mr Howard and Mr Bush then stood to attention as the US Marine Band played the national anthems of both countries before Mr Bush led Mr Howard on an inspection of the guard.

Trumpeters lining the winding staircase leading to the balcony played a fanfare as the Bushes and the Howards ascended the stairs to wave to the crowd and then disappear inside the White House.

During the ceremony, Mr Bush praised Australia's cooperation with the US on fighting terrorism, global warming, free trade, and security issues including Iran and North Korea.

"The two nations are closer than ever and Americans admire Australia's strong leader," Mr Bush told the crowd.

"Prime Minister John Howard has confirmed our common values. He's strengthened our alliance. He's built on our long history of partnership.

"I value his counsel. I admire his courage. Prime Minister, Mrs Howard - thank you for making the long journey.

"We welcome you with the honour due to a valued nation and with the warmth of a good friend.
"Welcome to America."

Mr Bush may be unpopular with the American people at the moment, with opinion polls putting his approval rating at only 29 per cent.

But Mr Howard described him as a great leader.

"I thank you again, Mr President, for your personal friendship," he said.
"I admire the leadership and the courage and the commitment that you have brought to your responsibilities and to your office.

"You have reasserted with strength and clarity the great values of the United States. You have presented a firm leadership to the free world against terrorism."

Mr Howard said the world needed an involved, committed, concerned United States years into the future.

"The world needs a president of the United States with a clear-eyed view of the dangers of terrorism and the courage and the determination, however difficult the task may be, to see the task through to its conclusion," he said.

"And in you, sir, the American people and the world have found such a leader and such an individual.

"I salute your courage and your commitment, your personal decency and your personal leadership of this great democracy and this great country, and I thank you very warmly for all the Australians present for the grace and dignity and genuineness of your welcome."

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