So, Katherine Harris is running for the Republican Senate nomination in Florida and George and Jeb apparently aren't keen on the idea. I don't really understand it all (don't want to, for that matter), but I found this paragraph in a NYT story about the Bush coldness interesting:
After saying hello to his brother and straightening his tie, the president shook hands with Ms. Harris and spoke with her for roughly 30 seconds, with Ms. Harris talking far more than the president, who did not kiss her or put his arm around her – or do anything more than pat her on the back.
A few things. First, like Seinfeld, I detest the "kiss hello." Heck, I don't even like the "hug hello," unless it's my mom, wife, or children. Second, isn't Bush supposed to shake hands with her, like she's a, you know, man? I don't see Bush vertically lying on Rumsfeld very often (maybe they save it for closed cabinet meetings in the White House sauna). If women want to be treated like men, perhaps they could stop being so hug-ful. Thirdly, when does a hug become a form of harassment? I'm sure a few of my college T.A. man-haters at the University of Michigan thought hugging was a type of condescending harassment. If only they had succeeded in making that sentiment widely accepted. Instead, just the opposite happened. People are hugging and groping more than ever these days.
Excerpt from Seinfeld script:
ELAINE: What is the big deal about putting your lips on somebody's face?
JERRY: It's the obligation, you know? As soon as this person comes in, you know you have to do this. I mean, if you could, say, touch a breast as part of the kiss hello, then I think I could see the value in it a little better.
ELAINE: How 'bout an intercourse hello? How would that be?
JERRY: Elaine, now you're being ridiculous.
By the way, do you think I'm over-reacting to this hug craze? Check out the National Hugging Day website, where you'll find all sorts of great stuff (bring a bucket for nausea), including this swell article:
A primary aspect to breathing is in the exhale and extending it. "He/She is a great hugger" is often a compliment to a person who really makes you feel accepted, and at ease. Aside from the emotional and social aspects of acceptance and self esteem, a "real good hug" is a mild form of breathing therapy.
