Bush Honored By Rug
Here’s a cool little story to lift your spirits and remind everyone of the good that can come from war (my, how unPC-sounding):
An elderly Afghani man and muslim, sequesters himself away for a year to make a beautiful and detailed Afghan rug to show his gratitude to President George Bush, complete with many Christian symbols.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Grayson Gile of Marion, Illinois (pictured above holding the rug) met a rug merchant while serving in Afghanistan who knew the elderly man who made the rug and asked if he could get the rug to President Bush — more:
One of those friendships involved a Kabul rug merchant who pulled Gile aside before he left the country. The merchant told Gile the story of an elderly man, so overwhelmed with gratitude to the United States for its intervention in the conflict that he made a gift for President Bush - a gift that was a year in the making and made, given the conditions of the country, under penalty of death.
Gile was astonished when he saw the hand-knotted rug, a portrait of Bush, filled with Christian and Catholic symbolism. Filling the center of the rug is an incredible likeness of Bush, dressed in religious vestments, standing at a podium decorated with the official seal of the country and flanked by two waving American flags.
Directly above Bush is Jesus with a sacred heart and stigmata carefully knotted into the rug’s pattern.
One corner of the rug reads, “President George W. Bush,” while the opposing corner has the words, “Number one champion.”
(hat tip: Blonde Sagacity)
WoodWorking
I’m going to be cautious and not let go of my tiny bit of scepticism until more info comes out; not really out of doubts that this could be through (I think it’s entirely possible) but because there’s also a small but possible chance that the rug was in a factory in Tennesse by televagelists advertising on Channel 38- In that case, it would be very damaging publicity.
I really wish there was a blow up view of the rug so I could check out more detail.
- The Celtic Semite
Comment by kelluman — July 22, 2006 @ 8:27 pm
Are you serious? I would be very interested in knowing that if it were true.
Comment by NeanderMan — July 26, 2006 @ 3:22 am
Hello, this is Grayson Gile. I can understand the scepticism. Nevertheless, this rug truly is unique–and authentic. It was not made in Tennessee. It was made in Afghanistan. Had it not been authentic, or if I did not believe the account regarding its origins and its intent, I certainly would not have brought it back to the US when I returned in late September 2005.
I do not know what else I can say to satisfy your concerns regarding its authenticity other than my personal assurance as a decent human being and a soldier.
Thank You,
Grayson Gile
Comment by grayson gile — July 27, 2006 @ 10:15 am
Grayson -
Thanks so much for posting. It would appear to me that the rug and your story are indeed authentic. There’s always a little skepticism when these type stories arise so I can understand CS’s comments.
Do you have an update on any contact with The White House on this? I would be very interested in hearing a followup.
Thanks again for your comments.
~NeanderMan
Comment by NeanderMan — July 28, 2006 @ 9:26 am
Interestingly, Fox News contacted me within 24 hours of the story posting in the Southern Illinoisan. This past weekend Fox flew me out to New York and filmed an interview. Not sure when the story will air; however, hopefully someone with close access to the President will give him a “heads-up” and he will ensure that the rug gets to him somehow.
If should anybody have any “connections” to folks with access, and you do not mind making the connection, I sure would like to complete this mission as I promised the Afghans that I would do my best.
Best Regards,
Grayson Gile
Comment by grayson gile — July 28, 2006 @ 12:05 pm
Grayson -
Caught your segment on FOX & Friends Weekend this morning, good job. It would seem you should be on the White House’s radar with this appearance I am sure.
Probably when W gets a break in his schedule from all the current upheaval you might get a chance to present it to him.
~d
Comment by NeanderMan — July 29, 2006 @ 6:24 pm
Dear Lt. Gile,
Thanks so much for posting. I hope you weren’t insulted by my scepticism. This is one of these stories that holds a lot of power. If it’s true, which I now believe it is, it obviously puts to rest much cynical criticism that American efforts in Afganistan are not appreciated. If it were to have been false, it would obviously fit right into the left’s paranoid accusations that Christians see this as some sort of religious crusade with George Bush as a Messianic commander. Having put speculation to rest, I still want to view a picture of this rug blown up to full size to see its beautiful detail.
On another note, I saw two soldiers the other day walk into a restaurant. In my neighborhood, these men were likely to see a lot of bumper stickers and signs posted on street lamps that vilified their efforts overseas. I followed them into the restaurant to tell them how much I appreciated their service and how important it was for the world. Afterward, I felt a little embarrassed. But it nearly brings me to tears that young people volunteer to put their well being and very lives on the line for a cause that everyone benifits from. It gives me hope that there are such brave and selfless people in our country. My thanks are to you and my prayers for those still overseas.
Sincerely,
-The Celtic Semite
Comment by kelluman — July 29, 2006 @ 8:47 pm
Celtic Semite,
Thank you very much for your kind words. But most importantly, thank you for recognizing the dedication, perserverance, and professionalism of our soldiers. If the American people had any idea what outstanding young people we have they would see great hope for our future. Whether combat service support, combat support, or frontline soldiers/salors/airman/marines–they are all doing an outstanding job.
90 percent of the Afghan population truly appreciate our efforts. The other 10 percent are the “bad guys”. Also, it has been my experience that America and Western Europe are the exceptions–not the rule. Elsewhere, it is the power of the gun (and the will to use it) that rules. It is a tough world out there and we are the best chance for the little guys to have a better life and hope for their children’s future.
Not propoganda–just fact.
Once again, thank you for recognizing our troops. Ther are everything the American people could hope for–and then some.
God Bless,
Grayson
Comment by grayson gile — July 29, 2006 @ 9:26 pm
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