[PattonFan]

I don't believe if he had asked his wife if she thought it were a good idea to rub Merkel's shoulders that his wife would have told him to go ahead

Thanks Crawdad, I did not intend to offend. Your answer about your wife "cutting something off", prompted my response.

Laura Bush is from my hometown..she is a Texas Gal. We feel differently about that sort of thing around these parts. I'm sure she trusts her husbands judgment, and I'm sure Dubya does not feel he needs permission to act friendly-it is his nature.

It is not worth this media attention. In fact, I would venture to say, this sort of coverage by the media is highly inappropriate as it may cause the Chancellor more embarrassment than a simple friendly gesture did..because of what the media IMPLIES..

[DB]

I don't think it was "groping" or anything to the like.

Not sure it was a good choice though...

[Crawdad]

No offense taken, and I do agree this has been blown way out of proportion.