I'm in the Philippines, Gloria Goes to the US

While Gloria Macagalpo-Arroyo, the president of the Philippines, visited the US this past week, I have been here in the Philippines for the first time in my life.  And wouldn't you know, here is President Bush with his great stereotyping, degrading vernacular talking to the woman president of the Philippines:

PRESIDENT BUSH: Madam President, it is a pleasure to welcome you back to the Oval Office. We have just had a very constructive dialogue. First, I want to tell you how proud I am to be the President of a nation that -- in which there's a lot of Philippine-Americans. They love America and they love their heritage. And I reminded the President that I am reminded of the great talent of the -- of our Philippine-Americans when I eat dinner at the White House. (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT ARROYO: Yes.

PRESIDENT BUSH: And the chef is a great person and a really good cook, by the way, Madam President.

PRESIDENT ARROYO: Thank you.

One of the White House cooks is Filipino and that is his comment about Philippine-Americans?  That is what he says after the history of colonization?  After hundreds just died last week in a typhoon?  A cook? His dinner?

And Gloria thanks him?  

Many reactions have suggested that GMA should have replied, "Your cook is a Filipino?  Oh good, my driver is White."

Grow a backbone, Gloria.

Good commentary here.

Cross posted at APA for Progress