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Howard gonged by Bush

Posted by: 3AW.com.au | 6 January, 2009 - 8:04 AM
John Howard to be honoured by George Bush Before George Bush finishes hands over his role as President of the United States, he will bestow America’s highest single honour upon former Australian Prime Minister, John Howard.

President Bush will present the ‘Medal of Freedom’ to Mr Howard for his role as a ‘staunch ally’, with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to receive the award as well.

Mr Howard and Mr Blair backed President’s Bush’s war on terror and the US invasion into Iraq which ended tyrant Saddam Hussein’s reign as leader but also opened deep civil rifts which have not yet healed.

"The President is honoring these leaders for their work to improve the lives of their citizens and for their efforts to promote democracy, human rights and peace abroad,'' White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

"All three leaders have been staunch allies of the United States, particularly in combatting terrorism.  And their efforts to bring hope and freedom to people around the globe have made their nations, America and the world community a safer and more secure world.”

President Bush has awarded 78 Medals of Freedom to a range of political figures, soldiers, civil rights activists, sportsmen and actors.

It is believed Mr Howard will be presented with his medal in a ceremony on January 13 – one week before President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration.

Blog comments Your Say

  • John Howard does not represent an actual opinion of the majority of OZ citizens. He is not current on many of the situations held in focus by thinking Australians. Unfortunately he is living in a decade behind the times and has not been the sarvior of the Australian populace as presented internationally

    Lawrie Wednesday 7 January, 2009 - 9:01 PM
  • Mr Howard deserves this award. He has done a lot for Australia and its relationship with the US as well as our own people and economy. I'm sick of hearing that Bush and Howard are war criminals. War criminals include Hitler, Saddam etc. It is ridiculous to compare Howard and Bush with calculating, evil thugs.
    Good luck Mr Howard.

    Steve Wednesday 7 January, 2009 - 10:07 AM
  • The reason we don't hear from Howard much is that he has the dignity as a person to let sleeping dogs lie. Unlike a dog that won't lie down, keating keeps yapping on years after we all worked out what a disgrace of a PM and person he is.

    pedro Tuesday 6 January, 2009 - 7:25 PM
  • John Howard deserves much better than this. Lets face it - he was the second longest serving Prime Minister & he did so much for this Country. He was an ethical, decent & mature Leader - much better than the funny farm culture that is being promoted by the current Government.

    Angus Moody Tuesday 6 January, 2009 - 4:33 PM
  • Does that mean Howard will also be charge with war crimes?

    mark newman Tuesday 6 January, 2009 - 11:39 AM
  • Mr. Howard tell that to the Mums & Dads of the U.S & Aust. soldiers who have died for you to get that reward.You are a disgrace.

    Victor Paternotte Tuesday 6 January, 2009 - 11:05 AM

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