by Mark Silva
A light dusting of snow covers the south lawn of the White House in the opening pictures of this holiday card that features the president and other important people talking to a dog.
Not just any dog. The first dog: Barney.
“Hey, Barney, I love the outdoors, and there is nothing greater than our national parks,’’ President Bush tells the pet. “Did you know that the White House grounds are a national park? Sure are…. One of over 400.''
The occasion of this "Barney-cam'' greeting card is the decoration of the White House this holiday season in a theme commemorating all of the national parks. Each of the ornaments on the big tree was produced by one of the parks.
Barney could become a “junior park ranger,’’ Bush says in this footage, but he already has “a pretty big job to do’’ with the White House Christmas decorations. But wait, then the interior secretary picks up the ball, and before we know it Barney is becoming a junior ranger.
Then the first twins get in the act. They love the national parks -- Jenna Bush got engaged in one, on a mountaintop in Maine watching the sun rise over the ocean.
First Lady Laura Bush explains the multi-faceted job of the park rangers in the closing scenes of this video, in which both Barney and Miss Beazley finally are named “junior park rangers.’’
"Congratulations,’’ adds Tony Blair, the former British prime minister, who is Scottish-born. “ It’s always good to see the Scots doing well.’’







Comments
I'm sure it's all cute but. . .have we run out of news?
Don't we need to report more stories about children in America who are hungry, poor and isolated? They might benefit from coverage. . .
But then again, who knows it better. . .I'm just a screen name.
Posted by: Lou | December 12, 2007 11:41 AM
Lou, does everything have to be serious and dour?
Posted by: John D | December 12, 2007 12:15 PM
Barney is one fine looking animal, and perhaps the best thing about the Bush administration.
But you should see my kitty kat! Possibly the first kitty scientist!
Posted by: C.Morris | December 12, 2007 12:16 PM
“Hey, Barney, I love the outdoors, and there is nothing greater than our national parks,’’ President Bush tells the pet. “Did you know that the White House grounds are a national park? Sure are…. One of over 400.''
I feel sorry for Barney having a retard for an owner. Bite him Barney!!!
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | December 12, 2007 12:50 PM
I admit I was wrong.
There is someone competent in the White House
Posted by: RomanB | December 12, 2007 1:09 PM
Barney & Johnny D are the only two members left in W.'s "coalition of the willing" in Iraq.
Posted by: John E | December 12, 2007 1:18 PM
It must be very depressing for people like "Lou" and "Logic prisoner", by the way, what a brave "name" Mr. Prisoner. It's a shame that this could not be viewed as just a nice way to say Happy Holidays from the White House. I think I'm depressed just reading you people.
Posted by: Marianne | December 12, 2007 1:33 PM
John D,
I've posted many silly comments on here. Your's seem to be more on a serious tone. You know? The sky is falling. . .type of stories.
Anyway. . .Ha! Ha! Ha!. . .Ho! Ho! Ho! :-)
Did you enjoy me laughing? It's amazing what a screen name can do, huh? They have emotions too. They laugh :=p. They cry. :-*(. They smile. :-). They even frown :-(.
But you know? I like you just the way you are! You are full of fiery speeches. . .makes me want to visit this blog everyday. Without you, I wouldn't be here enjoying a good laugh.
Posted by: Lou | December 12, 2007 1:40 PM
We can take care of serious issues, AND have a life at the same time. I love America.
Posted by: W | December 12, 2007 2:09 PM
What no Ranger Rove and Ranger Cheney? Were they afraid Ranger Rove would call Ranger Barney a lump again, and Ranger Cheney might accidentally shoot the lump?
The dog is cute. Gotta admit that. Barney was more convincing than anyone else, and he said nothing. The others in the video should stick to their day jobs...wait some, who will remain nameless, don't seem to be all that convincing in those, too.
Posted by: Ranger Joe | December 12, 2007 2:26 PM
Mr. Silva, thank you so much for running this video. Our granddaughters play it over and over. Having been involved directly in programs to support National Parks, especially the important annual National Park Ranger Award, I greatly appreciated the message. Park rangers provide highly valued service and deserve the credit this video conveys. Merry Christmas.
Posted by: Rich | December 12, 2007 2:29 PM
I think I'm depressed just reading you people.
Posted by: Marianne | December 12, 2007 1:33 PM
Marianne let me get my violin out for you.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | December 12, 2007 3:22 PM
Hey--any time W spends time doing something like this, it's less time he's spending destroying this country.
And yes, Barney is a good looking dog.
Posted by: Cheryl | December 12, 2007 4:37 PM
Cheryl,
But my kitty is better looking!!
Posted by: C.Morris | December 12, 2007 5:55 PM
I'll bet Barney would not veto children's health care.
Posted by: Rick/Sneads Ferry, NC | December 12, 2007 6:17 PM
Hey--any time W spends time doing something like this, it's less time he's spending destroying this country.
And yes, Barney is a good looking dog.
Posted by: Cheryl | December 12, 2007 4:37 PM
Cheryl you raise a valid point. Maybe we should all encourage GW to spend more time clearing the brush in Crawford.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | December 12, 2007 6:25 PM
Let's hope they hire some more rangers for the parks. Right now there is a hiring freeze. Thanx W
Posted by: dee | December 12, 2007 7:13 PM
Film the other end of Barney and it will look like a democratic presidential debate
Posted by: Terry | December 12, 2007 7:30 PM
Well, I thought they would come up with something new because Barney cam is cute but every year???...but I forgot, he keeps saying and doing the same things over again so I guess it fits with what they have done for the past seven years.
Posted by: lochnessmonster | December 12, 2007 7:50 PM
Film the other end of Barney and it will look like a REPUBLITARD presidential debate
Posted by: Terry | December 12, 2007 7:30 PM
REPUBLITARD TERRY!
Posted by: Andy Dick | December 12, 2007 9:14 PM
Reading the comments, you people do make me laugh. . hahahaha. . .
It must be Christmas for sure! :-)
Posted by: lou | December 12, 2007 10:05 PM
Mr Dick,
I'm so hurt. Your wit is so sharp
Posted by: Terry | December 12, 2007 10:27 PM
I have always thought that Barney and the White House Christmas decorations were the only things going for this administration. They never disappoint!
Posted by: Dale | December 12, 2007 11:49 PM
"BLESS AMERICA, FOR AT LEAST AT THE END OF THE DAY"
HAS SANTA LANDED ON YOUR ROOF TODAY?
IF HE HASN'T PLEASE CALL GEORGE BUSH AND DICK CHENEY. THEY HAVE 2 TRILLION DOLLARS OF YOUR TAX PAYERS MONIES, YOUR SON, DAUGHTER, AND GRAND CHILDRENTS MONETARY WEALTH IN THEIR HANDS.
UNFORTUNATELY, WE ARE ALL EVIL DOERS AND GOD HAS COME TO HIM AND HE HEARS THE VOICES, WHICH RANG OUT AGAIN THIS YEAR, DURING THE BIRTH OF HIS CHRIST, AND MINE FOR THAT MATTER.
NO LEAVE YOU, MY SON, MY DAUGHTER, YOUR FATHER, YOUR MOTHER, YOUR NEIGHBOR.
BUT ALL THE CONTRACTORS COME ON HOME, SEE YA'LL AT THE RANCH DOWN IN CRAWFORD! LOVE TO LOVE NOW AND SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH MERRYCHRISTMAS.
BARRY YA SHOULD OF PLAYED FO ME!
Posted by: Roger Morris | December 13, 2007 12:05 AM
To his dog, every man is Napoleon: hence the constant populariy of dogs.
--Aldous Huxley
Posted by: Vivian | December 13, 2007 12:12 AM
This is a fun video! Why would you watch it just to complain about politics? It's the holidays!!
Posted by: shelly | December 13, 2007 3:52 AM
I think that this was a wonderful Chritmas card Barney & Miss Beazley! I love you President and Mrs.Laura Bush! Merry Christmas to you and your family!! SMG
Posted by: Sally M. Green | December 13, 2007 10:00 AM
This is a fun video! Why would you watch it just to complain about politics? It's the holidays!!
Posted by: shelly | December 13, 2007 3:52 AM
Happy, happy joy, joy. Why would I complain about it? First because people are in harms way fighting wars that the scumbag in the Whitehouse started. WITH LIES! Second because while he celebrates in luxuriant splendor other Americans go with little or nothing. This is a slap in the face to all the people who are smart enough to know when they've been swindled. The dogs are cute though. I hope the Bush crime family gets sick on their eggnog.
Posted by: brutus | December 13, 2007 12:03 PM