Livingstone says Bush is 'greatest threat to life on planet'

Catholic New Times, Dec 14, 2003

LONDON -- Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, launched a stinging attack on President George Bush during the president's visit to England on November 21. The man known as "Red Ken" denouncd him as the "greatest threat to life on this planet that we've most probably ever seen."

Mr. Livingstone also held a "peace party" for anti-war groups in City Hall saying that he didn't formally recognize George Bush because "he was not officially elected." The mayor quipped that he was hosting "an alternative reception for everybody who is not George Bush."

A constant thorn in Prime Minister Blair's side, Livingstone also pointed out that "Tony Blair suffered from a "background problem." He said: "There is nothing in his past that was radicalizing. He wasn't interested in all the great student activities, the radical campaigns.

"He did not get involved in politics until the 1970s, when the high point was passed. So you have someone of the summer of '68 generation who actually wasn't part of it."