I Think President Bush Could Use One of These

Here's a novel idea of how to deal with a hostile press corps (from Political Diary):

What, No Laughtrack?

American politicians have a love-hate relationship with the media. If only reporters would cover "my" side of the story and not ask so many pesky questions! Well, the prime minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, has developed a device for rewarding and punishing the media that will make him the envy of every U.S. politician.

Last week, he began his weekly news conference by holding up a handheld buzzer and explaining that he would be using it to express his displeasure with some of the questions the reporters would hurl at him. His chance came soon enough. A newspaper reporter asked why the government had failed to seek permission of Parliament before issuing an emergency decree in a province roiled by an insurgency by local Muslims. "Not constructive!" shouted the prime minister as he pushed his buzzer.

It turns out, though, that Prime Minister also had a second buzzer, this one to signal questions he liked. When a female reporter asked the PM about his plans to handle rising oil prices, he reached behind his podium and caused the more benign device to issue a pleasant tone and display an "O" signifying his pleasure.

The Associated Press reports that it isn't clear if the PM is planning to use the devices at future news conferences. What is clear is that he seemed inordinately pleased with his innovation. Let's hope President Bush, Hillary Clinton and other U.S. politicians known for their occasional impatience with the media don't get wind of his invention.

I think an ejection seat for stupid reporters is a better idea, but this would do in a pinch.