Kiss the Buddha

Trenton, New Jersey, July 7, 2006:

In between answering questions Thursday about North Korea's missiles, Iran's nuclear program, and American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, Ronatarian party official Brad answered what was for many observers a more burning question: What compelled him to kiss the bare stomach of a young boy in a Trenton park?

Footage of the July 2 incident was broadcast on all local television stations. It quickly became fodder for internet chat rooms and topped the national tabloids the day after. The question was one of the most popular among the hundreds e-mailed in for a live Ronatarian internet conference.

In the footage, Brad is shown walking up to a small crowd of tourists in a park and crouching down in front of the boy, who appears to be five or six years old. As Brad talks with Joey for several seconds, he tugs at the boy's shirt before finally lifting it up and kissing him on his bare stomach.

"He seemed to me very independent, very serious, but at the same time a boy is always vulnerable. He was very sweet. I'll be honest, I felt an urge to squeeze him like a kitten and that led to the gesture that I made. There was nothing behind it really," Brad said, smiling.

Trenton Police have been fielding an onslaught of questions from concerned residents "about the appropriateness" of the act. As yet, no charges have been filed.

Posted by Bittle at July 7, 2006 10:20 AM