Camelot it's not.
Upon heads of state meeting for the first time in official capacity, it is customary to exchange gifts as tokens of friendship between the countries involved.
Gordon Brown, Prime Minister of Great Britain seemed to get the sincerity and solemnity of the occasion.
Mr. Brown gave Obama an ornamental pen holder constructed from the timbers of the anti-slavery ship HMS Gannet, once also named HMS President.
He also gave a framed commission for the HMS Resolute. The desk in the Oval Office is itself made from the timbers of the HMS Resolute. The Resolute has symbolic history between the two countries.
Lastly, Mr. Brown gave Obama a first edition set of the seven-volume classic biography of Winston Churchill, written by Sir Martin Gilbert.
The thoughtfulness and symbolism of these tokens of friendship given by our most treasured ally cannot be understated.
Of course, President Obama would have to reciprocate with something uniquely special to underscore our uniquely special bond to Great Britain, no?
Apparently not.
President Obama's well thought out gesture was a 25 DVD set of classic American films.
Go ahead.. Read that again.
Obama gave the Prime Minister of England something which probably could be purchased from Amazon.com, or found at a flea market.
Now just imagine if George Bush had done this.
Comments (70)
Maybe he got the DVD set fr... (Below threshold)1. Posted by DaveD | March 5, 2009 7:40 PM | Score: 15 (19 votes cast)
Maybe he got the DVD set from one of his Hollywood friends and just decided to regift it. I hope he took a magic marker to the price sticker. It would be tacky to leave the price exposed.
1. Posted by DaveD | March 5, 2009 7:40 PM |
Score: 15 (19 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 19:40
2. Posted by DaveD | March 5, 2009 7:41 PM | Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
By the way, if this is true does he have a Chief of Protocol?
2. Posted by DaveD | March 5, 2009 7:41 PM |
Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 19:41
3. Posted by GarandFan | March 5, 2009 7:51 PM | Score: 13 (21 votes cast)
The Brown's have what's know as "Class". The Obama's do not.
3. Posted by GarandFan | March 5, 2009 7:51 PM |
Score: 13 (21 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 19:51
4. Posted by iwogisdead | March 5, 2009 7:55 PM | Score: 10 (10 votes cast)
Well, at least Obama's gift wasn't a yard flamingo or a Lakers T-shirt.
4. Posted by iwogisdead | March 5, 2009 7:55 PM |
Score: 10 (10 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 19:55
5. Posted by joh | March 5, 2009 7:56 PM | Score: 11 (11 votes cast)
So when Obama was given the "first edition set of the seven-volume classic biography of Winston Churchill", did he reply "Thanks! This will go with my bust".
5. Posted by joh | March 5, 2009 7:56 PM |
Score: 11 (11 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 19:56
6. Posted by Paul Hooson | March 5, 2009 7:56 PM | Score: -14 (22 votes cast)
Well hopefully Mr. Brown's DVD player can playback NTSC format. PAL is the main format in the UK. But actually American film is a great addition to world culture. Name the films and I bet I can defend each one.
6. Posted by Paul Hooson | March 5, 2009 7:56 PM |
Score: -14 (22 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 19:56
7. Posted by DaveD | March 5, 2009 7:58 PM | Score: 8 (10 votes cast)
Paul, come on, you gotta know this is pretty tacky.
7. Posted by DaveD | March 5, 2009 7:58 PM |
Score: 8 (10 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 19:58
8. Posted by Shawn | March 5, 2009 7:59 PM | Score: 8 (10 votes cast)
You could also get them from Netflix, Paul.
8. Posted by Shawn | March 5, 2009 7:59 PM |
Score: 8 (10 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 19:59
9. Posted by Andrew X | March 5, 2009 8:00 PM | Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
25 DVD's available to one and all from Amazon??
"Aye, that was a Kingly Gift!"
Gimli, son of Gloin
9. Posted by Andrew X | March 5, 2009 8:00 PM |
Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:00
10. Posted by Andrew X | March 5, 2009 8:01 PM | Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
25 DVD's available to one and all from Amazon??
"Aye, that was a Kingly Gift!"
Gimli, son of Gloin
10. Posted by Andrew X | March 5, 2009 8:01 PM |
Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:01
11. Posted by Bruce Henry | March 5, 2009 8:02 PM | Score: -8 (14 votes cast)
What he should have done is to sneak up behind him and give him a surprise neck-rub. Now that's class!
11. Posted by Bruce Henry | March 5, 2009 8:02 PM |
Score: -8 (14 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:02
12. Posted by Andrew X | March 5, 2009 8:07 PM | Score: 9 (13 votes cast)
Problem is Bruce, the issue ain't what he shoulda done two years ago.... it's what he done done yesterday. (Oh, and you do see the level you yourself are now putting your man. I guess you like Mr. Bush after all.)
Your bright shiny quarter is all well and neat, now how about addressing the task at hand?
12. Posted by Andrew X | March 5, 2009 8:07 PM |
Score: 9 (13 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:07
13. Posted by P. Bunyan | March 5, 2009 8:08 PM | Score: 12 (12 votes cast)
And this surprises anyone? It's hard to buy things for those you can't relate to.
Just wait till Mahmoud shows up-Obama will shower him with lavish and thoughtful gifts as he will with Raul and Hugo.
13. Posted by P. Bunyan | March 5, 2009 8:08 PM |
Score: 12 (12 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:08
14. Posted by joh | March 5, 2009 8:08 PM | Score: 11 (11 votes cast)
A neck-rub would have at least shown some humanity. The DVDs just show at worse contempt, at best disinterest.
14. Posted by joh | March 5, 2009 8:08 PM |
Score: 11 (11 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:08
15. Posted by Alan | March 5, 2009 8:14 PM | Score: 12 (14 votes cast)
Is he stupid, or just an a$$hole?
15. Posted by Alan | March 5, 2009 8:14 PM |
Score: 12 (14 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:14
16. Posted by Bruce Henry | March 5, 2009 8:14 PM | Score: -22 (32 votes cast)
Guess what, guys? People who are in charge of COUNTRIES don't give a shit about symbolic gifts. It's policy decisions that matter. What are we, tribal chieftains impresed by heap big wampum?
16. Posted by Bruce Henry | March 5, 2009 8:14 PM |
Score: -22 (32 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:14
17. Posted by Bruce Henry | March 5, 2009 8:16 PM | Score: -21 (27 votes cast)
This may just be the silliest thing I've ever seen posted at Wizbang. And that's saying something.
17. Posted by Bruce Henry | March 5, 2009 8:16 PM |
Score: -21 (27 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:16
18. Posted by joh | March 5, 2009 8:20 PM | Score: 18 (18 votes cast)
It's policy decisions that matter.
Uh, you mean like sacrificing Poland to appease Russia?
Maybe Obama can send the Poles a nice fruit basket instead of a missile defense.
18. Posted by joh | March 5, 2009 8:20 PM |
Score: 18 (18 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:20
19. Posted by retired military | March 5, 2009 8:22 PM | Score: 8 (10 votes cast)
I wonder if the greatest Spike Lee movies were among the 25.
19. Posted by retired military | March 5, 2009 8:22 PM |
Score: 8 (10 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:22
20. Posted by DaveD | March 5, 2009 8:23 PM | Score: 19 (19 votes cast)
Bruce, it's called protocol. Leaders of nations exchange gifts as a show of respect. Just like being invited to someone's home and you bring a bottle of wine or something for the host and hostess. Of course it's not "necessary" but is it is one of the practices that makes civilization "civilized". It has nothing to do with being primitive or whatever you are implying.
20. Posted by DaveD | March 5, 2009 8:23 PM |
Score: 19 (19 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:23
21. Posted by joh | March 5, 2009 8:24 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
I wonder if the greatest Spike Lee movies were among the 25
Strangely, Do the Right Thing was missing, but Bamboozled was included.
21. Posted by joh | March 5, 2009 8:24 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:24
22. Posted by iwogisdead | March 5, 2009 8:25 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
I guess the book ghostwritten for Barry says that Barry thinks his grandfather was tortured by the British during the Kenyan Mau Mau Uprising. Barry's gettin hisself some payback.
22. Posted by iwogisdead | March 5, 2009 8:25 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:25
23. Posted by P. Bunyan | March 5, 2009 8:33 PM | Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
"This may just be the silliest thing I've ever seen posted at Wizbang."
That's funny Bruce. There's this childish leftist who keeps bringing up a back massage in the comments section here, that I think is far sillier.
23. Posted by P. Bunyan | March 5, 2009 8:33 PM |
Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:33
24. Posted by Andrew X | March 5, 2009 8:34 PM | Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
"People who are in charge of COUNTRIES don't give a shit about symbolic gifts."
Bruce, you are wrong and apparently on the same page as our CinC. Symbols like this DO matter, big time, especially with what we call the "special relationship" with Great Britain (born: 1917 - Died: 2009).
Frankly, I'm betting Hillary knows damn well that countries and leaders DO "give a shit about symbol(s)." She's at least a professional.
24. Posted by Andrew X | March 5, 2009 8:34 PM |
Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:34
25. Posted by Shawn | March 5, 2009 8:41 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Let us not forget Sec. Albright presenting Kim-Jong Il with a signed basketball and champagne toast.
25. Posted by Shawn | March 5, 2009 8:41 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 20:41
26. Posted by Mac Lorry | March 5, 2009 9:23 PM | Score: 9 (13 votes cast)
Well it turns out there's more to the story. The DVD set was a side gift, not the main attraction, so to speak. When Gordon Brown and Obama met, Obama asked Brown if he had a handkerchief, which Brown produced. Obama took Brown's handkerchief and wiped the sweat off his face and gave it back to Brown as in the style of the King. Obama fancies his sweat a precious give like Elvis did. So you see, in the mind of Obama, Gordon Brown got far better than he gave and that's why Obama canceled the formal press conference. :-)
26. Posted by Mac Lorry | March 5, 2009 9:23 PM |
Score: 9 (13 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 21:23
27. Posted by GarandFan | March 5, 2009 9:35 PM | Score: 12 (14 votes cast)
Guess what, guys? People who are in charge of COUNTRIES don't give a shit about symbolic gifts. It's policy decisions that matter. What are we, tribal chieftains impresed by heap big wampum?
No Bruce, it does matter. It shows the kind of person you are. Did you put any thought into the gift? If not, how much thought are you going to put into discussing mutual problems?
It's called having the ability to relate to someone else on a human level. Something The One appears to have a hard time doing, unless of course he's using them to gain something he wants. The term "raw power" comes to mind.
27. Posted by GarandFan | March 5, 2009 9:35 PM |
Score: 12 (14 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 21:35
28. Posted by NoelArmourson | March 5, 2009 9:36 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Do these disks have the US or the European regional code? Will they play in the standard British and European players? Inquiring videophiles want to know.
28. Posted by NoelArmourson | March 5, 2009 9:36 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 21:36
29. Posted by Grace | March 5, 2009 9:45 PM | Score: 7 (13 votes cast)
Bruce,
It is sad that you just don't "get it".
It is utterly appalling that the President of the United States didn't.
Anyone who has been properly raised knows proper gift giving is important. If one doesn't have the benefit of being raised (if one just grew up), there are books one can learn from.
There is no excuse for these gaffes.
29. Posted by Grace | March 5, 2009 9:45 PM |
Score: 7 (13 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 21:45
30. Posted by Bruce Dekalb, IL | March 5, 2009 9:52 PM | Score: 10 (16 votes cast)
This president is the most hopeless person to occupy the office.
30. Posted by Bruce Dekalb, IL | March 5, 2009 9:52 PM |
Score: 10 (16 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 21:52
31. Posted by moseby | March 5, 2009 10:00 PM | Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Lemmee guess...wrapped in the Sunday comics?
31. Posted by moseby | March 5, 2009 10:00 PM |
Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 22:00
32. Posted by Meiji_man | March 5, 2009 10:15 PM | Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
You know I'm starting to feel sorry for Hillary....
This is the second time in her life she's going to have to spend 4 years standing behind some moron thinking about how she could be handling the job better...
No wonder she's bitter....
32. Posted by Meiji_man | March 5, 2009 10:15 PM |
Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 22:15
33. Posted by Will | March 5, 2009 10:27 PM | Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
If obama wanted to be really classy he would have given PM Brown a gift certificate and let him pick his own movies.
33. Posted by Will | March 5, 2009 10:27 PM |
Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 22:27
34. Posted by Andrew X | March 5, 2009 10:52 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Meiji-man -
Tzzzzz-aaaaAAAAAPPP!!!!!!!!!!
tsssssssssssss...........
That one stung.
34. Posted by Andrew X | March 5, 2009 10:52 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 22:52
35. Posted by Jason | March 5, 2009 10:58 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
This is embarrassing. No class, no clue.
http://www.rightklik.net/
35. Posted by Jason | March 5, 2009 10:58 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 22:58
36. Posted by Korla Pundit | March 5, 2009 11:29 PM | Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
He could have given him a bust of himself, sculpted from the remains of the Greek columns from his nomination speech. Or he could have let him lick his testicles, as mere mortals only dream of such godly things. But in actuality, aside from the DVDs, he gave him the greatest gift of all: he let him eventually leave.
Whew!
36. Posted by Korla Pundit | March 5, 2009 11:29 PM |
Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
Posted on March 5, 2009 23:29
37. Posted by Codekeyguy
| March 6, 2009 12:17 AM | Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
Being retired military, I "salute the uniform, not the man", but I'm even having trouble "saluting the uniform" that this classless prig is wearing. I fear for our country, I really do.
37. Posted by Codekeyguy
| March 6, 2009 12:17 AM |
Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 00:17
38. Posted by MPR | March 6, 2009 12:28 AM | Score: 10 (12 votes cast)
Another example of how arrogant Obamalala is. The whole dis of G.Brown was because of Kenya. Is he the First Citizen of Kenya or the United States? He is pathetically immature to treat the head of the UK like he did. The UK has been a strong and great ally of the United States. He took advantage of Brown on this epic, historic, European campaign for photo ops. but, he doesn't need him now. This amateur president can't put his personal feelings aside? no matter how misguided? He is a disgrace.
38. Posted by MPR | March 6, 2009 12:28 AM |
Score: 10 (12 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 00:28
39. Posted by STaylor | March 6, 2009 12:29 AM | Score: 5 (7 votes cast)
But... But... But they told us they Obama would breeze through foreign relations with an effortless ease that would completely cover up his inexperience.
(shoves fingers in ears and starts jabbering madly)
La la la, not listening. Lala la.
39. Posted by STaylor | March 6, 2009 12:29 AM |
Score: 5 (7 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 00:29
40. Posted by fstroupe | March 6, 2009 5:50 AM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
I liken it to a child. You spend $1200 on a kid for Christmas and they get you a pair of socks.
But my question is this...President Obama has advisors that were in the Clinton White house and understand Presidential protocol. So, did Obama not listen to them...or did they tell him to do this? Either way......
40. Posted by fstroupe | March 6, 2009 5:50 AM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 05:50
41. Posted by retired military | March 6, 2009 6:35 AM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
"Lemmee guess...wrapped in the Sunday comics? "
No his girls had the comics silly. It was wrapped in a brown paper bag with masking tape.
41. Posted by retired military | March 6, 2009 6:35 AM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 06:35
42. Posted by retired military | March 6, 2009 6:36 AM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Oh and tied up with twine.
42. Posted by retired military | March 6, 2009 6:36 AM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 06:36
43. Posted by mag | March 6, 2009 6:44 AM | Score: 5 (7 votes cast)
I agree with most comments on this site. Little things like gift giving gives insights to the person giving and receiving the gift. And more and more this man and his wife in the White House are proving what classless fools they are.
The foreign countries will start to see him for what is really is....and slowly the people in this country as well.
Anyone defending him on this issue is a bigger ass than obama!
It was wrong and insulting.
43. Posted by mag | March 6, 2009 6:44 AM |
Score: 5 (7 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 06:44
44. Posted by James H | March 6, 2009 9:32 AM | Score: -2 (2 votes cast)
Well, the Brits certainly snarked back when President Bush gave Brown a bomber jacket.
44. Posted by James H | March 6, 2009 9:32 AM |
Score: -2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 09:32
45. Posted by Son of a Pig and a Monkey | March 6, 2009 9:38 AM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
While the DVD's are stupid, they are particularly stupid and disrespectful given that Gordon Brown is blind in one eye.
45. Posted by Son of a Pig and a Monkey | March 6, 2009 9:38 AM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 09:38
46. Posted by Son of a Pig and a Monkey | March 6, 2009 10:56 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
For something personal, Zero-man could have given Brown signed copies of his contributions to the Harvard Law Review, when Zero-man was its editor. Oh, that's right, there weren't any. Zero-man was only "present".
46. Posted by Son of a Pig and a Monkey | March 6, 2009 10:56 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 10:56
47. Posted by ODA315 | March 6, 2009 12:06 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
"No his girls had the comics silly. It was wrapped in a brown paper bag with masking tape"
Actually they were still in the Circuit City plastic bag
47. Posted by ODA315 | March 6, 2009 12:06 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 12:06
48. Posted by Ben | March 6, 2009 12:20 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
i HOPE he gave Brown the gift receipt too so he can exCHANGE it.
48. Posted by Ben | March 6, 2009 12:20 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 12:20
49. Posted by retired military | March 6, 2009 12:21 PM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Bruce
"People who are in charge of COUNTRIES don't give a shit about symbolic gifts. "
So if Obama had pork chops on the menu at a dinner with the King of Saudi Arabia than it wouldnt be a problem would it. After all
"It's policy decisions that matter."
49. Posted by retired military | March 6, 2009 12:21 PM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 12:21
50. Posted by KDS | March 6, 2009 2:21 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I wonder how "proud" Michelle Obama is now...
50. Posted by KDS | March 6, 2009 2:21 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 14:21
51. Posted by War Eagle | March 6, 2009 7:48 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
"Frankly, I'm betting Hillary knows damn well that countries and leaders DO "give a shit about symbol(s)." She's at least a professional."
Apparently not. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/03/06/clinton-goofs-russian-translation-tells-diplomat-wants-overcharge-ties/
These are our best and brightest??
51. Posted by War Eagle | March 6, 2009 7:48 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 19:48
52. Posted by Iki Paul | March 6, 2009 9:34 PM | Score: -4 (10 votes cast)
Brits are nthing but a bitching lot. They should be grateful for what soever Obama and Michele thought worthy.Time of fools and their lapdogs (Bush/Blair) is gone. No double talks and British deception will work with Obama.
52. Posted by Iki Paul | March 6, 2009 9:34 PM |
Score: -4 (10 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 21:34
53. Posted by hcddbz | March 6, 2009 9:58 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Tacky but as long as it under 140 Pounds Brown will accept. He has made a point over the last year of rejecting every gift given to him that exceeds that standard.
That being said, a small statue showing England's support for the US in Both Afghanistan and Iraq could have been commissions.
53. Posted by hcddbz | March 6, 2009 9:58 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 21:58
54. Posted by shadyobama | March 6, 2009 10:23 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
HAHA##### what a douchbag obama is...cheap ass -has to save his money on the $100 pound steak he gets from japan...ya overseas people..god forbid if its was from u.s.a(meat)but then again he wants peeps to spend hear? WTF obama -shady ass-#####
54. Posted by shadyobama | March 6, 2009 10:23 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on March 6, 2009 22:23
55. Posted by Tina | March 7, 2009 4:40 PM | Score: -6 (6 votes cast)
Who cares? I like DVDs, I'd appreciate them. What, are these supposed "classy" guys supposed to give each other... gold casts of their dicks or something?
Brown gave a pen holder made from an old ship. A gift I could care less about.
The only gifts I'd consider "classy" is real art (like Van Briggle vase) and I don't think they should spend that much money on paltry gifts. I like giving gifts to friends but heads of state... symbolism does nothing for me. Just because Brown gave Obama a pen-holder doesn't mean I (as an American) am going to like the British more (though I do like the Brits as my relatives are).
The only good gift Brown gave, IMO, was the framed Resolute. That has the most symbolic value; the rest have none.
And a gift of American movies isn't pompous... it's equivalent to the biography of Churchill. One very American thing for one very British thing.
55. Posted by Tina | March 7, 2009 4:40 PM |
Score: -6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on March 7, 2009 16:40
56. Posted by Susie | March 8, 2009 12:10 AM | Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
If you consider his roots and mutt background, how could you be surprised at this joke of a president and what he did. He is an embarassment to all Americans, and I'm ashamed that my fellow Americans voted for this idiot. I pray each day that he will only see one term. I know this one faux pas is the beginning of many more to come.
56. Posted by Susie | March 8, 2009 12:10 AM |
Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
Posted on March 8, 2009 00:10
57. Posted by Andrew | March 8, 2009 12:55 AM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Tina-
You are just as ignorant. It's not about how classy / expensive / symbolic a gift is. It's about how much thought you've put in picking this gift. If I gave you a book written in a language you can't understand, would you appreciate it? Or would you rather have the receipt and return it. This is akin to Obama giving PM Brown DVD's that wouldn't even play in their DVD players.
57. Posted by Andrew | March 8, 2009 12:55 AM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on March 8, 2009 00:55
58. Posted by scott | March 9, 2009 11:49 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
This presidents true colors are showing very quickly.It is quite obvious he is having trouble coping with the stress of the job. The signs are everywhere. This is are staunchest allie. Videos, what a "huckster, I am embaressed. I was worried about his ability or lack there of forign policy. What a travesty
58. Posted by scott | March 9, 2009 11:49 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 9, 2009 11:49
59. Posted by Mack | March 9, 2009 12:36 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
This was so incredibly lame, lame, LAME, not to mention classless.
This gaff is being swept under the rug by the media, in both countries. But let's all just take a moment and ponder how this story would have been handled if it was Bush who gave these gifts.
Nuff said!
59. Posted by Mack | March 9, 2009 12:36 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 9, 2009 12:36
60. Posted by Pike | March 9, 2009 3:12 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Obama is a joke. The boy is in way over his head. It may not be pure rudeness like everyone suggests, it may just be Obama's ignorance. This country is in trouble.
60. Posted by Pike | March 9, 2009 3:12 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 9, 2009 15:12
61. Posted by T.Rau | March 9, 2009 5:58 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
To:
Prime Minister Gordon Brown:
Prime Minister, please accept the apologies of the American people for electing such an ideot
who apparently has no respect for his own office or yours. Please note that the vast majority of us regard you and your country as friends.
61. Posted by T.Rau | March 9, 2009 5:58 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 9, 2009 17:58
62. Posted by david m | March 9, 2009 9:50 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Send tea to Washington. ALL the idiots need to go
62. Posted by david m | March 9, 2009 9:50 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 9, 2009 21:50
63. Posted by Anna | March 9, 2009 10:46 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Don't forget that Obama also gave back the historic bust of Winston Churchill which there are only two. This is the most famous bust of Winston Churchill. Great Britain gave this bust to President Bush for the White House after 9/11 as a sign of standing together: "We will stand together united as one." It has been sitting in the oval office since 9/11.
Obama told Brown they'll box it up so Gordon can take it back home with him. Brown refused saying "No, no, no, Mr. President, that was a gift from the people of England after 9/11. If you want to keep that in one of your museums, you may keep it in one of your museums but please, no, no, that was a gift. That wasn't to borrow. We didn't just lend that out to you. That's a gift from us."
What does Obama say, "No, that's okay. We don't want it." So our wonderful "hip, all-knowing" President is sending the bust of Winston Churchill back to England.
What's wrong with him? This is so embarrassing! This is basic social custom and behavior? If he can't even do that at the least how is he going to lead us? Great Britain's soldiers bled with us in Iraq and still does to this day. This is such a slap in the face of our greatest ally. The whole world hates us but Britain is like that one best friend that you know will always be there for you through the end. It's a total disrespect. I'm so sorry Great Britain! The rest of our country still loves you and always will. Thank you for the wonderful, thoughtful gifts. Thank you for being our one true "best" friend.
63. Posted by Anna | March 9, 2009 10:46 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on March 9, 2009 22:46
64. Posted by IIDefectedII | March 10, 2009 2:50 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
lets not forget Obama told the PM to take back the mantel that was given to Bush over the 9 11 tragedy . Obama wants nothing to do with america . Obama wants socialism and a world banking system ! Do you guy see the big pitcher over this out of control spending ( pork) bill ?
64. Posted by IIDefectedII | March 10, 2009 2:50 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 14:50
65. Posted by Reticon | March 10, 2009 10:40 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Don't be fooled, the Brits love Obama and this isn't going to change that. America is much "too big for its britches" and Obama is just the man to trim them back to mediocrity.
65. Posted by Reticon | March 10, 2009 10:40 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 22:40
66. Posted by Riatsila | March 11, 2009 4:15 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'd like to start off by saying I didn't vote for Obama (I didn't like McCain either, but voted for him because I'd have preferred him for fear of what we're seeing today) but when he was elected I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. In fifty days, Obama has removed all doubt.
I wouldn't call this a "gaff" or "classless on Obama's part at all, rather, it appears to me to be a cold and calculated attack.
First off, the DVDs. Correct me if I'm mistaken, but I believe that PM Brown is deaf in one ear, and losing hearing in the other (or something to that effect). So I guess he might need to have the subtitles one...well, he would if this lovely collection of DVDs wasn't region 1.
Second, and more importantly, Winston Churchill. Look at Obama's current record: every day we see more and more of his Socialist plans starting to take root. Winston Churchill was one of the greatest enemies of Socialism, so naturally, anything related to him will be hated by Obama and his ilk. I believe Obama's words regarding the returned gift of the bust "No, that's okay, we don't want it" are more meaningful rather than ignorant.
It's looking to me like he's trying to cut off our stronger, more capitalist allies, and will no doubt soon be trying to build favor with more socialist nations instead.
Oh, one more thing, I'm pretty sure the reason Obama didn't have dinner with PM Brown, is because he couldn't find a good place to plug in his teleprompter at the table.
66. Posted by Riatsila | March 11, 2009 4:15 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2009 16:15
67. Posted by Leslie | March 11, 2009 10:38 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I am suprised by the idiocy we have representing all of us Americans. The UK, our allies for over 200+ years! And our president gave the prime minister ET and Wizard of freakin oz! Go to British news papers to read it for yourself. ITS SHAMEFUL. MRS IDIOT gave the British Prime Ministers children toy planes. I knew Mr idiot knows nothing about anything, but even my 5 year old son has enough brains to give respect were true respect is due.
67. Posted by Leslie | March 11, 2009 10:38 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2009 22:38
68. Posted by Reed | March 14, 2009 5:40 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
This article only states the half of it. American DVDs do not work in British players! So not only was the gift ludicrous but the Prime Minister probably wont even be able to watch them. The Prime Minister's wife also gave Obama's two daughters some nice clothes. Obamas wife wasnt prepared for this, so she ran downstairs and grabbed two plastic two Air Force One helicopters to be given to the Prime Ministers children, which could be bought at any gift shop. Nice.
68. Posted by Reed | March 14, 2009 5:40 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 14, 2009 17:40
69. Posted by Harvey | March 23, 2009 2:19 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Lighten up. Maybe on the next visit, Barry can do better, give something more meaningful, like, you know, an Art Van couch for the front porch at 10 Downing.
69. Posted by Harvey | March 23, 2009 2:19 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 23, 2009 14:19
70. Posted by Openeyed | March 31, 2009 6:15 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Don't you see?
The message is in the selection of the movies.
Please, wake up!
70. Posted by Openeyed | March 31, 2009 6:15 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 31, 2009 18:15