Obama's blockbuster gift for Brown to reaffirm the 'special relationship': 25 DVDs

[trickblue]

Link (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1159627/Just-wanted-Barack-Obamas-blockbuster-gift-25-DVDs-Brown-reaffirm-special-relationship.html)

Obama's blockbuster gift for Brown to reaffirm the 'special relationship': 25 DVDs
By Joe Murphy

Gordon Brown has been given a collection of 25 classic American films on DVD as his official gift from Barack Obama.

The Prime Minister flew home from his successful trip to Washington this morning with the 'special collector's box' of films hidden in his luggage.

No 10 had tried to keep the present a secret, refusing to answer reporters who asked what President Obama had given to mark the reaffirmation of the special relationship.

However, the London Evening Standard reported, the prime minister received the collection of DVDs as his gift.

It is not known which DVDs were included, but one is thought to be the Dreamworks film Toy Story.

One reason for the secrecy might be that the gift seems markedly less generous and thoughtful than the presents taken to Washington by the Prime Minister.

Mr Brown's gifts included an ornamental desk pen holder made from the oak timbers of Victorian anti-slaver HMS Gannet, once named HMS President.

Mr Obama was so delighted he has already put it in pride of place in the Oval Office on the Resolute desk which was carved from timbers of Gannet's sister ship, HMS Resolute.

Another treasure given to the U.S. President was the framed commission for HMS Resolute, a vessel that came to symbolise Anglo-US peace when it was saved from ice packs by Americans and given to Queen Victoria.

Finally, Mr Brown gave a first edition set of the seven-volume classic biography of Churchill by Sir Martin Gilbert.

The White House issued a press briefing today that put on record how much Mr Obama had appreciated the gifts.

The Prime Minister's reaction to getting DVDs is not known. Mr Brown is not noted for his love of cinema, although he once claimed on a trip to India that he was an admirer of Bollywood.

The Browns showered gifts on the Obama children too, using the occasion to promote British exports.

Sarah Brown gave Sasha and Malia Obama an outfit each from Topshop, which has just opened its first American store in New York.

She also picked six children's books by British authors which are shortly to be published in America.

But the British press has already accused the Obamas of gaffing over the gifts they gave in return.

The Obamas gave the Browns two models of the presidential helicopter, Marine One, to take home to sons Fraser and John.

Though Mrs Brown's choice of gifts was praised as thoughtful, Mrs Obama's choice of gifts for Fraser and John was 'solipsistic'.

'Mrs Brown may have two boys but she certainly knows the way to a little girl’s heart,' columnist Sarah Vine wrote in the Times. 'These were gifts chosen in the true spirit of present-giving: to please the recipient, not the giver.'

Giving the Browns' two young boys a helicopter was 'fair enough', she said.

But she added: 'Marine One? It’s not as though anyone needs reminding that Barack Obama is President or that he has his own helicopter.

'Short of giving the boys Action Man models of her own husband smiting the evil forces of neoconservatism, Mrs Obama’s gesture could not have been more solipsistic or more inherently dismissive of Mrs Brown.

'Not only did she demonstrate that she spent approximately three seconds contemplating the needs of the Brown boys (having an aide pop to the White House gift shop for a piece of merchandising does not imply a great deal of thought), she appeared to show a most uncharacteristic lapse of judgement.'

President Obama telephoned Mr Brown on board his plane last night to thank him for a productive visit.

[WoodysGirl]

Interesting...

I guess I wonder what would've been appropriate.

Both countries are going thru tough economic times. I don't know if the country would've appreciated them getting too lavish.

*shrug*

[BrAinPaiNt]

He should have given him a small row boat and a case of limes and told him to head back to england. :p:

[trickblue]

Interesting...

I guess I wonder what would've been appropriate.

Both countries are going thru tough economic times. I don't know if the country would've appreciated them getting too lavish.

*shrug*

I don't really know either... it's more of the perception and the perception is that it was a bit lame...

This is the third time we've dissed our greatest ally in a week... at least in their eyes...

I know the British press has been all over this visit in regards to respect...

[WoodysGirl]

I don't really know either... it's more of the perception and the perception is that it was a bit lame...

This is the third time we've dissed our greatest ally in a week... at least in their eyes...

I know the British press has been all over this visit in regards to respect...
Honestly, I think it's a matter of things really being different from the Bush Administration and Obama still being relatively young in foreign politics.

[trickblue]

Honestly, I think it's a matter of things really being different from the Bush Administration and Obama still being relatively young in foreign politics.

That's why you have foreign policy advisers... they should know not only policy, but etiquette...

[burmafrd]

From what I hear over here in Kuwait there are a lot of people thinking that the US foreign policy is actually going to sound better then Bush but end up being worse. Right or wrong you knew Bush would stand for a point and not waver. People over here are thinking Obama and Hilary just drift with whatever wind is blowing in Washington.

[ChldsPlay]

DVD??? DVD??? Obama couldn't be troubled to at least get Blu-ray?

[sbark]

he probably Ebay'd them.......got a "buy it now" for 5.00 and free shipping

meanwhile Brown gave them a pen set from HMS Resolute wood.....same material the desk in the oval office is made from.........

I wonder If G.Brown took the 9-11 gift of W.Churchill statue back with him on the plane......

well ...maybe for the better.....if the last democrat President is any indicator, this admin probably would've heisted it as they left office

[sbark]

Honestly, I think it's a matter of things really being different from the Bush Administration and Obama still being relatively young in foreign politics.

...isnt that where all the carryover Clinton Admin. people could chime in....Hillary, Rhame, Holder, David Gergan,

Axlerod is a vet politicaian.....

could it be Obama got advice......and was aragont enough to disregard it?

thats Change....

[masomenos]

could it be Obama got advice......and was aragont enough to disregard it?


Oh man, I bet that's it!!

[sbark]

Oh man, I bet that's it!!

so then your saying...he received no advice, solicited no advice.......and then went out to Walmart and bought the most crass gift he could think of....

.....or maybe it was a gift they didnt want from Larry Flint leftover from Inaugeration day.........they probably have another few hundred of those.....

[ScipioCowboy]

On the surface, this whole affair seems silly; however, by my assessment, we have two genuine allies in the world, and Britain is one of them. Maybe we should be more wary of the consequences of our actions here.

[sbark]

On the surface, this whole affair seems silly; however, by my assessment, we have two genuine allies in the world, and Britain is one of them. Maybe we should be more wary of the consequences of our actions here.

I'd like to think 3----Britain, Canada and Aussies.....

but Britain might be the 1st to fall to the Muslim voter block

[sacase]

I'd like to think 3----Britain, Canada and Aussies.....

but Britain might be the 1st to fall to the Muslim voter block

New Zealand as well. Hence the term Five Eyes.

[ScipioCowboy]

I'd like to think 3----Britain, Canada and Aussies.....

but Britain might be the 1st to fall to the Muslim voter block

New Zealand as well. Hence the term Five Eyes.

Britain and Israel were my selections. But, what do I know?:D

[sbark]

Britain and Israel were my selections. But, what do I know?:D

Wont argue with Israel or New Zealand either......

[burmafrd]

Realistically those five are really the only ones that we can reasonably count on to be somewhat consistently favorable towards us. RIGHT NOW the French Leadership and German Leadership is that way but that changes government to government.

[masomenos]

so then your saying...he received no advice, solicited no advice.......and then went out to Walmart and bought the most crass gift he could think of....

.....or maybe it was a gift they didnt want from Larry Flint leftover from Inaugeration day.........they probably have another few hundred of those.....

There's no way that he went to Walmart, I was thinking one of those movie purchase agreements like Columbia House.

[burmafrd]

amazon.com

[burmafrd]

All jokes aside, this is really inexcuseable and really hints at serious weakness as regards foreign policy. You do not in any way shape or form diss your oldest and best ally. You cannot tell me that someone did not think this was a screw up- but no one did anything.

[daschoo]

but Britain might be the 1st to fall to the Muslim voter block


not going to happen mate, we have the odd fundamentalist cleric and their followers but as someone who lives in the country (albeit while voting for the SNP - scottish national party who are trying to push through a refererendum on independance from britain) and works with muslims and have lived near largely muslim areas the vast majority of them are happy to live and work conforming to our society, despite scaremongering in the media and from radical partys like the british national party or UK independance party.

[sacase]

SOmeting is seriously wrong with Obama's foreign policy. I mean seriously. 25 DVD's? To a world Leader? You give something significant to your best ally, not just send a 22 year old intern to Borders to pick up something. If I was Brown I would be highly insulted and would refuse to come over to the US again while Obama was president. I would make him come to me and each time I would make him wait several hours past our meeting to see me. 25 DVD's? Are you serious? I bet they were REgion 1 DVD's to. He can't even play them, which is even more of an insult. I mean this is like going to a gift exchange with Bill Gates, you give him a brand new mercedes and he gives you a copy of Windows Vista Home edition.

[Rackat]

What a diplomatic faux pas. I hope it was just diplomatic immaturity on Obama's part, because if it was intentional slight, we're going to continue to wrankle our Allies feathers. Bush poked and prodded our enemies, but took care not to do that to our friends. Obama either needs to brush up on his etiquette, or at least get someone in there to give him better advise.

[Cajuncowboy]

This administration is like a combination of Fred Sanford and Jed Clampett.

This is what NO experience get you.

Congrats America! We bet our money and our horse turned out to be a nag.

[Angus]

I'd like to think 3----Britain, Canada and Aussies.....

but Britain might be the 1st to fall to the Muslim voter block

No, the U.S. was the first. Duped people make up that bloc.

:)

[Angus]

What a diplomatic faux pas. I hope it was just diplomatic immaturity on Obama's part, because if it was intentional slight, we're going to continue to wrankle our Allies feathers. Bush poked and prodded our enemies, but took care not to do that to our friends. Obama either needs to brush up on his etiquette, or at least get someone in there to give him better advise.

The Obamas are doing the best they can, in any way they can, to ruin America. Michelle hates it.

:)

[MetalHead]

The Obamas are doing the best they can, in any way they can, to ruin America. Michelle hates England.

:)

This was done intentionally.
You do not hear much here because the media love for Uhbama,but the English are pissed.
Uhbama receives a pen made out of wood from the HMS Resolute,same wood used to build that desk in that famous JFK picture where little John is coming out of the bottom of the desk.
Tells them to take back that Sir Winston Churchill bust given to Bush after Sept 11,2001,and as a sign of solidarity and respect gives them 25 dvds the can't even use?

No one is that stupid.
Change.

[vta]

He should have given him a small row boat and a case of limes and told him to head back to england. :p:

:laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2:

[tyke1doe]

On the surface, this whole affair seems silly; however, by my assessment, we have two genuine allies in the world, and Britain is one of them. Maybe we should be more wary of the consequences of our actions here.

Rrriiiggghhhttt. How dare he give me DVDs. That's it - no more allies for you, America. :laugh1:

There are legimitate issues to be concerned about and then there's this nonsense. :rolleyes:

[masomenos]

From what I understand, Obama is already preparing a mixtape for the next time he and Brown meet.

[MetalHead]

Interesting...

I guess I wonder what would've been appropriate.

Both countries are going thru tough economic times. I don't know if the country would've appreciated them getting too lavish.

*shrug*

This post is an exercise in intellectual dishonesty.

[MetalHead]

From what I understand, Obama is already preparing a mixtape for the next time he and Brown meet.

A Dolemite mix.

[trickblue]

Rrriiiggghhhttt. How dare he give me DVDs. That's it - no more allies for you, America. :laugh1:

There are legimitate issues to be concerned about and then there's this nonsense. :rolleyes:

Etiquette plays a major role in foreign relations...

If this is nonsense, then why is Britain so upset?

For the last 8 years we've heard about how we were viewed by the world in regards to the Bush administration. Why is it not important now... especially with an ally?

[WoodysGirl]

This post is an exercise in intellectual dishonesty.
Trolling my posts will eventually be an exercise in futility.

[tyke1doe]

Etiquette plays a major role in foreign relations...

If this is nonsense, then why is Britain so upset?

I'm sorry, I didn't read from the story where Britains were so upset. Maybe I missed it.


For the last 8 years we've heard about how we were viewed by the world in regards to the Bush administration. Why is it not important now... especially with an ally?

Well, let's see: launching a war under false pretense, engaging the world community to help you and costing thousands of lives while doing so vs. giving a less-than-appreciated gift to a single world leader?

Cmon, you can't be serious can you? :confused:

[trickblue]

I'm sorry, I didn't read from the story where Britains were so upset. Maybe I missed it.

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147993

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147727

There are plenty more although you aren't seeing it much in the MSM...

Well, let's see: launching a war under false pretense, engaging the world community to help you and costing thousands of lives while doing so vs. giving a less-than-appreciated gift to a single world leader?

Cmon, you can't be serious can you? :confused:

Starting a war under "false pretenses" is beside the point, regardless of what you believe. What was important (apparently) was how the world viewed us...

Dissing our allies isn't a good start...

[MetalHead]

Trolling my posts will eventually be an exercise in futility.

Is that a threat?

[WoodysGirl]

Is that a threat?
You should probably take it as one, tho it wasn't intended to be one. You don't have to like me or my posts, but stalking me (or any member) from thread to thread is considered harassment and is definitely against the guidelines.

My overriding point is if you have nothing to really discuss with me, then you should simply try overlooking my posts. I'm not interested in engaging whatever this thing you have against me too much longer if you're not interested in being as honest and upfront as you claim you are.

And if you think I'm a fraud, so be it, then move along. No need, IMO, for you to continue to pounce on every random statement I make to validate your stance.

[MetalHead]

You should probably take it as one, tho it wasn't intended to be one. You don't have to like me or my posts, but stalking me (or any member) from thread to thread is considered harassment and is definitely against the guidelines.

My overriding point is if you have nothing to really discuss with me, then you should simply try overlooking my posts. I'm not interested in engaging whatever this thing you have against me too much longer if you're not interested in being as honest and upfront as you claim you are.

And if you think I'm a fraud, so be it, then move along. No need, IMO, for you to continue to pounce on every random statement I make to validate your stance.

WG,I think you are a fraud because you act like a fraud.
Fly your colors and don't apologize for it.
We all here in the PZ know how I roll,and I won't apologize for it either.
I'm honest with everyone,friend or foe.
I'm not gonna act one way and then claim neutrality or ignorance.
I'm not going to post politically slanted material without questioning it's origins.
If I showed your threads and posts to 10 people without revealing the name,I'd have at least 8 tell me what I already think.
It's crystal clear....honesty within oneself is the first step to trust from others.

[WoodysGirl]

WG,I think you are a fraud because you act like a fraud.
Fly your colors and don't apologize for it.
We all here in the PZ know how I roll,and I won't apologize for it either.
I'm honest with everyone,friend or foe.
I'm not gonna act one way and then claim neutrality or ignorance.
I'm not going to post politically slanted material without questioning it's origins.
If I showed your threads and posts to 10 people without revealing the name,I'd have at least 8 tell me what I already think.
It's crystal clear....honesty within oneself is the first step to trust from others.
Good. Now that we're clear. Ignore me. Because I'm going to be me. And that means that I'm going to post things that interest me. Of which, I provide a link 99% of the time, mainly coming from Yahoo.

And if it that chaps your butt, then so be it. I don't need someone on the internet trying to tell me how I should portray myself because I don't fit a nice, neat package.

If I choose to post an opinion, I will do so and your approval and/or opinion of such means absolute squat to me.

You've not asked one relevant question of me to see where I stand...on anything. You assume. But if you asked me now, at this point, I wouldn't answer, cuz after this thread, I won't care to respond to anymore of your snide comments. So why don't you spare me and the rest of the folks in the PZ anymore of your calling me out. It's quite lame.

[daschoo]

just to let you know, i obviously live in scotland and can honestly say that on here is the only place i've seen this story. i'm not saying it wasn't reported but there wasn't really much of a deal made of it. removing the bust of churchill on the other hand :rolleyes:

[Jordan55]

Maybe he should have just given Brown, a gift card to blockbuster and let him pick out his own DVD's. Diplomacy our President, is giving our allies a new perspective of an American view. I'm sure it's improving over Bush.

http://michellemalkin.cachefly.net/michellemalkin.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/urkel.jpg

[iceberg]

Interesting...

I guess I wonder what would've been appropriate.

Both countries are going thru tough economic times. I don't know if the country would've appreciated them getting too lavish.

*shrug*

part of me wants to agree. the other part of me has a stack of dvd's on my desk at work i can't give away. no, toy story isn't in that stack. : )

the pen given to him is something with a lot of thought behind the presidents position and fits with the dignity of the office. i'm not sure a trip to best buy represents the same thought.

[vta]

part of me wants to agree. the other part of me has a stack of dvd's on my desk at work i can't give away. no, toy story isn't in that stack. : )

the pen given to him is something with a lot of thought behind the presidents position and fits with the dignity of the office. i'm not sure a trip to best buy represents the same thought.

Let's face it, it's patently ignorant.
Pop Culture President, with Pop Culture ideology. Garbage.

[iceberg]

WG,I think you are a fraud because you act like a fraud.
Fly your colors and don't apologize for it.
We all here in the PZ know how I roll,and I won't apologize for it either.
I'm honest with everyone,friend or foe.
I'm not gonna act one way and then claim neutrality or ignorance.
I'm not going to post politically slanted material without questioning it's origins.
If I showed your threads and posts to 10 people without revealing the name,I'd have at least 8 tell me what I already think.
It's crystal clear....honesty within oneself is the first step to trust from others.

and tolerance of people who don't think like you is the next step.

i don't think i've ever apologized for who i am either, but i have apologized for who i am being stupid at times. you don't have to be full of hate and always attacking someone to be a man, dude.

sometimes you have to grow up to get there.

i agree the gift was a bit sad overall. but that's my own opinion. in a country where it's ok to have differeing opinions i'll never understand why one side digs their heels in and covers their ears with nice warm fuzzy preapproved thoughts and cries out in anguish how others don't understand YOUR points of view.

all the while dismissing theirs.

it's ok to disagree. vastly, dude. that's what makes this country great is that we can do that and still back each other. or at least some can do that.

i believe YOU believe you're right about everything you feel. but in many ways you're just the flip side of what you spend a lot of your time arguing against. but just because some topic is graced by your backing and beliefs doesn't make it any more right than the person feeling totally opposite, yet the same way.

i don't think you're a fraud, dude. just angry and confused that people can feel differently than you and still claim the same things you seem to claim.

i guess you do need to grow up to put down childish thoughts. fyi - i can't think of much in my life i'd not trust WG with.

[iceberg]

Let's face it, it's patently ignorant.
Pop Culture President, with Pop Culture ideology. Garbage.

no, i agree. it's like christmas eve and you realized you didn't do your shopping so you lob out some cash, a gift certificate, or something like that. i don't think a lot of $ was spent on the pen he got in return, but the value of what that represented put thought into it.

i agree with WG that the gift didn't need to be an old air force one or a fleet of corvettes or something like that, but it did need to be more symbolic than some animation in a format that's already set to be killed by downloads.

[WoodysGirl]

part of me wants to agree. the other part of me has a stack of dvd's on my desk at work i can't give away. no, toy story isn't in that stack. : )

the pen given to him is something with a lot of thought behind the presidents position and fits with the dignity of the office. i'm not sure a trip to best buy represents the same thought.Maybe I scanned over the piece originally and should re-read it. But I thought the article was pointing out how lavish the Britains had been towards the Obamas and they were upset that the Obamas did not reciprocate to the same level.

I do think a more thoughtful, yet financially responsible gift from both the Obamas would've been appropriate. I'm not a movie person myself, so I probably would've looked cross-eyed if someone gave me DVDs as a gift.

[iceberg]

Maybe I scanned over the piece originally and should re-read it. But I thought the article was pointing out how lavish the Britains had been towards the Obamas and they were upset that the Obamas did not reciprocate to the same level.

I do think a more thoughtful, yet financially responsible gift from both the Obamas would've been appropriate. I'm not a movie person myself, so I probably would've looked cross-eyed if someone gave me DVDs as a gift.

so far i've gotten that obama got a pretty cool pen with a LOT of historic significance behind it. not sure the cost in making it, but the value would be very personal and show thought to obama and the office.

a stack of dvd's in return i'd simply throw away on my way home. i quit buying them and get most of my movies online now and only collect ones that truely have value to me.

[tyke1doe]

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147993

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147727

There are plenty more although you aren't seeing it much in the MSM...

Again, I don't see where "Brits" are upset over this. :huh:

In the first link, it just quotes maybe one or two people who give their opinion. But it hardly registers on the outrage scale.

In the second link, that's not even talking about gifts.



Starting a war under "false pretenses" is beside the point, regardless of what you believe. What was important (apparently) was how the world viewed us...

It's not a point because you don't want it to be a point. But it IS a point to the rest of the world. The reason America's image has dropped in the eyes of the world is because we started what they believe is an unjust war, a war started on faulty pretense. And that war has costed thousands of lives.

What do you mean that's besides the point? :mad:


Dissing our allies isn't a good start...

You're not dissing allies because you don't give an appropriate gift. And it's not like that's something you can't recover from. Meanwhile, starting a war under false pretenses, killing thousands of people, aiding in the recruitment of future terrorists and then saying, "Opps, my bad," now that's something you can't recover from.

[tyke1doe]

Good. Now that we're clear. Ignore me. Because I'm going to be me. And that means that I'm going to post things that interest me. Of which, I provide a link 99% of the time, mainly coming from Yahoo.

And if it that chaps your butt, then so be it. I don't need someone on the internet trying to tell me how I should portray myself because I don't fit a nice, neat package.

If I choose to post an opinion, I will do so and your approval and/or opinion of such means absolute squat to me.

You've not asked one relevant question of me to see where I stand...on anything. You assume. But if you asked me now, at this point, I wouldn't answer, cuz after this thread, I won't care to respond to anymore of your snide comments. So why don't you spare me and the rest of the folks in the PZ anymore of your calling me out. It's quite lame.


Ddddddaaaaannnnngggg!!!

Revoking someone's manhood card. ;)

[iceberg]

You're not dissing allies because you don't give an appropriate gift. And it's not like that's something you can't recover from. Meanwhile, starting a war under false pretenses, killing thousands of people, aiding in the recruitment of future terrorists and then saying, "Opps, my bad," now that's something you can't recover from.

ok, how about this then to add to the thoughtlessness of the gift -

it's now coming out they're likely region 1 dvd's, meaning he can't even play them in the UK. if this is the case then the gift is totally w/o thought or even caring about who you're trying to give a gift too.

1st - a thoughtless gift you'd think would be hard to top, then it is because it's also now useless to him.

bush is over and done and not relevant to our current direction unless you need a crutch for obama.

it's amazing to me how 'the buck stops with the president' was a rally cry for the left and now that their dude is top dog, the buck stops now with the FORMER president.

bush is done - let it go and let's focus on where we are and how we move forward.

[tyke1doe]

ok, how about this then to add to the thoughtlessness of the gift -

it's now coming out they're likely region 1 dvd's, meaning he can't even play them in the UK. if this is the case then the gift is totally w/o thought or even caring about who you're trying to give a gift too.

1st - a thoughtless gift you'd think would be hard to top, then it is because it's also now useless to him.

bush is over and done and not relevant to our current direction unless you need a crutch for obama.

it's amazing to me how 'the buck stops with the president' was a rally cry for the left and now that their dude is top dog, the buck stops now with the FORMER president.

bush is done - let it go and let's focus on where we are and how we move forward.


I wish we could. But the basis for much of the criticism of Obama is that the left and Democrats criticized Bush. So let's give Obama a taste of what Bush endured, even though there were justifiable reasons to criticize Bush.

And this is coming from someone who voted for Bush twice, who supported the war but who said before the war started that if we don't find WMDs, I will reverse course and become a Bush critic. Because I listened very carefully to his justification for this war.

Now having said that, let's get to Obama.

My questions and points as it pertained to this issue were ...

1. Where's the outrage in Britain? A few people complain that this was an inappropriate gift, but I don't hear an outcry over what Obama did.

2. A bad gift is something one can overcome. I don't understand offering this as an example of how Obama lacks diplomacy. Okay, so he gave a bad gift. It's not like he can't re-do. All he simply has to do is apologize and send a better gift.
It's ... not ... that ... complicated ... nor ... is ... it ... that ... big ... a ... deal.

Pulease. :rolleyes:

[iceberg]

I wish we could. But the basis for much of the criticism of Obama is that the left and Democrats criticized Bush. So let's give Obama a taste of what Bush endured, even though there were justifiable reasons to criticize Bush.

And this is coming from someone who voted for Bush twice, who supported the war but who said before the war started that if we don't find WMDs, I will reverse course and become a Bush critic. Because I listened very carefully to his justification for this war.

Now having said that, let's get to Obama.

My questions and points as it pertained to this issue were ...

1. Where's the outrage in Britain? A few people complain that this was an inappropriate gift, but I don't hear an outcry over what Obama did.

2. A bad gift is something one can overcome. I don't understand offering this as an example of how Obama lacks diplomacy. Okay, so he gave a bad gift. It's not like he can't re-do. All he simply has to do is apologize and send a better gift.
It's ... not ... that ... complicated ... nor ... is ... it ... that ... big ... a ... deal.

Pulease. :rolleyes:

i don't hear an outrage here either - just it was stupid. and it was. it's a gift he can't even use and you're over there going "so what".

if this is such a non-issue why do you work so hard to defend obama for it?

i'm sick and tired of the radical left who spend 8 years dogging bush suddenly wanting respect for obama and the office while all the while STILL blaming bush for our failures.

we failed as a country dude. not as a man, not as a party - but as a country. period. so stop trying to fill my arse with smoke of the ignorance and try to tell me obama will fix everything bush did in time if you just let him.

you can't have both sides of the coin but so many liberals want just that.

ability to make all the decisions.
no accountability for doing so.

very childlike.

the gift was stupid. period. it's looking like it was also useless. period.

i don't care about bush and i long for the day the extreme left can let go of their favorite crutch and try to walk on their own two feet. i also long for the day the right will stop doing what they hated the left doing to bush for 8 years.

till then we'll sit here and argue over stupidity as if it matters.

[trickblue]

Again, I don't see where "Brits" are upset over this. :huh:

In the first link, it just quotes maybe one or two people who give their opinion. But it hardly registers on the outrage scale.

In the second link, that's not even talking about gifts.

No it's not... and that's the whole point. Did you read it?

They are upset over the perceived lack of respect...


It's not a point because you don't want it to be a point. But it IS a point to the rest of the world. The reason America's image has dropped in the eyes of the world is because we started what they believe is an unjust war, a war started on faulty pretense. And that war has costed thousands of lives.

What do you mean that's besides the point? :mad:

I mean that you are basing your opinion on how YOU feel about the war as a fact...

You're not dissing allies because you don't give an appropriate gift. And it's not like that's something you can't recover from. Meanwhile, starting a war under false pretenses, killing thousands of people, aiding in the recruitment of future terrorists and then saying, "Opps, my bad," now that's something you can't recover from.

In many parts of the world... you are... and again... your perception of the war is not fact... it's your perception...

[trickblue]

just to let you know, i obviously live in scotland and can honestly say that on here is the only place i've seen this story. i'm not saying it wasn't reported but there wasn't really much of a deal made of it. removing the bust of churchill on the other hand :rolleyes:

They are UK papers... our press has barely mentioned anything...

[daschoo]

They are UK papers... our press has barely mentioned anything...


scotland is in the uk! (unfortunately. although the biggest party in the scottish parliament at the moment are the snp so hopefully moving towards independance) scotland, england, wales and n. ireland make up the united kingdom of great britain and northern ireland to give it the title that appears on my passport. no offence but i think i have a better idea of what is in the british papers than you do and i can assure you this has barely had a mention. in fact the tabloids are more concerned with a z-list celeb dying of cancer at the moment.

[Cajuncowboy]

scotland is in the uk! scotland, england, wales and n. ireland make up the united kingdom of great britain and northern ireland to give it the title that appears on my passport. no offence but i think i have a better idea of what is in the british papers than you do and i can assure you this has barely had a mention. in fact the tabloids are more concerned with a z-list celeb dying of cancer at the moment.

So if it's not in the European press, which it is, and it's not in the US press, which it primarily is not, then why do we know about it???? OR don't the ones that printed it count?

Just asking.

[tyke1doe]

i don't hear an outrage here either - just it was stupid. and it was. it's a gift he can't even use and you're over there going "so what".

Okay. So it was stupid, according to you. Do you think this is going to somehow hurt our alliance with Great Britain?


if this is such a non-issue why do you work so hard to defend obama for it?

Ah, the old "if you don't think it's an issue why respond" tactic. :laugh1:

I'm not defending Obama for it. I've already conceded that maybe it wasn't most appropriate gift.

But to suggest, as some here have, that this is some major gaffe in protocol as if it somehow damages our relationship with other countries is ridiculous.


i'm sick and tired of the radical left who spend 8 years dogging bush suddenly wanting respect for obama and the office while all the while STILL blaming bush for our failures.

If you're sick and tired of it, then you don't have to listen to it or respond.
And I haven't blamed Bush for all our failures. I do blame him for the Iraqi War.

we failed as a country dude. not as a man, not as a party - but as a country. period. so stop trying to fill my arse with smoke of the ignorance and try to tell me obama will fix everything bush did in time if you just let him.

Straw men, straw men, everywhere.

And I don't think you'd know ignorance if it gave you a big French kiss. I wouldn't go there if I were you.

you can't have both sides of the coin but so many liberals want just that.

I don't even know what this means in the context. You ramble about so much it's hard to follow.


ability to make all the decisions.
no accountability for doing so.

:huh:


very childlike.

Oh, the irony.

the gift was stupid. period. it's looking like it was also useless. period.

:laugh1: So a gift, something that one gives as a gesture of friendship, peace, etc., is stupid.

And it looks like it's useless (translation: you aren't sure that's the case) therefore it is. End of discussion?

I bet you can't even determine why that statement was contradictory.


i don't care about bush and i long for the day the extreme left can let go of their favorite crutch and try to walk on their own two feet. i also long for the day the right will stop doing what they hated the left doing to bush for 8 years.

till then we'll sit here and argue over stupidity as if it matters.

Of course, you don't care about Bush. You merely want to believe that there are no consequence to Bush's actions in the war on Iraq. Let's just forget about it now that Bush is gone. Poof. Be gone.

Yeah, tell all the families who lost loved ones, the enormous debt our country will have to pay for generations to come because of that war.

Poof. Be gone. Consequence. It's all a liberal conspiracy.

:rolleyes:

[daschoo]

So if it's not in the European press, which it is, and it's not in the US press, which it primarily is not, then why do we know about it???? OR don't the ones that printed it count?

Just asking.

i never said it hadn't been covered at all, i said that it was not being made a big issue of.
it may be in the european press, i don't speak french, german, italian etc and therefore couldn't comment on what they are reporting. i live in the uk, i know (on account of actually being here) that this is not a big issue here. if you want to believe that it must be then go right ahead but i would say that i'm in a better position to comment on the british press than you.

[trickblue]

scotland is in the uk! (unfortunately. although the biggest party in the scottish parliament at the moment are the snp so hopefully moving towards independance) scotland, england, wales and n. ireland make up the united kingdom of great britain and northern ireland to give it the title that appears on my passport. no offence but i think i have a better idea of what is in the british papers than you do and i can assure you this has barely had a mention. in fact the tabloids are more concerned with a z-list celeb dying of cancer at the moment.

I know what the UK is... that was my whole point... it's YOUR paper... :rolleyes:

Take it for what it's worth... but it is there...

No offense taken, but on the other side of the coin, in other threads, I'm sure I have a better idea of what's going on over here than you do. It's a two way street... ;)

[tyke1doe]

No it's not... and that's the whole point. Did you read it?

They are upset over the perceived lack of respect...

Yes, I did read. And I don't see all this outrage.


I mean that you are basing your opinion on how YOU feel about the war as a fact...

It's not how I feel about the war. It's how other nations feel about the war. Remember, you asked this question:


If this is nonsense, then why is Britain so upset?

For the last 8 years we've heard about how we were viewed by the world in regards to the Bush administration. Why is it not important now... especially with an ally?

I responded by saying that the countries of the world were upset not about some breach in etiquette but because we started a war.

That's why they were upset with Bush. If you doubt me, I can pull some links to support my view. But I thought that was general knowledge.


In many parts of the world... you are... and again... your perception of the war is not fact... it's your perception...

What's fact is that Bush said one thing about this war and it turns out he morphed his rationale into another. That is FACT.

Second, it doesn't matter what other parts of the world think. If they supported the Iraq invasion, obviously, they wouldn't be included in those countries upset with America. Remember what we're discussing.

Third, let's not miss the issue here. This wouldn't have been about the war if not for you asking why the British gaffe isn't seen in the same light as Bush's criticism.

Bottom line: Bush is not seen as a stellar leader not because some gaffe in etiquette but because he launched a war and did not find the key element he based the war on. And many other countries view that as a trumped up reason to invade Iraq, especially considering the cost.

You, not I, started the comparison with Bush. Don't be mad if I explore it in trying to defend my perspective that this current gaffe is small in comparison.

[ThaBigP]

Yes, I did read. And I don't see all this outrage.



It's not how I feel about the war. It's how other nations feel about the war. Remember, you asked this question:



I responded by saying that the countries of the world were upset not about some breach in etiquette but because we started a war.

That's why they were upset with Bush. If you doubt me, I can pull some links to support my view. But I thought that was general knowledge.



What's fact is that Bush said one thing about this war and it turns out he morphed his rationale into another. That is FACT.

Second, it doesn't matter what other parts of the world think. If they supported the Iraq invasion, obviously, they wouldn't be included in those countries upset with America. Remember what we're discussing.

Third, let's not miss the issue here. This wouldn't have been about the war if not for you asking why the British gaffe isn't seen in the same light as Bush's criticism.

Bottom line: Bush is not seen as a stellar leader not because some gaffe in etiquette but because he launched a war and did not find the key element he based the war on. And many other countries view that as a trumped up reason to invade Iraq, especially considering the cost.

You, not I, started the comparison with Bush. Don't be mad if I explore it in trying to defend my perspective that this current gaffe is small in comparison.

BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!
BUSH! IRAQ! STRAWMAN!

[daschoo]

I know what the UK is... that was my whole point... it's YOUR paper... :rolleyes:

Take it for what it's worth... but it is there...

No offense taken, but on the other side of the coin, in other threads, I'm sure I have a better idea of what's going on over here than you do. It's a two way street... ;)


sorry misunderstood your point. thought you figured i was in america and was saying it hadn't been covered in the american media. as i said to cajun i never said it hadn't been picked up on. what i said was that its not something that is being made a big deal of over here. getting rid of the bust of churchill did raise quite a few eyebrows but the dvds honestly has not created any kind of a stir.

i fully understand you have a better idea of whats going on over there than i do mate and wouldn't presume otherwise. in fact if you check the thread about the mexican drug cartels i qualified my input with "i'm from scotland so there may be circumstances particular to over there but..." before putting in my tuppence worth.

[Cajuncowboy]

i never said it hadn't been covered at all, i said that it was not being made a big issue of.
it may be in the european press, i don't speak french, german, italian etc and therefore couldn't comment on what they are reporting. i live in the uk, i know (on account of actually being here) that this is not a big issue here. if you want to believe that it must be then go right ahead but i would say that i'm in a better position to comment on the british press than you.

Is this not a British Paper???

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1159627/To-special-friend-Gordon-25-DVDs-Obama-gives-Brown-set-classic-movies-Lets-hope-likes-Wizard-Oz.html

Or this which says "The British Press are all Appaled"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/mar/06/obama-dvd-brown

YOu might be over there but that doesn't mean we in the U.S. don't have internet access and can't read.

[tyke1doe]

edit for space

I thought you had me on ignore. Let me recommend you do so since you have little ability to follow contextual arguments and discussions.

You clearly don't understand what a straw man is.

Please brush up on your reading comprehension, go back a few pages and follow the flow of conversation that led me to bring up Bush and the Iraqi War.

You'll see that as it relates to this discussion with me, trickblue mentioned Bush first. I responded to his question.

I shouldn't have to explain logical flow to you. But school is in session. And I don't mind being the teacher. ;)

[BrAinPaiNt]

Is this not a British Paper???

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1159627/To-special-friend-Gordon-25-DVDs-Obama-gives-Brown-set-classic-movies-Lets-hope-likes-Wizard-Oz.html

Or this which says "The British Press are all Appaled"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/mar/06/obama-dvd-brown

YOu might be over there but that doesn't mean we in the U.S. don't have internet access and can't read.

I think you two need to get on the same page.

He is not saying they have not covered it at all. He said they are not making a big deal out of it.

Actually he goes on to say that they are currently more interested in some celebrity thing. One could argue they might be similar to our press when some things might get covered but not as a big deal but instead they talk about other things that dominate the headlines.

[iceberg]

Okay. So it was stupid, according to you. Do you think this is going to somehow hurt our alliance with Great Britain?

obama returns the bust of churchill. WHY? we give him region 1 dvd's he can't even use. WHY? how does this help tyke?

before i address the rest of your ramblings (funny how you write more than me but i ramble) tell me why it's ok or not going to cause a problem to return the bust?

is it not a slap to give useless trinkets to our biggest ally?

it's as if we're reaching out to our enemies WANTING to make things work while we piss of the few who still stand by us.

there are consquences for what bush did. as there will be for obama. again, put the bush-crutch down and see what obama does. it's his turn and he needs to accept the fact he's responsible for decisions now.

[daschoo]

Is this not a British Paper???

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1159627/To-special-friend-Gordon-25-DVDs-Obama-gives-Brown-set-classic-movies-Lets-hope-likes-Wizard-Oz.html

Or this which says "The British Press are all Appaled"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/mar/06/obama-dvd-brown

YOu might be over there but that doesn't mean we in the U.S. don't have internet access and can't read.

if you check the post of mine you highlighted you'll see i acknowledged that it had been covered in the press over here. i said it wasn't a major story here. the first link if you check it the vast majority of the comments on the story are from americans which would back up my point of it not being a major story here. if it was brits would have commented on it.

the guardian link is to their online film blog, hardly where you would expect them to run a major story.
again i'm not saying that it hasn't been covered in the press, merely that its not something that the press are carrying majorly. this is probably at least partly because obama is seen in a very favourable light here whereas i would tend to agree that if bush had given this gift he would have been roundly ridiculed.

i'm not saying you cant read but like you would have a better idea of public and media opinion where you are if i had read a few articles online i have a better idea of said opinions here after you have done likewise.

we seem to disagree on a lot, guess we both just have strong opinions

[Cajuncowboy]

if you check the post of mine you highlighted you'll see i acknowledged that it had been covered in the press over here. i said it wasn't a major story here. the first link if you check it the vast majority of the comments on the story are from americans which would back up my point of it not being a major story here. if it was brits would have commented on it.

the guardian link is to their online film blog, hardly where you would expect them to run a major story.
again i'm not saying that it hasn't been covered in the press, merely that its not something that the press are carrying majorly. this is probably at least partly because obama is seen in a very favourable light here whereas i would tend to agree that if bush had given this gift he would have been roundly ridiculed.

i'm not saying you cant read but like you would have a better idea of public and media opinion where you are if i had read a few articles online i have a better idea of said opinions here after you have done likewise.

we seem to disagree on a lot, guess we both just have strong opinions

It also says the British Press is Appalled over this.

Don't know what quantifies being a big deal.

And hey, it's ok to disagree. This place would be boring without it.

None of this stuff is taken personally by anybody.

As you can see Brain and I disagree on most everything but we are cool with each other.

You can still disagree and still be friends. Though if Brain and I hung out together in real life, he'd have to cut his hair and saw off his horns.

:D

[daschoo]

It also says the British Press is Appalled over this.

Don't know what quantifies being a big deal.

And hey, it's ok to disagree. This place would be boring without it.

None of this stuff is taken personally by anybody.

As you can see Brain and I disagree on most everything but we are cool with each other.

You can still disagree and still be friends. Though if Brain and I hung out together in real life, he'd have to cut his hair and saw off his horns.

:D

throw in some shinerbock (loved that beer), i'll bring some scotch, brain can provide tequila and that sounds like a night out :beer2:

[Cajuncowboy]

throw in some shinerbock (loved that beer), i'll bring some scotch, brain can provide tequila and that sounds like a night out :beer2:

I don't drink so I'll be the designated driver, but I'm there!

[trickblue]

throw in some shinerbock (loved that beer), i'll bring some scotch, brain can provide tequila and that sounds like a night out :beer2:

Throw in some Laphroaig 40 Year and I'll buy you all the Shiner Bock you can drink... :D

[BrAinPaiNt]

I don't drink so I'll be the designated driver, but I'm there!

Good man.

I guess we can take turns driving.:cool:

[Cajuncowboy]

Good man.

I guess we can take turns driving.:cool:

Doesn't look like we are going to run up a Marion Barber type of bar bill.

[daschoo]

Throw in some Laphroaig 40 Year and I'll buy you all the Shiner Bock you can drink... :D

40 year :eek:
i tend to stick to the 8 to 12 year old due to finances. do love laphroaig though very smokey as the islay malts tend to be.
at the moment i've got a couple of bottles in my cabinet but this is my favourite just now
http://www.spencerfieldspirit.com/sheepdip.html

[daschoo]

I don't drink so I'll be the designated driver, but I'm there!


that sounds dangerous, i'll never be able to hold an argument if i'm hammered and you're sober.
although you can win the arguments so long as i can teach you celtic songs (bear in mind once i'm drunk and talking about sport you'll be hearing them anyway) :D

[trickblue]

40 year :eek:
i tend to stick to the 8 to 12 year old due to finances. do love laphroaig though very smokey as the islay malts tend to be.
at the moment i've got a couple of bottles in my cabinet but this is my favourite just now
http://www.spencerfieldspirit.com/sheepdip.html

Yeah that 40 year is a pipe dream for most of us. I do enjoy the 8 and 12 year... neat...

Never tried Sheep Dip... actually never seen it. I'll keep an eye open for it...

[daschoo]

normally throw a wee bit of ice in there though neat is also good, particularly if i'm sneaking a hip flask into the game.
think sheep dip is only sold in a chain of stores called "the whisky shop" that only has branches in scotland to the best of my knowledge.

[Cajuncowboy]

that sounds dangerous, i'll never be able to hold an argument if i'm hammered and you're sober.
although you can win the arguments so long as i can teach you celtic songs (bear in mind once i'm drunk and talking about sport you'll be hearing them anyway) :D

You are having problems now, I can't imagine when you are drunk. :tongue:

[ScipioCowboy]

Throw in some Laphroaig 40 Year and I'll buy you all the Shiner Bock you can drink... :D

Did someone say Shiner Bock? I don't often drink beer, but when I do, it's Shiner Bock.:D

[daschoo]

You are having problems now, I can't imagine when you are drunk. :tongue:

swine :D

[masomenos]

After doing a bit of reading, I think that Obama may just have been trying to match the gifts that brown gave to George W. Bush. On their first meeting, Brown gave Bush a box of chocolates, a blanket and a copy of the same autobiography that he gave Obama.

http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-77400.html

And the British media was equally "insulted" with one of Bush's gifts to Brown on their first meeting.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2007/08/bush_bombs_with_bomber_jacket.html

[ScipioCowboy]

After doing a bit of reading, I think that Obama may just have been trying to match the gifts that brown gave to George W. Bush. On their first meeting, Brown gave Bush a box of chocolates, a blanket and a copy of the same autobiography that he gave Obama.

http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-77400.html

And the British media was equally "insulted" with one of Bush's gifts to Brown on their first meeting.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2007/08/bush_bombs_with_bomber_jacket.html

Come on, now! Who doesn't like bomber jackets?

[masomenos]

Come on, now! Who doesn't like bomber jackets?

Seriously, I bet Brown doesn't like apple pie either. He's too "austere", that limey Brit!

[daschoo]

Seriously, I bet Brown doesn't like apple pie either. He's too "austere", that limey Brit!


brown i doubt can even raise a smile at the point of climax. never seen a more dour man :rolleyes:

[masomenos]

normally throw a wee bit of ice in there though neat is also good, particularly if i'm sneaking a hip flask into the game.
think sheep dip is only sold in a chain of stores called "the whisky shop" that only has branches in scotland to the best of my knowledge.

There's a little liquor store named Gordon's Liquor Mart in Greeley, CO that sells Sheep Dip, so I'm sure you can find it stateside if you look around.

[iceberg]

After doing a bit of reading, I think that Obama may just have been trying to match the gifts that brown gave to George W. Bush. On their first meeting, Brown gave Bush a box of chocolates, a blanket and a copy of the same autobiography that he gave Obama.

http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-77400.html

And the British media was equally "insulted" with one of Bush's gifts to Brown on their first meeting.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2007/08/bush_bombs_with_bomber_jacket.html

interesting. at least this tries to compare the two more objectively.

i thought this was funny from the end of the 2nd article:

Under the British government's ethics rules, the Times of London reports, Brown "must pay the equivalent cash value of the jacket if he wants to keep it, but is thought unlikely to do so."
-----

i wonder if he'll pay for the DVDs. : )

[tyke1doe]

obama returns the bust of churchill. WHY? we give him region 1 dvd's he can't even use. WHY? how does this help tyke?

before i address the rest of your ramblings (funny how you write more than me but i ramble) tell me why it's ok or not going to cause a problem to return the bust?

is it not a slap to give useless trinkets to our biggest ally?

it's as if we're reaching out to our enemies WANTING to make things work while we piss of the few who still stand by us.

there are consquences for what bush did. as there will be for obama. again, put the bush-crutch down and see what obama does. it's his turn and he needs to accept the fact he's responsible for decisions now.


What are you talking about? :huh:

[ThaBigP]

I thought you had me on ignore. Let me recommend you do so since you have little ability to follow contextual arguments and discussions.

You clearly don't understand what a straw man is.

Please brush up on your reading comprehension, go back a few pages and follow the flow of conversation that led me to bring up Bush and the Iraqi War.

You'll see that as it relates to this discussion with me, trickblue mentioned Bush first. I responded to his question.

I shouldn't have to explain logical flow to you. But school is in session. And I don't mind being the teacher. ;)

STRAWMAN!
STRAWMAN!
STRAWMAN!
STRAWMAN!
STRAWMAN!
STRAWMAN!
STRAWMAN!
STRAWMAN!
STRAWMAN!
STRAWMAN!
STRAWMAN!
STRAWMAN!
STRAWMAN!
STRAWMAN!
STRAWMAN!
STRAWMAN!
STRAWMAN!

[tyke1doe]

After doing a bit of reading, I think that Obama may just have been trying to match the gifts that brown gave to George W. Bush. On their first meeting, Brown gave Bush a box of chocolates, a blanket and a copy of the same autobiography that he gave Obama.

http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-77400.html

And the British media was equally "insulted" with one of Bush's gifts to Brown on their first meeting.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2007/08/bush_bombs_with_bomber_jacket.html

Say it with me, maso, selective memory, selective memory. ;)

[ZB9]

wow cant wait to see what they give Sarkozy...perhaps a carton of cigarettes?

[ZB9]

Britain and Israel were my selections.

next to Britain, Australia has been the U.S.'s strongest and most consistent ally

[MetalHead]

wow cant wait to see what they give Sarkozy...perhaps a carton of cigarettes?

Nah..Sark will get Season 2 of "Sandford and Son" and "The Mexican".

[BrAinPaiNt]

Nah..Sark will get Season 2 of "Sandford and Son" and "The Mexican".

Well with the jump in cigarette prices, as I found out first hand today, probably means the smokes cost more.:laugh2:

One a side note...Hillary met with some russian diplomat recently. Did not catch who it was.

But she presented him with some lame button (like the easy button in some office depot or other company advert).

Anyways it was susposed to say reset in russian and she mentioned it to him and he looked at it and said it actually meant OVERCHARGE :laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2: and then she said something along the lines of they should push it together as a symbolic gesture to reset the USA and Russia's relationship but she said...Let's do it together. :laugh2: :laugh2:

Saw it on Daily Show with Stewart and was rolling.

[tyke1doe]

Jay Leno used the same clip and had a mushroom cloud explosion in the background. :laugh2:

[ZB9]

Nah..Sark will get Season 2 of "Sandford and Son" and "The Mexican".

:laugh1:

[SuspectCorner]

part of me wants to agree. the other part of me has a stack of dvd's on my desk at work i can't give away. no, toy story isn't in that stack. : )

the pen given to him is something with a lot of thought behind the presidents position and fits with the dignity of the office. i'm not sure a trip to best buy represents the same thought.

Suppose Obama gave Brown the complete David Lean, Stanley Kubrick, and Alexander Korda collections... that wouldn't be too bad, would it?




Naaaah... Obama definitely scrod the pooch. Shoulda been Blu-Ray and throw in a PS3. With "Metal Gear Solid 4".

[ThaBigP]

Suppose Obama gave Brown the complete David Lean, Stanley Kubrick, and Alexander Korda collections... that wouldn't be too bad, would it?




Naaaah... Obama definitely scrod the pooch. Shoulda been Blu-Ray and throw in a PS3. With "Metal Gear Solid 4".

Only....isn't Brown blind in one eye? And in danger of going blind in the other?

[trickblue]

Suppose Obama gave Brown the complete David Lean, Stanley Kubrick, and Alexander Korda collections... that wouldn't be too bad, would it?




Naaaah... Obama definitely scrod the pooch. Shoulda been Blu-Ray and throw in a PS3. With "Metal Gear Solid 4".

He should have given him "Leisure Suit Larry"...

[BrAinPaiNt]

He should have given him "Leisure Suit Larry"...

:laugh2: A blast from the past.