Technology4 mins ago
Apologies
In the grand scheme of things, I suppose it's not terribly important, but, after discussions with numerous friends about the relationship, historically speaking, between the U.S.and the U.K., I'd like to proffer sincere apologies for the demeaning behavior of our President... first to Mr. Brown (I understand he's not the most beloved PM England has ever had) and now to the Queen.
Regardless of how either of these individuals are held in esteem or lack thereof by the British citizens,they are still representatve, in most American's sight, of all that the U.K. has been for centuries and the special relationship still held dear by many here.
Obama is either tone deaf when dealing with other heads of state or there's an underlying motive to the gaffes observable in his treatment of both.
Please accept this U.S. citizen's apologies and understand the large majority of most of us have nothing but admiration of that "Green and Pleasant Land" and its contributions to civilization in general and to the U.S. in particular...
Regardless of how either of these individuals are held in esteem or lack thereof by the British citizens,they are still representatve, in most American's sight, of all that the U.K. has been for centuries and the special relationship still held dear by many here.
Obama is either tone deaf when dealing with other heads of state or there's an underlying motive to the gaffes observable in his treatment of both.
Please accept this U.S. citizen's apologies and understand the large majority of most of us have nothing but admiration of that "Green and Pleasant Land" and its contributions to civilization in general and to the U.S. in particular...
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That's nice and reassuing. We sometimes get the impression the USA is full of IRA sympathisers. We have a long, admittedly chequered, history between us. But in the end we share a common heritage.
Obama is generally held in high regard here as a refreshing change from Bush but only time will tell if he delivers.
Obama is generally held in high regard here as a refreshing change from Bush but only time will tell if he delivers.
I'm surprised we still cling to America's coat-tails like we do. The only thing we have in common is the language. Geographically we are part of Europe and more than 50% of our trade is done in this block. We should put all our energies into a tripartied with Merkel and Sarkozy which together would be stronger than any other country on earth.
Thanks, Clanad, but I don't understand. What 'gaffes' did Obama commit? As far as I'm aware, his meetings with the PM and the Queen were warm and friendly.
I'm glad if what you say, that most Americans admire the UK, is correct. We share more than just the language. There are important cultural links and similarities, and historical influences. To anybody in Britain, an American is immediately less 'foreign' than a continental European.
I don't approve of the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan, but I'm all for strong friendly ties between the US and the UK.
I'm glad if what you say, that most Americans admire the UK, is correct. We share more than just the language. There are important cultural links and similarities, and historical influences. To anybody in Britain, an American is immediately less 'foreign' than a continental European.
I don't approve of the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan, but I'm all for strong friendly ties between the US and the UK.
I agree rov1200. But although multiracial, the USA still has a strong European heritage. We share a lot of values and sense of justice. Unfortunately both suffer from fools and crooks. However, although I agree we cannot rely on a special relationship (which is non existent but which our government is eager to embrace) we should still support each other as much as possible.
Hi Clanad, its a question of reading between the lines, Obama patting Brown on the back, was reminiscent of Bush and Blair after 911, therebye making Blair his poodle, History may be repeating itself, overall though, I think it went well, But its good of you to apologies, and as in the answers above, taken in the spirit its intended.
Presumably the terrible gaffes to which Clanad refers are the fact that Obama gave the Queen an iPod and Brown some DVDs. Now, hold on to your hats, because the explanation of why these gaffes are of such international importance is coming...
But it is pretty shocking stuff and could easily spark an international incident.
The Queen *already has 2 iPods*!
The DVDs were region 1 *not region 2*!
Oooh, I'm so appalled I may faint. Someone break out the smelling salts, please...
Of course, there's probably no chance that Clanad's completely preposterous apology for these total non-events is motivated by his belief that Obama, who supports the funding of science and who accepts evolution, is the second cousin of Satan, come to destroy the great Christian nation that is the USA.
Just because that's the view of most other creationists, it doesn't follow he buys into the same whackaloon logic.
But it is pretty shocking stuff and could easily spark an international incident.
The Queen *already has 2 iPods*!
The DVDs were region 1 *not region 2*!
Oooh, I'm so appalled I may faint. Someone break out the smelling salts, please...
Of course, there's probably no chance that Clanad's completely preposterous apology for these total non-events is motivated by his belief that Obama, who supports the funding of science and who accepts evolution, is the second cousin of Satan, come to destroy the great Christian nation that is the USA.
Just because that's the view of most other creationists, it doesn't follow he buys into the same whackaloon logic.
Suffice it to say that I was as embarassed by the shabby treatment extended to PM Brown as I am to be a countryman of people like neo101... Proof positive the zillions of dollars spent over the last 50 years on improving education has been for nought.
Perhaps the "gaffes" by the Obamas weren't as widley reported in the U.K. as here. Here's but one synopsis:
http://www.ask.com/bar?q=Obama%27s+treatment+o f+England&page=1&qsrc=2417&ab=7&u=http%3A%2F%2 Fhillarynme.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F16%2Ft he-obamas-stunning-lack-of-savvy-sophisticatio n-statementship-dissing-pm-brown-the-brits%2F
Lest anyone perceive the flap as being simply about gift exchange; it's far more than that. What isn't reported in this excerpt was the return of an historic bust of Churchill to the British government. it had deep and cherished meaning and was a gift, albeit it lent, to the American citizens. Apparently, Churchill was held in low esteem or perhpas it was just another put-down of the previous President, who received the gift.
An I-pod to the Queen! Give me a break... and as "unwashed hoi-polloi" as I am, living on a cattle ranch in the western U.S., I would know one doesn't hug the Queen... it's just not done. I would like to think there's some semblance of civilized protocol somewhere in the bowels of the White House, but I'm not holding my breath...
Perhaps the "gaffes" by the Obamas weren't as widley reported in the U.K. as here. Here's but one synopsis:
http://www.ask.com/bar?q=Obama%27s+treatment+o f+England&page=1&qsrc=2417&ab=7&u=http%3A%2F%2 Fhillarynme.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F16%2Ft he-obamas-stunning-lack-of-savvy-sophisticatio n-statementship-dissing-pm-brown-the-brits%2F
Lest anyone perceive the flap as being simply about gift exchange; it's far more than that. What isn't reported in this excerpt was the return of an historic bust of Churchill to the British government. it had deep and cherished meaning and was a gift, albeit it lent, to the American citizens. Apparently, Churchill was held in low esteem or perhpas it was just another put-down of the previous President, who received the gift.
An I-pod to the Queen! Give me a break... and as "unwashed hoi-polloi" as I am, living on a cattle ranch in the western U.S., I would know one doesn't hug the Queen... it's just not done. I would like to think there's some semblance of civilized protocol somewhere in the bowels of the White House, but I'm not holding my breath...
(I understand he's not the most beloved PM England has ever had)
I don't want to be picky here, but Gordon Brown is the PM of Britain. England is only one part of Britain. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have a place in Britain too.
Sorry is thats sounds a bit over sensitive, but it amazes me how many people say "England" when in fact they mean "Britain".
I don't want to be picky here, but Gordon Brown is the PM of Britain. England is only one part of Britain. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have a place in Britain too.
Sorry is thats sounds a bit over sensitive, but it amazes me how many people say "England" when in fact they mean "Britain".
News update from here in the UK.
We judge US presidents on whether they drag the world into war, on whether they have economic nous, on whether they promote progress and understanding.
Not on their choice of gifts or whether they use the wrong spoon for the soup.
Using words like 'gauche', 'breeding' and the 'done thing' make you sound like a grasping, desperate social climber. And the fact you and selected members of your media even think we give a toss is far more insulting than an incompatible DVD.
Please tell me you're on the wind-up. Please?
We judge US presidents on whether they drag the world into war, on whether they have economic nous, on whether they promote progress and understanding.
Not on their choice of gifts or whether they use the wrong spoon for the soup.
Using words like 'gauche', 'breeding' and the 'done thing' make you sound like a grasping, desperate social climber. And the fact you and selected members of your media even think we give a toss is far more insulting than an incompatible DVD.
Please tell me you're on the wind-up. Please?
He put his arm round the Queen..? Jesus - have the c*** shot immediately. How f***ing dare he? (etc etc)
Do you not think the fact that this isn't common knowledge in the UK tells you everything you need to know about this cataclysmically-appalling crime against the entire nation?
Still, when you will take obviously partisan news sources at face value, I suppose it's not surprising.
Do you not think the fact that this isn't common knowledge in the UK tells you everything you need to know about this cataclysmically-appalling crime against the entire nation?
Still, when you will take obviously partisan news sources at face value, I suppose it's not surprising.
Well, so much for an attempt at cross-the-Atlantic civility. No, it's not a wind up, but it is my judgement that good manners are apart of the whole man (or woman), especially when representing an entire nation. If it's not important in the overall picture, so be it...
Seems to me though, that one of the frequent criticisms of our previous President was his lack of couth, no?
Perhaps that's not a requirement now...
By the way, I'm an ordinary U.S. citizen, not a selected member of any media...
Seems to me though, that one of the frequent criticisms of our previous President was his lack of couth, no?
Perhaps that's not a requirement now...
By the way, I'm an ordinary U.S. citizen, not a selected member of any media...
President Obama, when speaking beside Prime Minister Brown, was seen to take a drink of water straight from the bottle.
Mrs Obama did not curtsy before the Queen, then she had the audacity to put her arm around the Queen.
All down to up-bringing one might say, or that one cannot make a 'silk purse out of a sow's ear'.
Mrs Obama did not curtsy before the Queen, then she had the audacity to put her arm around the Queen.
All down to up-bringing one might say, or that one cannot make a 'silk purse out of a sow's ear'.
Well Clanad, I don't think you should take it so seriously, after all, it wasn't your fault.
I agree that the Obamas should have taken more time to study the little protocol handbook that is rumoured to be left prominently displayed on the pillows of all colonials.
1)Don't hug the monarch. 2)Don't steal the cutlery. 3)Leave the seat down. 4)Don't raise your voice, one is not deaf!. 5)EIIR is not an abbreviation of, "Here you are," and therefore not an invitation to pilfer the royal knick-knacks.
You can, Clanad, make amends for your leaders faux pas by contributing to the scaredycat thread on R & S, and come to my assistance forthwith, or even fifthwith, whichever is the faster.
I agree that the Obamas should have taken more time to study the little protocol handbook that is rumoured to be left prominently displayed on the pillows of all colonials.
1)Don't hug the monarch. 2)Don't steal the cutlery. 3)Leave the seat down. 4)Don't raise your voice, one is not deaf!. 5)EIIR is not an abbreviation of, "Here you are," and therefore not an invitation to pilfer the royal knick-knacks.
You can, Clanad, make amends for your leaders faux pas by contributing to the scaredycat thread on R & S, and come to my assistance forthwith, or even fifthwith, whichever is the faster.
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