Spring Break
Next time, try jewelry
Obama's gifts of technology to foreign dignitaries are badly conceived.
By: Tracey Wallace
Issue date: 4/6/09 Section: Opinion
Last year's election brought up so many controversial topics that it hurts my head to even think 2008 was a real year. Political corrections, the first this, the last that; it was so mind boggling that news stations around the country ignored the rest of the world.
But we all know how it is in the states, especially this state: Go big or go home. And alas, we did. We chose the president who we thought would best represent us, not only on the home front, but to the world as well.
But, oh, President Obama, you still have so much to learn.
On Thursday, Obama paid a visit to queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. The visit was pretty standard for dignitaries of developed countries and, as you might imagine, gifts were exchanged.
It is customary for the queen to receive gifts that rival the rare artifacts found in King Tut's tomb. I suppose that's why Barack and Michelle decided on a six-gigabyte, silver mini-iPod, loaded with video feed of the Queen's last visit to America.
And yet I'm giving him too much credit, for if this was Obama's first British act of ignorance and disrespect, I might be more willing to forgive his lack of knowledge.
Except that, not even a month ago, he gave British Prime Minister Gordon Brown an array of Hollywood hits on DVD. It's really a shame that most American DVDs don't work in European players. Otherwise, a collection of American-made films is what everyone knows the prime minister most desires. In his free time, if he could, I'm sure he would love to watch "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and ponder on his country's inability to rival the money-making business of glamour that American culture has become obsessed with. Nothing like being reminded that the one-that-got-away, has become a superpower through mediums such as Angelina Jolie.
Next thing we know, the prime minister will be hoping against all hope that the American economy comes back. He'll visualize the Roman Empire, citizens with hands over their hearts in steadfast patriotism, as it falls to dust. All it's going to take is one more film about that old American Dream and he'll call the pope to see about what can be done.
So then, I suppose, it is beneficial that most American DVDs don't work there. No one wants the mayan prophecy to come true, especially over a silly thing such as Hollywood. Good lord, Obama, what have you done?
Maybe this example is a worst case, like worst case of all time, scenario. But, the fact remains the same: at least give the queen an old American button collection like on "National Treasure." If you're into getting Britain's diplomats caught up on technology and Hollywood masterpieces, at least take tips from the best.
You are the face of America now, Obama, please, to God almighty, don't make us cringe the way we did when we watched what the BBC said about us and Bush. Thanks and
gig 'em. Oh, and God save the queen.
But we all know how it is in the states, especially this state: Go big or go home. And alas, we did. We chose the president who we thought would best represent us, not only on the home front, but to the world as well.
But, oh, President Obama, you still have so much to learn.
On Thursday, Obama paid a visit to queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. The visit was pretty standard for dignitaries of developed countries and, as you might imagine, gifts were exchanged.
It is customary for the queen to receive gifts that rival the rare artifacts found in King Tut's tomb. I suppose that's why Barack and Michelle decided on a six-gigabyte, silver mini-iPod, loaded with video feed of the Queen's last visit to America.
And yet I'm giving him too much credit, for if this was Obama's first British act of ignorance and disrespect, I might be more willing to forgive his lack of knowledge.
Except that, not even a month ago, he gave British Prime Minister Gordon Brown an array of Hollywood hits on DVD. It's really a shame that most American DVDs don't work in European players. Otherwise, a collection of American-made films is what everyone knows the prime minister most desires. In his free time, if he could, I'm sure he would love to watch "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and ponder on his country's inability to rival the money-making business of glamour that American culture has become obsessed with. Nothing like being reminded that the one-that-got-away, has become a superpower through mediums such as Angelina Jolie.
Next thing we know, the prime minister will be hoping against all hope that the American economy comes back. He'll visualize the Roman Empire, citizens with hands over their hearts in steadfast patriotism, as it falls to dust. All it's going to take is one more film about that old American Dream and he'll call the pope to see about what can be done.
So then, I suppose, it is beneficial that most American DVDs don't work there. No one wants the mayan prophecy to come true, especially over a silly thing such as Hollywood. Good lord, Obama, what have you done?
Maybe this example is a worst case, like worst case of all time, scenario. But, the fact remains the same: at least give the queen an old American button collection like on "National Treasure." If you're into getting Britain's diplomats caught up on technology and Hollywood masterpieces, at least take tips from the best.
You are the face of America now, Obama, please, to God almighty, don't make us cringe the way we did when we watched what the BBC said about us and Bush. Thanks and
gig 'em. Oh, and God save the queen.
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