25 DVDs? This looks really bad. Is there something missing from the story?

[FudaFuda]

Source: Daily Mail

During his historic trip to Washington, Gordon Brown gave Barack Obama an ornamental pen holder made from the timbers of the Victorian anti-slave ship HMS Gannet - once called HMS President.

The unique present delighted Mr Obama because oak from the Gannet's sister ship, HMS Resolute, was carved to make a desk that already takes place in the Oval Office in the White House, after being presented by Britain to the US in 1880.
....

So it would be perfectly understandable if Mr Brown felt a little underwhelmed at the official gift he received in return.

For despite being leader of the world's most bountiful nation, President Obama handed over nothing more thought-provoking than 25 classic American films on DVD.



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

---

This is, frankly, humiliating. Heads should roll, but whose? Is there a backstory the UK press isn't reporting? I mean, historically signficant diplomatic gifts to our nation vs. a box set of DVD's is waaaaaaaay wrong. I just want there to be something missing from this story that makes it all a big misunderstanding. Anyone?

[Midlodemocrat]

1. Your concern is duly noted. Thank you.

:patriot:

:eyes:

[bicentennial_baby]

5. +1

:thumbsup:

[KittyWampus]

53. I wonder if any Ron Howard movies are in that collection...

;)

[marshall]

136. I wonder there are any Reagan movies in the collection

Knute Rockne or King's Row?

I hope they release a list--but then Brown may be in a snit and not say anything about it.

[LostinVA]

80. +1

[Lorien]

164. And if Bush had done exactly the same?

everyone here would be howling with outrage over his lack of class. Obama isn't classless, but he obviously is pretty crappy at picking out official gifts. Get him a decent personal shopper!

[Teaser]

2. who the fuck cares?

I sure don't.

[Number23]

128. Profane, but so very appropriate.

:)

[Hello_Kitty]

3. I'm very concerned about this.

:popcorn:

[bigworld]

4. Likely Region 1 discs as well

This sounds like something the GWB administration would do.

[ReliantJ]

7. This is too funny

[Zywiec]

8. LOL

:rofl:

Too funny!!

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

22. He'll get the multi region DVD player on his next visit I'm sure. nt

[catzies]

6. Can you edit your headline to follow our LBN guidelines? Thanks.

And welcome to DU.

[FudaFuda]

9. Well, I tried, but the editing period had expired and the post moved. n/t

[NMMNG]

10. What's missing is a real news source

As anybody from the UK will tell you, the only thing you can trust in the Daily Mail is the date--and you should probably double check that just to be safe. The DM is a sensationalist rag with no validity of any kind.

[Psephos]

12. Not any more...

Here's a take on it from the LA Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/03/obama-britain.html

[NMMNG]

15. That doesn't mention any "DVD set of classic movies"

Or did I miss something? :shrug:

[Psephos]

26. I was posting about the larger issue of whether Obama snubbed Brown...but here's a specific link

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23657981-details/Obama%27s+blockbuster+gift+for+Brown%3A+25+classic+films/article.do

[NMMNG]

45. The Evening Standard is a tabloid put out by the same publisher as the Daily Mail

They're not a news source. Thanks for trying though.

[Psephos]

103. You know, by omitting the gratuitous insult, you might encourage actual dialog

You asked for something you could have easily looked up yourself, and then took an ideological piss on me for actually responding with a quick factual (non-editorial) reference.

The story is true.

I have a great idea: put me on ignore, and I'll do the same for you.

:hi:

[NMMNG]

119. You obviously missed the point

The OP was posting bullshit to get a rise out of people, but using a cheesy tabloid report to do it. All I was doing was asking for a credible source. Nobody seems able to provide it. Next thing you know he'll be wondering what we think of the affair between Michelle Obama and Lindsay Lohan, and posting a link to the Enquirer story about it.


Tabloids aren't news. They're entertainment fluff with no credibility.

[sendero]

134. Yopu picked the wrong tabloid..

.. as many embarassed DUers now know, if the enquirer publishes it, it is probably true. (example, John Edwards cheater)

[Psephos]

171. I originally read your comment as snark...but have reconsidered

The wording "Thanks for trying" can be read either way. I prolly heard the cliche "Thanks for playing" rejoinder in my head when I read it.

So - I apologize for jumping to an incorrect conclusion.

:hi:

[muriel_volestrangler]

69. It's not that much of a confirmation - the same company owns the Mail and Evening Standard

and they frequently share stories (the Standard is a paper printed during the day, for London, rather than printed overnight; the Mail is also national, rather than limited to London).

It may still be true, however. We should note that marvellous presents from British PMs to American presidents in the past have included sweaters (as revealed by the classic 'Yo, Blair!' recording): http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2006/nov/02/freedomofinformation.politicalnews

[Psephos]

90. yes, of course...but it was the first up in Google News...I leave it to others to dig deeper n/t

[Lost in CT]

11. That is embarrassing ... To make matters even worse it was the Nicholas Cage collection.

I fear war could be in our future.

[ReliantJ]

13. LOL

"Obama probably cleaned out the bargain rack of DVD's at CircuitCity."
best comment on there

[dysfunctional press]

138. only if they were foolish enough to include national secrets II...

:yikes:

[Lost in CT]

144. Gordon Brown's gift sounded like something from that movie

That is kind of where I got the idea.

Gordon Brown gave Barack Obama an ornamental pen holder made from the timbers of the Victorian anti-slave ship HMS Gannet - once called HMS President.

[dysfunctional press]

146. that was what i was thinking of as well...

they talked about the resolute desk in the oval office in the article.

[rvablue]

14. HUMILIATING! HEADS SHOULD ROLL! WAAAAAAY WRONG!!!

Hyperbole, anyone? :crazy:

Get over it.

George Bush drove our country over a cliff. Obama and his colleague across the ocean, Mr. Brown, are trying to fix things.

Get outraged over the last eight years!!! This is petty shit-stirring my the far RW Daily Mail, which tried to stir up some faux controversy a few weeks ago when a bust of Churchill was returned to Great Britain per a previously agreed upon time.

I can only imagine the hand-wringing that would have gone on if President Obama had given a more luxurious or expensive or rare gift:

"OH NOES!!! THESE ARE HARD TIMEs!!! WHAT IS OUR PRESIDENT DOING GIVING AWAY EXPENSIVE GIFTS WHEN THE COUNTRY IS SUFFERING!?!?!?!"

This is such a non-issue, made-up controversy it's seriously laughable!!! :rofl:

[FudaFuda]

18. well, excuuuuuuuse me.

this place is 90% hyperbole. if we gave the British PM 25 DVD's as his official gift for a state visit, its news no matter where its reported. and the klutz in the White House that came up with the idea shouldn't be allowed to make any more embarrassing decisions like that, because it feeds the fish.

[uppityperson]

25. There is probably a lot missing from your story. I think it is very nice

that he gave a gift like this. What sort of gift would you rather were given? Serious question.

Yes, I do snark at times, but I also ask serious questions because I like to find out what people are thinking. This is a serious question. I'll let you know when I'm ready to snark.

Edited to add the snark: you speak of hyperbole, you seem to be doing so already "This is, frankly, humiliating. Heads should roll, but whose? "

[ReliantJ]

29. Seriously, just because he's the president

doesn't mean he is better at picking gifts than my grandma:rofl:

[CountAllVotes]

95. hey look

at least he gave him something! :rofl:

Erin go braugh!

:kick:

[RushIsRot]

169. I dreamt I led the St. Patricks Day Parade in my Erin Go Braugh.

[alarimer]

157. Yeah, at least he didn't give him some ugly comemorative plates!

Maybe with dolphins on them.
Or a shirt that didn't fit. Those are the kind of gifts I get from my grandmother.

[rvablue]

30. Feeds what "fish" exactly. You mean the bottom feeders who are in search of

any piece of useless shit they can suck up and spit out to create a false controversy???

Like I said, those of that ilk would find fault no matter what was given.

[FudaFuda]

39. i'll give ya that.

but yes, that's what i meant by 'feed the fish'

[uppityperson]

76. I'm confused. Are you calling yourself a "You mean the bottom feeders who are in search of any pie

"You mean the bottom feeders who are in search of any piece of useless shit they can suck up and spit out to create a false controversy???

Like I said, those of that ilk would find fault no matter what was given."

Are you calling yourself that?

[Stevenmarc]

16. Hey the collection had Psycho, just in case Gordon was feeling nostalgic for W.

[RB TexLa]

17. thought-provoking than 25 classic American films on DVD. Hummm

That's the exact same wording I saw on an ebay listing.

Let me check . . . . . Yep, seller location "London" Seller "GordRockingBrownman"

[uppityperson]

19. Movie list...

Movies in the box-set produced for the White House by the American Film Institute:

1. Citizen Kane

2. The Godfather

3. Casablanca

4. Raging Bull

5. Singing In The Rain

6. Gone With The Wind

7. Lawrence Of Arabia

8. Schindler's List

9. Vertigo

10. The Wizard Of Oz

11. City Lights

12. The Searchers

13. Star Wars: Episode IV

14. Psycho

15. 2001: A Space Odyssey

16. Sunset Boulevard

17. The Graduate

18. The General

19. On The waterfront

20. It's A Wonderful Life

21. China Town

22. Some Like It Hot

23. The Grapes Of Wrath

24. ET: The Extra Terrestrial

25. To Kill A Mocking Bird.

[Reader Rabbit]

24. No "Big Lebowski"? That *is* a crime!

:smoke:

[SammyWinstonJack]

33. Dude!

:evilgrin:

[Reader Rabbit]

113. The dude abides.

Dude: No, look. I do mind. The Dude minds. This will not stand, ya know, this will not stand, man.

Walter: Dude, nothing is fucked. Come on. You're being very unDude.

Courtesy of The Big Lebowski Random Quote Generator[!

[Ezlivin]

109. Forget it, Donny. You're out of your element.

A way out west there was a fella, fella I want to tell you about, fella by the name of Jeff Lebowski. At least, that was the handle his lovin' parents gave him, but he never had much use for it himself. This Lebowski, he called himself the Dude. Now, Dude, that's a name no one would self-apply where I come from. But then, there was a lot about the Dude that didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. And a lot about where he lived, like- wise. But then again, maybe that's why I found the place s'durned innarestin'.

[ContinentalOp]

56. LOL, 2001?

A movie filmed in England, written by an English author and directed by an American expat living in England?

[cherokeeprogressive]

148. No Dr. Strangelove?

It's only the greatest social commentary on nuclear weapons ever made. Not to mention, it stars one of the UK's most famous actors, playing THREE roles.

[Blue_Tires]

66. awww man...everyone seen most if not all of those...

We should have given Brown something he could really enjoy like the top 25 indie arthouse films or the top 25 MST3K episodes or the 25 greatest high-end erotica films...

[tblue37]

147. A boxed set of the entire _Battlestar Galactica_ series, _plus Firefly._ nt

[Fiendish Thingy]

108. Wow- I have all of those films except for

City Lights and The General, oops! and Raging Bull and Schindler's list.

That's actually a pretty good selection, and I recommend any/all of them to any/everyone.

I might have swapped "Stagecoach" for "The Searchers", but that's just a minor quibble.

If you want to add the Coen Bros. to that list, I'd prefer O Brother, Where Art Thou to represent a great *American* film - nothing against Lebowski, mind you, the Dude still abides...

[dysfunctional press]

117. maybe they should come up with a 100 movie set for diplomatic purposes...

where's patton? or gladiator? or braveheart?

or paint your wagon?
-maybe a companion 25 top musicals box set for the next visit would be an answer.

also, as it is- i would probably swap out e.t. for...titanic, maybe :shrug:

and as for the coen bothers- for me it would be a toss-up as whether to include fargo or o'brother...

[Buns_of_Fire]

118. I would have included "Assault of the Killer Bimbos"

and "Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death," if I were President.

Of course, my taste in movies is probably one reason (among many) why I'm NOT President.

[Chemical Bill]

121. What about: The Brother From Another Planet?

I would think that that would be appropriate.

Bill

[Chemical Bill]

122. What about: Gosford Park?

Oh, wait...never mind.

Bill

[Chemical Bill]

123. What about: Spinal Tap?

If that isn't a classic, nothing is.

Bill

[Chemical Bill]

124. What about: Fast Times At Ridgemont High?

A real slice of America.

Bill

[Chemical Bill]

125. What about: Fahrenheit 9/11?

Sicko would be too embarrassing to Obama when he is rewriting health policy without mentioning single payer.

Bill

[WCGreen]

132. That was an English movie...

[intheflow]

126. What about "It Happened One Night" or "Night at the Opera?"

Or "Rebecca" or "Blazing Saddles"?

*sigh* It's a shame it's impossible to squish ALL the great movies into the Top 25.

[Octafish]

149. Thanks, uppityperson! Gordo needs a follow--up gift...

26. Seven Days in May
27. The Manchurian Candidate
28. Brazil
29. Dr. Strangelove
30. The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
31. The Longest Yard (1974)

Movies are the 20th century's dominant art form.
They make an excellent gift for heads-of-state.

[Chemical Bill]

170. Three Days of the Condor?

Most of the ones about CIA, for example the drug running, treat it as if the actions were by rogue operatives instead of CIA policy. I'm talking about Lethal Weapon, Above the Law, etc. Even something like Enemy of the State acted as if the higher ups would not approve of the "unofficial" actions portrayed. Hollywood dances around the truth when it comes to the CIA.

Bill

[struggle4progress]

152. What an omission: "Surf Nazis Must Die" isn't on the list!

[AyanEva]

158. No Bill & Ted?!

EPIC FAIL.

[Lorien]

161. I think that pretty much everyone here and in Britain has seen them all

so yeah, it is a pretty lame official gift. Might be kind of fun for an Oprah audience, though.

[question everything]

166. "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"

and "The Shawshank Redemption"

Are more recent movies but tell stories about slices of Americana that nothing else has.

[rcrush]

20. I'm outraged.

Why arent there DVD's for us in the stimulus?

[Lance_Boyle]

21. Even MORE embarrassing...

later in the evening Mr. Obama was caught without a ready reply when the Prime Minister said "I love you."

[rvablue]

47. Your joke reminds me of this cringe-worthy embarrassment by Bush re: Blair

After their first meeting, when Bush was asked what they had in common, he replied: "We both use Colgate toothpaste."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/25/AR2006052501918.html


What did they have, a sleepover or something?!?!?

[KittyWampus]

57. snort. How did I miss that one. Do we REALLY want to know the back story? Maybe

Bush had spies scoping out what was in Blair's medicine cabinet.

Does the UK even have Colgate toothpaste rather than their own Brit version?

In the end, my contention is Bush occasionally got paid a few million to do product placement.

[SidDithers]

74. ROFL...

Sid

[Iggo]

97. Exactly what I was thinking.

:rofl:

[rcrush]

23. OBAMA BETTER FUCKING MAKE SURE HE GIVES GORDON BROWN A THANK YOU CARD

This could start WORLD WAR FUCKING 3 MOTHERFUKERS!!! THIS IS SERIOUS

[ReliantJ]

28. Fox News will have a 2-hour program on this.

[Occam Bandage]

27. What an outrage. He should have gotten him "Now That's What I Call Country 8."

[Kalyke]

77. Don't forget Kidz Bop!!!!

[ReliantJ]

31. Still better than vomiting on a foreign leader

[uppityperson]

32. CALL CONGRESS RIGHT FUCKING NOW!!!!!!!!!!

[rcrush]

36. Its time for IMPEACHMENTS

RIGHTS NOWWWW

[Vickers]

34. That goddam socialist motherfucker.

:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

[Warren DeMontague]

35. FUCKING SANDALOUS!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!1 11111111111 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SERIESLY! !!!!!

THIS IS HUGH!!!!!!!!1111111111111111111111!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cherokeeprogressive]

37. Were they at least Blu-Ray?

[Lost in CT]

154. Oh good god don't open that can of worms... (And in probability no)

[rcrush]

38. SEE WHAT OBAMA HAS DONE TO THE ECONOMY?! DVDS ARE CURRENCY NOW!

[ReliantJ]

41. You're on a roll Keep them coming

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[uppityperson]

44. IT'S OBAMA'S FAULT THE STOCK MARKET IS CRASHING!!!11111

[rcrush]

48. ITS CAUSE HE'S BEEN TRADING CLASSIC AMERICAN DVD'S!!!!!

[BuyingThyme]

40. 60 Minutes is doing a piece on this Sunday.

[BuyingThyme]

43. And, by the way, I'd rather have the DVDs.

[rcrush]

42. Is it too late to get W back?

[Beetwasher]

This Is What's Missing:

You're an idiot if you think this is in any way important or worthwhile.

[FudaFuda]

50. swaying of public opinion by the press is always important and worth noticing.

who's an idiot?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

52. People who have a problem with the 25 DVDs vs. a pen.

They're the idiots.

Also, idiots who think other people are as idiotic as they are.

Also, people who read the Daily Mail.

[Lost in CT]

155. Well one is historical and thoughtful and one is a Fathers day gift you

pick up last minute cause Best Buy is open till 9.....


Whoever choose the American's gift to the British needs a new job stat...

It is embarrassing no matter who the President is.

[uppityperson]

61. People who are swayed by press like this.

Did you know President Obama hasn't gone golfing with the Golfing Alien yet either! OMG!111

[Beetwasher]

81. Worth Noticing Only By Idiots

Obama's approval, higher than ever. How's that press doing in swaying public opinion these days? And BRITISH press at that.

Clown.

[Wednesdays]

153. He somehow dodged the granite cookie

...to live on to spew shit another day. *sigh*

[amandabeech]

175. Then I'm an idiot.

Whoever selected the gift should be demoted. It was insufficiently thoughtful for the head of government of our most important ally.

I also thought that a stand-up news conference, as originally stated, would have been better, as well.

I assume that the Obama protocol staff will take some time to get better organized.

[rcrush]

46. By the way I would appreciate 25 DVD's more than a broken piece of old boat.

[AyanEva]

159. *wipes tears from eyes*

This resulted in literal flailing and rocking back and forth because I was laughing so hard! :rofl:

[Shakespeare]

49. Shhhhh.....do you hear that?

That's the sound of me not giving a shit.

[rcrush]

51. No thats the sound of all those region 1 dvd's not working in Gordon Browns DVD player.

:rofl:

[ReliantJ]

54. Maybe it's disguised as movies but really porn

[rcrush]

55. Well Obama has made a mistake cause everyone knows Brits only like Elf porn.

[cabbage08]

78. LOL

[thereismore]

58. Did the American classics include Charles Chaplin and Stan Laurel?

[rcrush]

59. You know what would be funny?

If Obama put a bunch of Harry Potter movies in with the set.

[ReliantJ]

64. V FOR VENDETTA!

[rcrush]

67. You think he threw in that Seven Samurai special edition?

[TZ]

60. The Daily Mail is your source?

Why don't you quote Bill O'Reilly while you are at it. Same fucking thing.

[rcrush]

62. I really hate this guy I know so fucking much. I'm going to give him 25 DVD's.

That'll really show him how much I hate him.

[uppityperson]

70. What can I do to get you to hate me and send me 25 Classic DVDs?

Oh Woe! All I have is BlueRay! Woe!

[rcrush]

71. Be British.

Thats the ultimate insult to British people. MOVIES!!!!

[cherokeeprogressive]

150. LOL that sounds like something straight out of a Douglas Adams novel. n/t

[azmouse]

63. The responses to a thread like this are exactly why I love DU!!

:woohoo:

[varkam]

65. I love the way DM makes shit up. eom

[SemiCharmedQuark]

68. Humiliating? No. If he attempted to molest Brown ala Merkel, *that* would be humiliating.

[FudaFuda]

75. Well, I've been humiliated at least.

I've learned in the past 20 minutes that I'm an idiot for being curious about the TRUTH behind this smear story. Don't really understand why this isn't something to be discussed, or why I'm some kind of moron for wanting to post about it here. I KNOW there's more to this than the silly story being reported, and I KNOW facts are being left out for the purpose of smearing the Obama administration with the UK public. What's wrong with bringing that up here?

[uppityperson]

79. No, you've been humilitated over "This is, frankly, humiliating. Heads should roll, but whose?"

The hyperbole is what got us going. That and the only smearing is an article in a National Enquirer type rag.

[rcrush]

82. Agree

Sorry but once I saw the "concern" I couldnt stop! I'm a bad person.

[Beetwasher]

84. A BRITISH Rag

At that. :rofl:

What clown this guy is.

[ReliantJ]

85. Just appreciate it for its comedic value then

[rvablue]

83. You are SO full of it. Your comments at the bottom post prove it. You weren't trying

to get to "the TRUTH behind this smear story."

And, you didn't think is was a "silly story."

I call BS on you.

You said the gift of DVDs was "embarrassing" and that "heads should roll" because of it.

So you weren't defending anyone in the Obama administration, you were trying to stir controversy about an exchange of symbolic gifts that really has no signifigance.

You're feigned oblviousness as to why you got flamed for this is SO transparent!

[FudaFuda]

96. If the story is (partially) factual ...

then its not silly. If entirely true, then if I were a British citizen I would feel insulted by it. I'd probably forget about it within a hour, but I wouldn't like it.

as for the news source, regardless of where it comes from if its in the eyes of the public, then it is 'news' that the story is out there. take the Enquirer's ridiculous campaign against Edwards, which still continues. That is news, whether or not true.

"heads should roll" means simple accountability to me. it was a bad decision to give such an inappropriate diplomatic gift to a head of state, and the person in charge of making that decision is a dunderhead. Look at the historical significance and symbolism, i.e. the thought that went into the British gift to our president. Should we not be showing like respect??

As for 'trying to stir up controversy' ... no, that was not the case. I really did hope there was more to this story, or I wouldn't have expressed that thought from the start. I don't think its a cataclysmically huge story, but I hadn't seen where anyone had posted about it, so I did. BFD.

anyway, didn't get any serious comment, so on to something else.

[uppityperson]

98. As Terran said below, don't worry. It was a fun thread for today.

"Your thread provoked a lot of funny responses, so it was well worth it. :thumbsup: A lot DU'ers just take stuff WAY too seriously."

[FudaFuda]

105. Thx. Don't worry, my skin's thicker than that.

I was warned on my first day here, "wear a cup." :kick: :bounce:

[SemiCharmedQuark]

102. As pointed out higher up, British gifts to the U.S. president have included a sweater and a pen set

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2006/nov/02/freedomofinformation.politicalnews

[uppityperson]

104. "historical significance and symbolism" This is who we are, where we are.

Here is a good cross section of what we have considered important, and realizing the state of the world economy, we hope you enjoy this.

And...this is....bad? Heads should roll? Huh.

[Warren DeMontague]

111. "so on to something else."

I can hardly wait.

[Terran]

89. Don't worry

Your thread provoked a lot of funny responses, so it was well worth it. :thumbsup: A lot DU'ers just take stuff WAY too seriously.

[FudaFuda]

107. Thanks. n/t

.

[Richard Steele]

135. That happens to every DUer, sooner or later.

The good ones, anyway.

[Lex]

72. Find a better source

then I might believe it.

[southasiawatch]

73. shameful!

really, quite bad.

[uppityperson]

91. Welcome to DU, suggestion, use this until we get to know you...

:sarcasm:
Because sometimes we get confused, esp if we don't know your style. That is colon sarcasm colon. With colon being :

[uppityperson]

86. k&r&bookmarked! Beware, you may have to do community service

[uppityperson]

88. wrong place

delete

[DS1]

87. OVER THE LINE! MARK IT A ZERO!

[rcrush]

92. Next time Gordon Brown is going to try and give US DVD's!

And Obama will bomb the living shit out of England! You just dont give DVD's to heads of state! WTF

[rcrush]

93. This just in: White House official in charge of DVDGATE sentenced to life at Gitmo!

Finally our long national nightmare is over.

[rcrush]

94. And the torture at gitmo for this? WATERWORLD!

[uppityperson]

100. THANK GAWD IT PASSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CreekDog]

99. Oh, i thought it was the box set of Benny Hill

if Brown doesn't like it, well how does he think we feel? :rant:

[FriendlyReminder]

101. Hey, at least it wasn't a fruitcake.

[spanone]

106. he should be impeached!!!

save your outrage for something outrageous

[lame54]

110. I hear it's back on the table

[kestrel91316]

112. Welcome to DU. Enjoy your stay.

[FrenchieCat]

114. You funny!

[slutticus]

115. FUCKING STAB YOU GOD DAMN NARWHALS GOD DAMN

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

127. Fucking Narwhals, goddamn it.

[Sugar Smack]

140. I wondered when someone was going to drag those poor narwhals into this.

:smoke:

[AlCzervik]

116. Maybe you can be the secretary of righteous indignation.

[flvegan]

120. HILLARY WOULD NEVER HAVE DONE THIS!!

Sorry, had to get in on the fun.

[Skip Intro]

129. Don't know about heads rolling, but it is tacky and embarassing if that's all there is to it.

Don't know why some people are coming down on you so hard for pointing it out.

I mean, it is what it is.

[dysfunctional press]

137. maybe they could go grab some wood off of the u.s.s constitution, and make a nice case for them...

:shrug:

[Skip Intro]

139. Or just put some thought into it?

I mean, DVDs?

Why not just give some McDonald's gift cards?

You know, it could have been just slightly more thoughtful.

[FudaFuda]

143. Wow. And the hits keep comin! LOL. Thx, Skip Intro

You didn't have to say anything. It's appreciated. But damn I sure had the thread of the day I guess. When I left here earlier it was at a little over 100 replies, now it's over the 140 mark. I really put my foot in it, somehow. Baptism by fire I suppose. :spank:

[dysfunctional press]

145. i wouldn't be so quick to dismiss- maybe they were blu-ray.

those suckers are pricey.

but- i would still suggest doing the nice box...maybe a nice velveteen lining?

[jmm]

151. I went on numerous field trips to the U.S.S. Constitution and

it always seemed like a big scam to me when I saw the giant bin of wood for sale from it at the gift shop. Considering all the wood they sell for a few bucks a piece I doubt any of the original remains.

Maybe that's why this gift story is a non-issue for me :shrug:?

[McCamy Taylor]

130. Can we get reparations from the UK for all the slave trading they did BEFORE they lost the war

with us? Or is that pen holder supposed to make it all better. And how about the colonial situation with Kenya? Is the pen holder supposed to make up for that?

People who think that the US owes England anything can go fuck themselves.

[Lost in CT]

165. Actually the dastardly British banned slavery during the American Revolution.

[vadawg]

131. i saw something about the misses swapping gifts for the kids also

Mrs brown got the girls some outfits and necklaces, and in return a couple of plastic marine one choppers. I got to say that someone need to work on the ettiquette, as this is looked as a snub in the British establishment. Hell even im offended at it.

[ejbr]

133. But those DVDs probaby had

The Patriot with Mel Gibson just to remind them of their place. :sarcasm:

[robinlynne]

141. But that is quite an American gift....

[Mabus]

142. How about when Gordon Brown refused Bush's gift altogether?

At least it appears that Obama gave Brown a gift he could actually accept without having to jump through hoops. So which present is more practical? One Brown can keep and doesn't look like a bribe or one that has the POTUS logo on it and which he can't keep?

Gordon Brown turns down George Bushs gift

July 23rd, 2008 - 5:43 pm ICT by ANI - Send to a friend:

London , July 23 (ANI): British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has refused to accept a leather jacket gifted to him by US President George W Bush.

Bush presented the bomber jacket to Brown during their first talks as fellow leaders. The jacket is not only emblazoned with the presidential logo, but also features Browns name on it.

However, Browns decision to reject the personalised gift was in tune with the list of gifts received by ministers on their official meetings.
The list of gifts received by government ministers in the last year, which they are required to declare if the value is estimated at more than 140 pounds, shows that Brown purposely did not exercise the option of keeping the presidential present.

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/gordon-brown-turns-down-george-bushs-gift_10075016.html

[Incitatus]

156. F Gordon Brown nt

[AyanEva]

160. This entire thread

Has me in tears. :spray:

I'll take the DVDs over a pen. More useful, IMO.

I just have really amusing mental images of shrink-wrapped DVDs with the sticker prices still on them that Obama bought for bargain prices at the local grocery store and shoved into a tatty old Sketchers shoe box or something and shoved into the Prime Minister's hands as an after-thought as he was leaving the White House. RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROFL

:rofl:

I'm sure they were presented far more tastefully than that but it's still kinda funny.

[Lorien]

163. I'd find the pen more useful

I've already seen those films, so why would I want them taking up space in my home? It really is the thought that counts, and he kinda blew it on this one. I think the White House needs a personal shopper!

[LynnTheDem]

162. UK's PM gives a BLACK man a Winston "beastly races" Churchill book...

"I do not admit...that a great wrong has been done to the Red Indians of America, or the black people of Australia...by the fact that a stronger race, a higher grade race...has come in and taken its place"

[nadinbrzezinski]

167. Diplomatic exchanges go like that

HMS Garrett, historically and culturally significant

Classic American movies, same thing

I wonder what those are though? I am betting it is something like that

[and-justice-for-all]

168. Whats with the gift exchange anyway?

A hand shake is more than sufficient.

[scrinmaster]

172. Real classy.

Couldn't he find something that you can't get from Amazon or Best Buy? I'd laugh if they were Region 1 DVD's.

[mrbarber]

173. Newsflash: Obama didn't personally pick out the gift.

He's a bit busy trying to prevent a complete National and Global ecomomic meltdown, get us out of Iraq and fix our Healthcare system. An underling made a bad call, it happens, and I'm sure Obama will handle any hard feelings with his usual tact and grace.

As for the person who said their would be outrage if Bush did the same thing-well, considering he took more vacation time than any other President in history, you'd figure he would have more time on his hands.

[scheming daemons]

174. Hmmm... welcome to DU, and thanks for your concern....

Something smells moldy in this thread.


Kinda trollish.