Apologies

[Clanad]

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...

[Theland1]

Could you imagine a Scouse President coming to visit?
"Awright der Lizzie girl, 'ows it goin'? Philly still kickin' eh? Thought e'd 've poppe eez clogs yonks ago. Gorrim insured h'ave yer? Keep der dust off der policy coz e aint luckin too well. Ay deez forks are nice, bet they cost a bomb. Ooz dat feller in der fancy kecks? Oh, a servant, asn't he got any kecks dat fit 'im or wha?
Jer mind if I roll a ciggy? Am gaspin'.

[Quinlad]

I understand it was meant in good spirit, Clanad.

And you say you have nothing but admiration for the UK. But do you?

You seem to be operating under the assumption that we're more obsessed with social graces than we are with someone's underlying decency. Which is surely more offensive than Obama's 'gaffes'.

[WaldoMcFroog]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics /G20/article6022502.ece

Still, they're probably all shape-shifting lizards or something.

[KingChain]

President obama has already started the pr that will go on to "heal" some of the "damage" that some folk think the us has done to other nations so its all good!

[Julnar]

I wouldn't worry too much, clanad. I'm sure the American public will soon whip him into shape.........oops!

[BertiWooster]

'' Mrs Obama did not curtsy before the queen . Then she had the audacity to put her arm around the queen ''


Well i never - what next - lying prostrate before the omnipotent one .

Will someone please call out those men in white coats and hoods to have a word in her ear .

tut - the cheek of it .

[Lonnie]

Actually, Mrs Obama did curtsey, and Clanads apology should be taken, as I said before, in the spirit it was given, Sincere.

[Quinlad]

I don't think it was sincere. It was a pop at Obama couched in an apology. Very very petty.

And sincerity would be just as bad. There's nothing of any significance to apologise for. And to suggest we, or the Prime Minister, or the Queen are small-minded enough to think there is, is more insulting than Obama's so-called faux pas.

[Clanad]

Thanks for that clarification, Quinlad. It's reassuring to know someone else can do my thinking for me as well as determine sincerity levels... If I need to have a pop at Obama, it'll be in no uncertain terms and reserved for an American audience. Thanks for your input, however!

[Quinlad]

Just a hunch.

Like I say though, if it wasn't sincere, it was a cheap dig.

And if it was sincere, it was an idiotic misunderstanding of the British mindset.

Up to you though.

[brachiopod]

Hi Clanad,

Some indignant replies there! But there is absolutely no need for your apologies - unless you want to apologise for Bush as well !!!

There is a bit of a feeling here in the UK that Obama is a bit of a 'fresh breeze' - (I suppose after years of Bush) - so we can be very tolerant.

What these "gaffes" are, depends on which (UK) newspaper you read - much was made about Michelle Obama's "arm around the Queen", but most came to the conclusion that it was OK in a "Royals-adapting-to-a-modern-world" type of way.

There are very many of us who don't give a stuff about the Royal Family, social graces, class or protocol - instead believe in respect, dignity and the ability to make up our own minds.

So, please don't apologise about your leaders - we have enough to worry about our own!

Catch up soon,

pod x


(With apologies for Margaret Thatcher, UK PM, 1979 - 1990)