I didn't say Obama ..

 

Did I misunderstand who this thread was about?

And applaud the guest of honor as he disses our country... http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100520/wl_afp/usmexicodiplomacy_20100520211522

 

I've never accepted the premise that we should somehow revile our allies when they offer criticism. We do it all the time.

Certainly, I understand that we are in times of a bad economy. What's the point that you are making? Why does the economy outrank post-terrorist attack and wartime as reasons to "tone down" a STATE dinner?

Tone down financially is what I was getting at.

Really? Where in the article that you linked does it say that Obama applauded Calderon? It seems to me that the article is describing a speech to a joint session of Congress.

He may not have applauded Calderon, but I certainly believe he "coached" his words.

He may not have applauded Calderon, but I certainly believe he "coached" his words.

 

Great, because according to the article linked, I agree with a whole lot of Calderon's "coached words."

Certainly, I understand that we are in times of a bad economy. What's the point that you are making? Why does the economy outrank post-terrorist attack and wartime as reasons to "tone down" a STATE dinner?

 

Actually, it might. There was a big move on after 911 to prove that we would not let it affect our way of life. The war is a better argument and if there was a glitzy State dinner at that time Bush could certainly have been criticized for it. I do seem to recall it coming up, it may have been on here even. However, Obama is facing BOTH a war and a horrible economy. Double the reasons.

I've never accepted the premise that we should somehow revile our allies when they offer criticism. We do it all the time.

 

There's a BIG difference between reviling them and giving them a standing O when they are granted the privelege of addressing a joint session of congress.

Great, because according to the article linked, I agree with a whole lot of Calderon's "coached words."

I found it hypocritical of him. I'm surprised you didn't.

And THAT is different from recent past administration's state dinners how? What makes this time better to be toned down than post 9/11 or after the invasion of Iraq?

 

For one thing, the past administration didn't win on the premise that we were going to see CHANGE. Doesn't look like a lot of change to me.

Actually, it might. There was a big move on after 911 to prove that we would not let it affect our way of life. The war is a better argument and if there was a glitzy State dinner at that time Bush could certainly have been criticized for it. I do seem to recall it coming up, it may have been on here even. However, Obama is facing BOTH a war and a horrible economy. Double the reasons.

 

You may be right. I seem to recall that we were encouraged to shop.

Really? Where in the article that you linked does it say that Obama applauded Calderon? It seems to me that the article is describing a speech to a joint session of Congress.

 

Not sure what Obama was up to while Calderon was hammering on the US, but I sure saw Pelosi and Biden leaping to their feet on several occasions, along with the entire Dem contingent?? Which country are they affiliated with?? :confused:

Not sure what Obama was up to while Calderon was hammering on the US, but I sure saw Pelosi and Biden leaping to their feet on several occasions, along with the entire Dem contingent?? Which country are they affiliated with?? :confused:

 

Have you read what he said? Much of it made sense and I agree with it. As an American I have the right to agree with anyone including (shockingly enough) people that aren't American. :scared:

Have you read what he said? Much of it made sense and I agree with it. As an American I have the right to agree with anyone including (shockingly enough) people that aren't American. :scared:

 

These people - are they not American, or do they just look, sound, and have last names that appear un-American?

True, but they could certainly tone it down a bit. That was a bit excessive.

 

Like the financial meltdown summit W hosted while billions went down the tubes and he decided to bailout the banks? Link $300 bottles of wine, "fruitwood-smoked quail with quince gastrique; quinoa risotto; thyme-roasted rack of lamb; tomato, fennel and eggplant fondue; a salad course of endive, baked brie and walnuts; and a pear torte to cap the meal."

 

Frankly, I'd hope that any president would be able to put on a function that was commensurate with the stature of the US. I don't have a problem with Bush or Obama in this instance. If Obama served White Castles and fries some would say he was demonstrating weakness.