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The Obama Watch
Snubbed
How special is the Special Relationship?
If Lesley Gore, singer of the 1960s hit “It’s My Party,” were advising the British monarchy on the royal wedding guest list, she might say, “It’s your party and you’ll invite whom you want to.”
But unless there has been a logistical error by the Royal Mail while delivering invitations, or a change of spirit by Buckingham Palace, neither President Barack Obama nor First Lady Michelle will be attending the highly celebrated event of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29th in Westminster Abbey.
The conspicuous absence of the Obamas is likely to call into question the “special relationship” between the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain, result in a global media bacchanalia, and cause recollection of a series of awkward acts of statecraft.
The Abbey is a venerated icon of Western civilization, established in the tenth century and the site of coronations since William the Conqueror. Several thousand souls lie at rest or are commemorated by monuments near its solemn Gothic arches — monarchs, novelists, poets, scientists, composers, warriors, prime ministers, and others — whose personal contributions and sacrifices are the foundation of Great Britain and much of our Western values and thought.
The explanation given is that the wedding is not a state affair, although French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni, are believed to be on the guest list. Further, it is well-known that Nancy Reagan attended the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer and that the Reagans were also invited to the wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.
Since the earliest days of the Obama administration, the special relationship with Great Britain, America’s most trusted ally in war and peace, has seemed to teeter because of a string of perceived gaffes. Shortly after the inauguration, and as covered in the Telegraph, a bronze bust of Sir Winston Churchill, admired in much of the world for his fight against fascism, was returned to the British.
Further, then Prime Minister Gordon Brown did not enjoy a photo-op with the President in the Oval Office setting. As reported by Fox News, Prime Minister Brown was given pop DVDs as a White House gift (evidently incompatible with British consumer electronics), in contrast to his more substantive offerings that included a thoughtful commemorative made from the wood of a 19th century British anti-slave ship, HMS Gannet; a symbolic document noting the beginning of service by its sister ship, HMS Resolute rescued by the U.S. in the Arctic; and the biography of Winston Churchill by Martin Gilbert. President Obama was said to be so moved by the prime minister’s gifts that he made a special effort to express his thanks from aboard Air Force One.
Several weeks later, the President’s gifts to the Queen included thoughtfully poignant music of Rogers and Hart having special meaning to the royals, and also some of his speeches on an iPod, which attracted attention for its perceived narcissistic value. And when Michelle reciprocated the Queen’s touch — many, especially in Britain — were not amused.
Some of these matters can be individually explained. The bust was said to be on loan and to understandably have very unpleasant memories for the President, in view of the Kenya independence movement while Churchill was prime minister, and the imprisonment and torture of his grandfather, according to family sources in the Telegraph.
Another view is that the New World is a place of youthful enthusiasm, where like Nike, you “just do it.” It is a milieu of pop culture and informality, in contrast to the time-honored tapestry of European ways, moribund to some. And the sleek iPod is a symbol of American coolness, technological prowess, and mastery of consumer branding.
But there is also more to it than that. Many Americans think that because of the English language in common, we are therefore just like the British and they are just like us, even though this is hardly the case. Britain is an old society, like the continent of Europe, where “what isn’t done won’t be done,” as the expression goes. It is a country of practices and protocols extending to the Roman period and to earlier settlements dating to about 3000 BCE.
The mistake Americans make in interacting with the British is to express inappropriate cuteness or familiarity, which the British do not appreciate let alone express, rarely even to themselves. The old guard of Britain, certainly represented by Buckingham Palace, has been known for decades for icy reserve and a stiff upper lip during normal times and during those of travail and adversity.
Compared to the U.S. where proper manners have faded over the generations, much of Britain still values well-cultivated behavior, stoicism and appropriate reserve. A country where xenophobia can be a force, Britain does not readily accept foreigners deemed to be unorthodox or impertinent. Good White House advisors should know this and should think before they advise on what gifts to bear and how to act.
In statecraft, form is substance. The omission of the Obamas from the guest list was no accident and suggests that the soi-disant special relationship may not be so special right now — and it will look even less so on April 29th.
About the Author
Frank Schell is a business consultant and former international banking executive. He serves on the Dean’s International Council of the Harris School of Public Policy Studies, University of Chicago, where he is a lecturer, and on the editorial board of the Chicago-based National Strategy Forum, which focuses on national security issues.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (109) | Leave a comment
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Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 1.24.11 @ 6:10AM
The real question is, why would anyone want to go?
MoeBlotz| 1.24.11 @ 3:20PM
Right,such an affair is above our station,isn't it?Those pompous royals would not hold a candle to Michelle my butt and her yellow or red fashion outfits. FLOTUS carries as much weight from the waist down as one of those wee Brits from follicle to toenail.
Stephanie| 1.24.11 @ 6:13AM
Would you want these two grifters at your wedding?
LuLu| 1.24.11 @ 6:44AM
What's with the BCE dating? -- I would expect better in the American Spectator than subtle efforts at de-christianizing our culture.
PaulD| 1.24.11 @ 9:11AM
I agree with you LuLu! BCE is PC horse hockey!
Another Paul D| 1.24.11 @ 11:22AM
It's ironic that Mr. Schell writes an article that implicitly respects the ancient traditions of the UK yet uses the very post-modern BCE date scheme to refer to them.
The rest of us still know we live in the "Year of our Lord" 2011, despite what the post-modernists do.
AlphaPapa| 1.27.11 @ 1:12PM
Sorry if you knew about history it has been bce and ce for a long time now..NOT everyone is christiam you know.. How presumptious to assume that the entire world should just fall into some christian terminology... geez..
Ivy| 1.27.11 @ 10:36PM
Really, Alpha Papa?
And how do you choose to date your world once you remove the life of the Christ?
Wrong is wrong even if everybody is doing it (even if they have been doing it "for a long time").
Right is right even if nobody is doing it.
Charles Martel| 1.24.11 @ 10:41AM
I'm a historian, so this comes up with some regularity. Whenever I encounter the ludicrous "BCE", I always read it out loud as "Before the Christian Era". (Ditto its twin, "CE".) I am often corrected, but I never fail to openly reject the correction. The "C" stood for "Christ"; it still does.
If everyone did this, it would make the Politically Correct gatekeepers scramble to come up with another designation. Make *them* change. As conservatives, we needn't -- ever.
That said, the "E" here is extraneous. "BC" and "AD" are quite clear and more than sufficient. TAS, kindly correct your editorial guide.
+++
Chalkdust| 1.24.11 @ 10:56AM
Mr. Schell...I can understand if you were only writing an article for the peeps living North of the Mason-Dixton line and East of Philadelphia, but in my house we say; Merry Christmas as well BC (before Christ). I don't care even a little bit about what the nattering nabobs think.
Secondly, outside the occasional isolated village of liberals and the stupid zones (one mentioned above), did anyone seriously think, in the castles of power of other countries, our president would be taken as anything more than a half-breed, gutter thrash, were the people in power, can numerate their direct families members back more than two generations. I mean,just how long did we think the kiss-fest with the cheering European trash was going to last?
Bruce| 1.24.11 @ 12:26PM
Yeah - gutter trash who were drinking $300/bottle wine with the Chinese dictator - not that they could tell the difference between that and a bottle of Ripple. But hey - it's on our dome - not theirs, right? Swine.
Impeach Don't Wait| 1.24.11 @ 6:29PM
Do you people really think "half-breed" is a bad thing? Are we being racists here? Not appreciated by all, no thanks.
Impeach Don't Wait| 1.24.11 @ 6:32PM
But then I guess you were just referring to how the British see him. I get it.
Bunky| 1.28.11 @ 9:52AM
@luLu
Absolutely right!!
This BS of BCE is not something I would expect in the American Spectator.
the permanent newbie| 1.24.11 @ 7:03AM
It's "lie at rest." Please! Don't go giving trolls ammunition to say all conservatives are illiterate. (Forgive me; I can't help myself.) Other than that, it's a good piece...
Appleby| 1.24.11 @ 7:08AM
The British typically refer to people like the Obamas as Mushrooms, and this is an excellent and not too subtle way of kicking them in the slats without causing an international incident.
Since they are both stupid, as well as lacking in class, they will not get it; however, surely someone who has been out of Chicago will explain it to them.
Robbins Mitchell| 1.24.11 @ 7:09AM
The reason that Mr and Mrs Barokeydoke Hubris Obozo weren't invited is because the Crown sees them both for what they are....a couple of declasse' egomaniacs who would try to upstage the bride and groom and try to make it all about them....like they usually do wherever they go....I wouldn't invite either of them to a dog fight if I had free tickets....and the Crown knows that our special relationship will survive these 2...even they can't ruin that...try as they might
Minuteman| 1.24.11 @ 8:02AM
Robbins Mitchell-
Barry Sotero has no need for your dog fight tickets - he's on good terms with Michael Vick, thank you very much.
rongordo | 1.24.11 @ 7:32AM
Obama is the President of America, not kenya. If he wants to diss Britain, and AMERICAN ALLY, to earn favor from Kenya, HIS (deadbeat) dad's country, he should do it on his own time, the pud. The next Republican President should publicly humiliate Obama by asking for it back in a giant televised forum, and can "apologize" for Obama's selfish actions.
Appleby| 1.24.11 @ 7:41AM
I fear there will be a LOT of quiet apologizing for him, just as there was for Carter.
bobmontgomery| 1.24.11 @ 11:54AM
Appleby: I very much hope you are right. I hope that somewhere among the connected, the awake and the relevant elite in this country there are back channels - in society, State Department, military establishment, traditional business, if there is still such a thing - some reservoir of sanity in re foreign policy. God knows there doesn't seem to be much on the domestic front. The US and Western Europe are being surrounded by militant Islam, Chinese imperialism and rogue Latin dictators, while our civil infrastructure is being destroyed. I very much hope and pray that we have something in reserve.
Gunner Asch| 1.24.11 @ 7:42AM
The iPod would be cool for my little sister's 10th birthday.
Delete the speeches.
Stefanie| 1.27.11 @ 1:37PM
If I understand the article correctly, Obama isn't dissing anyone. The royals are dissing Obama by not inviting him.
TommyS| 1.24.11 @ 8:15AM
A royal wedding is reserved for the "upper crust" of society. The only thing O has done is win an election or two. This hardly qualifies them to mix with centuries old, blueblood royalty.
Charles Martel| 1.24.11 @ 10:26AM
... like Sarkozy.
+++
Dan Smith| 1.24.11 @ 7:50PM
Wait, Obama has also won a Nobel Prize for...um...for breathing.
Jay Williams| 1.24.11 @ 8:17AM
Frank Schell knocks it out of the park again. These observations are spot on -- especially the note that such an omission is not a mistake. President Obama was ill served by his advisors on his relations with the Mother Country. I agree with an earlier comment that our relationship with Britain, based as it is on mutual national interests, will survive all this, but there has been more drama than there should have been. The return of the bust of Churchill was especially troubling, and we may have to await memoirs to know how symbolic it was intended to be.
Frisbee| 1.26.11 @ 7:52PM
Yes, I'm sure it's not a "State" staement, but just a personal dislike for such narcissitic people. An iPod with his speeches on it?
I wonder what the Obama's would give them for a wedding present? Probably a toaster oven with a big Democrat logo "O" on it.
I plan to enjoy April 29. Hopefully some of the classier people in our guvmint will send them America's best wishes.
Wait! Just thought of it: tell Obama he needs to apologize for 1776!!! Then they'll accept him!!
WilliamInWien| 1.24.11 @ 8:23AM
Since Mr. and Mrs. BHO were left off the list (my invitation still has not arrived) one is left to ponder exactly what type of wedding gift they would have presented, other than themselves?
Appleby| 1.24.11 @ 8:32AM
I suspect they will still send something -- and it will be inappropriate.
Stephanie| 1.24.11 @ 6:01PM
And another embarrassment.
PCC| 1.24.11 @ 8:58AM
The Royals can invite whomever they like to their wedding party. The Obamas should be thankful they're not on the list. The upper crust of British society, especially the House of Battenberg, consists mainly of wankers and strumpets anyway.
Melvin| 1.24.11 @ 9:58AM
Now there is a title I have not heard in a long time, Wanker and stumpet. Ya can take Barry and Michelle out of the hood, but ya can't take the hood out of them.
AlphaPapa| 1.27.11 @ 1:16PM
As much as I dislike Barry and Michelle... Barry never lived in da hood.... his WHITE grandparents saw to that and his uppper class private school... Michelle is a ghettobabe for sure..
Occam's Tool| 1.24.11 @ 12:47PM
Yes, but it is a group of wankers and strumpets that appeal to Barry and Misha. Obama is getting a Royal equivalent of Monty Pythons fish slapping dance. Well deserved.
Ivy| 1.27.11 @ 10:42PM
The BO's are indeed a well-matched set of wanker and strumpet.
The Royals were absolutely right in not inviting the declasse "First Couple" (couple of WHAT, I'd like to know...)
I love the image of BO getting that giant cod upside the head.
He's such a wanker.
NavyBrat | 1.24.11 @ 8:59AM
Is this a shock to anyone? Given how Obama hates England almost as bad as he hates his own country, & has gone out of his way to show it, why would they invite that rube & his linebacker looking wife? Kate & Wills probably said to each other, "you know what, we already HAVE iPods." I just love the fact that the Brits still haven't lost the touch of being the masters of the subtle insult. At least they still do SOME things right over there.
David W| 1.24.11 @ 9:18AM
Maybe the Brits will invite George and Laura Bush to the wedding. I can't think of a better way to snub the current administration than to invite the evil pretender to the American throne (Bush) and ignore the man who will stop the oceans from rising and help the world to heal (Obama)!!! I would laugh and laugh and laugh (oops, sorry, as a stupid conservative I write say laff and laff and laff).
dvb| 1.24.11 @ 6:46PM
Most of the brits disliked Bush intensely. The liberal Brits becuase of Iraq and the whole opposing politics thing. The conservative British because they disliked watching a condescending Bush treat their prime minister like a well trained puppy. And the English in general because Bush is a tactless Texan goon.
If the wedding were four years ago, Bush would not find an invite in the mailbox.
Frisbee| 1.26.11 @ 7:54PM
I disagree.
Ivy| 1.27.11 @ 10:44PM
I, too, disagree.
The Bush's, though perhaps disliked by the royals, would most certainly have been included on the guest list.
Being a Texan means that you DO have a sense of propriety and what is socially appropriate.
And I don't think that George and Laura would have given the newlyweds matching iPods, either.
YankeeRebel| 2.8.11 @ 2:51AM
I disagree also. I believe that the Queen actually liked Bush, and he & Laura always represented the USA by conducting themselves properly and with class, unlike BO & MO. I can just imagine what Michelle would have worn to the wedding, if she had been invited (shudder). And I guarantee it would have been sleeveless. And yes, they would have found a way to make it all about themselves.
Tenn Slim| 1.24.11 @ 9:25AM
Pres O and Michelle probable dont have the "right" clothes to wear anyway.
Semper FI
Judy| 1.24.11 @ 9:27AM
Which begs the question, "Is anyone from the US invited?" Now that could be a sharp blow.
Deborah D | 1.24.11 @ 9:41AM
I actually smiled when I heard they weren't on the invitation list. I thought it served them right for being too cool for the Brits early on. I say leaving "the cool kids" out of the coolest party is a dish served cold.
dnha14| 1.24.11 @ 9:50AM
See D'Souza's latest book for an excellent explanation of why Obama has a problem with this "Special Relationship". It is definitely enlightening.
(Full disclosure...I just liked the book. I have no relationship to it in any way.)
WRTolkas| 1.24.11 @ 10:23AM
I have read the above comments, and from this reading, some of you are British or in tuned to British culture. I have a question, but unfortunately this question doesn't have much to do with the editorial. From Monty Python, what is a GIT or GITT? Maybe Barry the Magnificent is a Git or Gitt.
Thanks.
Charles Martel| 1.24.11 @ 10:28AM
Here you go.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=git
+++
Claypoole| 1.24.11 @ 1:40PM
Maybe Barry and Michelle can send a shrubbery.
Ivy| 1.27.11 @ 10:45PM
No, but they will say, "NI!" to defenseless old women.
Mimi| 1.24.11 @ 10:27AM
We need an explanation of why.. they were not invited. As AMERICANS...we should feel in sympathy to the President and his wife.....especially if this was a rejection to the U.S.A. or a more personal insult. The Preident's every waking hour is serving....wether we agree with his politics or not....good or bad what you see is what you GOT. Respect for the OFFICE is the question in..my ..opinion!!!
Charles Martel| 1.24.11 @ 10:32AM
When he gets his well deserved comeuppance, I feel no sympathy whatsoever for our Kenyan president or his Klingon wife.
Is it an affront to the United States? Well, what if it is? "We" -- and by that I mean, "you" -- elected him president either (a) knowing exactly what he was and not caring or (b) in complete careless ignorance. Given his behavior, you don't deserve respect until you've corrected your error.
Mistakes have consequences.
+++
Chalkdust| 1.24.11 @ 11:19AM
Martel....Well said.
PaulD| 1.24.11 @ 11:32AM
Hear, hear! We normally refer to the president as Mr. President; however, what we now have in the White House is Mr. KnowItAll, Mr. SmartAleck and Mr. BigShot all in one.
Mimi| 1.24.11 @ 11:58AM
YOU got to be kidding! Mimi DID NOT or would ever vote for the "O". No one has spoken-out as vigorous as myself in defense of this Nation, LIBERTY, and Conservatism!!! I am a Pro-Life supporter from the 70's sir and an enrolled Republican since forever. It is in sympathy of the Presidential Office that I differ....God forbid....read a history of MY POSTS!!!
Charles Martel| 1.24.11 @ 12:32PM
My apologies, Mimi. By "you", I meant any random reader in whom guilt for voting for the unvetted foreigner might be induced. Think of it as the "exclusive second person plural", a pronoun I just now made up.
+++
Charlemagne| 1.26.11 @ 7:55PM
"Klingon wife" - that's funny Grandpa.
Chalkdust| 1.24.11 @ 11:27AM
Mimi....Bugs Bunny is an American also and he's someone more worthy of your concern.
Gretchen| 1.25.11 @ 7:13PM
The upcoming wedding is not a State Occasion, therefore Wills & Kate can invite whomever they please, and are under no obligation to invite the Obamas, either as a private couple, or as head of state and wife. In any case, has anyone seen the full invitation list?
PJ| 1.24.11 @ 11:29AM
Expect to be given the "bird" from friends you piss on!
Grant| 1.24.11 @ 12:29PM
You have GOT to be kidding!
When Mr Sarkozy visited the White House in early January 2011, Mr Obama said: 'We don't have a stronger friend and stronger ally than Nicolas Sarkozy, and the French people.'
Occam's Tool| 1.24.11 @ 1:35PM
Sorry, Dear Mimi, this President deserves the Monty Pythonesque Fish slapping dance he's receiving. He's viciously disrespected the Brits from Day 1.
KBB| 3.5.11 @ 3:59AM
I don't feel one bit that it's a slap against Americans. I don't think the Brits like the Obamas, and feel it possibly goes deeper than that to where the Brits don't think they should even be occupying the WH. The whole world is aware that BO is ineligible. And I do think the special relationship between the Brits and Americans will resume in Nov 2012.
richard ryan| 1.24.11 @ 10:29AM
"Britain does not accept foreigners deemed to be unorthodox...."? Am I the only person wondering about that? How have the demographics of London changed over the past 20 years or so??
vince winstanley| 1.24.11 @ 10:54AM
The Royals snubbed the Obamas because if they had sent out the invitation and it was rejected they would have looked bad. Snub before being snubbed.
Tim the Enchanter| 1.24.11 @ 1:44PM
Excellent point!
KBB| 3.5.11 @ 4:11AM
The Obamas will never turn down a free vacation - to England or anywhere else. They would have jumped at the chance to freeload.
beebop| 1.24.11 @ 6:57PM
Please.
Refuse? Not on your life. An international press opportunity to show off her arms? Miss that? Heavens. And. She could meet up with her buds in some yummy vaca spot on our dime.
ABNCP| 1.24.11 @ 12:42PM
This incompetant boob we have in the White House evidently does not comprehend that the bust of Churchill was a gift to the American people and not his to dispose of. The petty act of returning the bust because of something that may have happened to one of his relations shows his lack of any qualifications for the job of being the President of the Unite States of America.
KBB| 3.5.11 @ 4:13AM
You are quite right. That was a gift to the American people from the Brits. His returning it shows his arrogance and narcissism. Obama always thinks it's about HIM.
Marguerite| 1.24.11 @ 12:51PM
I am not at all surprised these people were left off the guest list. Obama's family, especially on his father's side, has apparently passed down so much anger to him. It is a ghost of that past that will not allow him to see the logic, or reasoning of why men have had to make difficult decisions and follow through on those decisions. His world seems to contain only what will benefit him. Therefore, he cannot accept the "facts" of why and what happened with his forefathers and the British. The bust of Winston Churchill, for instance, perhaps was a threat to him merely by being in The White House. He would probably never admit it. He returned it to Great Britain. He obviously does not have any respect for the United Kingdom. With much regret, I believe now the feeling is mutual. He has so many ghosts of his family haunting him, he cannot see anything clearly. I have a deep feeling this man will never see the truth clearly of the past nor the future. He has manufactured his own little world..and it does not seem to include the greatness of America, nor her superpower place in 'his' New World Order. Great Britain should not feel compelled to include the occupants at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to anything. They are our embarrassment, why make them theirs.
Drew| 1.24.11 @ 12:52PM
The Obamas were left off the Royal Wedding guess list because of a bad gift and a change in Oval Office decor? Don't make laugh.
At a time of extreme fiscal authority, having the President attend such an event in London would create security and logistical nightmares. Unlike the wedding of Charles and Diana, Prince William is not the Prince of Wales - and as such the upcoming Wedding will not be an occasion of such significance as to warrant the expense and disruption an invitation to every head of state in the world would warrant.
If you ask the average Briton what has done more to damage the "special relationship" between the US and the UK, they would tell you that George Bush's ill-considered (and worse managed) adventures in Iraq and Aghanistan. Churchil busts and crappy DVDs wouldn't even make the list.
Deborah D | 1.24.11 @ 1:34PM
BS on steroids.
Mazzuchelli| 1.24.11 @ 4:51PM
Seconded.
Stephanie| 1.24.11 @ 6:12PM
DITTIO~
Gretchen| 1.25.11 @ 7:16PM
AMEN!
Charlemagne| 1.26.11 @ 8:00PM
Bush went to John Paul II's funeral.
dvb| 1.24.11 @ 6:54PM
Drew speaks true. Take a walk about the UK and ask, from London to Aberdeen Bush was a very unpopular individual
Skippy| 1.24.11 @ 7:22PM
So what?
Nobody thinks the Brits are very wise anymore.
They defend their broken welfare state, admit their sworn enemies by the zillions and then surrender to them, and still haven't heard of modern dentistry.
Like GWB?
Only those who love and defend Western Civilization do that!
Most Brits are wankers nowadays.
That's part of why we call it Londonistan.
The England we all loved and trusted is almost gone, and they have no plans to revive it.
Pity.
Oldefarte| 1.24.11 @ 1:00PM
He [and she] are no doubt [as the old saying goes] BULLS IN A CHINA SHOP, or perhaps, uncooth morons, much to the dismay [and ignorance] of Amy Vanderbilt's Book of Etiquette!!!!!!!
freedomliberty13| 1.24.11 @ 1:12PM
As "Reverend" Wright would say: Obama's "chickens have come home to roooost!!!"
Gretchen| 1.25.11 @ 7:18PM
Or, one COULD say, "they have come home to deficate."
deetsie| 1.24.11 @ 1:14PM
This is just payback for Obama's bad behavior. So be it. But don't feed me that well-mannered, cultured and stoic nonsense about the British people. Does anyone remember the funeral of the silly princess when these well-mannered, cultured and stoic people turned into a sobbing, slobbering, hysterical mob? Even the queen was embarrassed for her subjects.
Frisbee| 1.26.11 @ 8:02PM
The queen was saddened that the British people couldn't understand that Diana's boys needed her attention after the loss of their mother. She said so when she finally did speak.
Claypoole| 1.24.11 @ 1:36PM
Barack Obama dislikes white people, and he especially dislikes British white people. Apparently, and understandably, the feeling is mutual.
Purple Lips| 1.24.11 @ 2:02PM
Can anyone at the Court of Saint James tolerate the First Couple for even an hour? What would Michelle do if given a mic? Would she get on her soapbox and rant about transfats, lack of excerise, and the glory of organic tubers? (Of course, Tout le Monde knows she loves the deep fried as much as anyone -just look at her healthy, wide backside)And our solipistic President would surely lecture the English on thier carbon footprint, lousy food, and even lousier dental habits. He might even complain about the Rhodes Scholarship not being renamed to something that does not joust memories of past imperialism - like the Rainbow Scholarship.
And who's to say the Obama's didn't turn down the invite (in private, of course) before it was issued? The Obama's have no use for Europe (old or new). Yes, Barrack would love to buy a few doric columns, for which he could use as props for his Oracle like utterences. But, in a pinch there is always plastic and CGI. The First Couple, I am sure, is unwilling to give up even one of their 78 planned 2011 vacations in order to attend a ceremony that they most probably detest.
Gretchen| 1.25.11 @ 7:24PM
I wonder what Michelle would think of beans on toast.
skedaddle| 1.24.11 @ 2:10PM
Is there any outfit of Michelle 0bama's that you'd want in your wedding pictures? I didn't think so.
PJ| 1.24.11 @ 2:58PM
Very funny!!! But so true!!!
PattyMor| 1.24.11 @ 3:10PM
The Obamas did just give the Brits perceived slights, they were actual slights. So the Brtis, did what they could to relaliate. It couldn't happen to a nicer (not) couple. Besides who would want Michelle there in one of her gawd-awful prints and bare arms?
mames| 1.24.11 @ 3:16PM
They should have been invited by their fellow freeloaders.
JimE| 1.24.11 @ 6:05PM
I would be worried about those two stealing silver.
Impeach Don't Wait| 1.24.11 @ 6:14PM
But the Queene HUGGED her! What gives?
Impeach Don't Wait| 1.24.11 @ 6:15PM
I meant "Queen." Sorry.
Bob Cratchett| 1.24.11 @ 8:11PM
So, Mr. Schell, why, when speaking of the Special Relationship shared by the US and the UK, do you find it necessary to use the hoity-toity, look-at-me-I'm-all-sophisticated-now-Ma phrase "soi-disant' when there's a perfectly good Anglo-Saxon equivalent? Or so I would call it.
Nite| 1.24.11 @ 9:26PM
Obama did not only insult the British PM, but the one from Israel as well. Obama has no class. I expect these countries can't wait for a Republican President. The poster who said Bush was rude, just had no knowledge. George and Laura Bush are very friendly down to earth gracious people. Bush got along well with Tony Blair and the Israel PM.
John II| 1.24.11 @ 10:13PM
When you think about it, the Professor's hostility to the Brits really is bizarre.
I mean, think of today's Britain: a crumbling system of socialized medicine, preening self-abasement before Islamic jihadists, endemic political corruption, institutionalized political correctness, cultural degeneration, social disintegration, moral flabbiness.
These are all qualities hugely admired by the Professor, who "works hard" (so to speak) to visit them on America permanently. So why does he hate the Brits?
Shallow is as shallow does, and the narcissistic personality doesn't generally require complicated explanation. Yet on this issue, who knows? Perhaps we are in deep waters.
RCV| 1.25.11 @ 2:08AM
We've come to a sorry state of lack of self-respect if we should care whether our elected President is invited to the wedding of the useless second-in-line to the powerless throne of the idle kings and queens of England we fought to throw off. Who cares?
Frisbee| 1.26.11 @ 8:04PM
Who cares? I bet O and M do.
cali| 1.25.11 @ 6:22AM
My following comment is not meant to offend anyone, only to add to writer, who perfectly touched on a subject dear to my heart, being european.
While I have accepted american ways, some things i was taught while I just can't change.
In Europe, it is forbidden, and disrespectful to talk, greet anyone by their 'first' name.
Unless you personally know the person to be a family member, you always address all peerson with Mr. Soandso, or Mrs, Ms. SoandSo.
While many here are not aware of this issue, Obama will not understand the snub, because he doesn't have a clue about 'etiquette, manners, and respect'.
To this day, I address anyone with Mr, Mrs, or Ms.; only to be reminded that it's ok to use the first name.
The Obamas are not so much interested in anything other than their own narcissistic demeanor.
dale| 1.27.11 @ 12:02AM
SNUBBED!! I don't think so , Its just the KIDS getting married ,Case and point rapper snoop dog was invited ! its not like its the Queen or even Charles. This is not something a U.S president would and should attend.
YankeeRebel| 2.8.11 @ 3:04AM
You are obviously ignorant of politics, history, and world events. It isn't "just the kids getting married," it is the marriage of a future King of England. And as for "This is not something a U.S. president would and should attend," that is about the silliest statement you could have made.
Chris M| 1.27.11 @ 6:09PM
You lost me right after the "BCE" bit. I'd expect The Atlantic to fall that particularly stupid bit of PC tripe but not the American Spectator. So I pose the question that I do of all who use the term. What makes the "common era" common?
shipley130| 1.29.11 @ 3:36PM
I'm looking forward to the blither blather from MSNBC, assuming they will still be on air, about how wrong it is that the Obamas were not invited and then on another program, state controlled media will assure their 5 customers that it is no big deal that the Obamas were not invited.
Adidas | 8.11.11 @ 4:52AM
is good
العاب | 4.11.12 @ 3:45PM
The Royals can invite whomever they like to their wedding party. The Obamas should be thankful they're not on the list. The upper crust of British society, especially the House of Battenberg, consists mainly of wankers and strumpets anyway