I’m not disputing or questioning any of your points here. Whether it be; when Canada shook their British identity, how 911 effected US/UK relations, or even if Obama’s visit to Ottawa was a sound decision.

I only asked why the UK’s official visit was foremost among allies in light of the points you provided. It’s an honest question, really.
Based on Kaiser’s article it appears to be a tradition that predates 911.

Moreover, while I just adore the Brits, slighting Canada is the last thing I’d want to do. Not only rarely recognized as the wonderful neighbors they really are, but as a fellow “American” I find the reference applied to U.S. subjects alone as rather insulting on behalf of all Americans; North, South & Central combined.

Again, it was just a question resulting from the dialogue, not an attack.

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When I spoke about post 9/11 I was specifically referring to Bush and his bootlick Tony Blair.

The point is Obama chose Canada as his first foreign visit as President and that shouldn’t go unnoticed by people in terms of our countries’ relationships.

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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4540958/

If I had more time, I would find links for your other items…..

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In the future, I’m sure he’ll make sure to get 2nd, 3rd and 4th opinions.

At least it wasn’t a “reset” button that really said “overcharged” or some shit like that. LOL

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That having been said…good lord, I need to invite Gordon Brown to my house. Talk about flashy gifting!

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Like I said, I completely agree w/ the Original Kate’s point & Trillion’s list.

Moreover, I voted against Bush & for Obama. In fact, I took alot of slack for being against the war before it even began, (unpatriotic & all that.)

Still, I stand by my original statement. Those gifts & gestures were both thoughtless & embarrassing.

That in no way suggests Bush was acceptable or bearable. Actually, beside the increase in funding for African aid I’d say his administration was an utter failure.

My point is, one has nothing to do w/ the other. Shabby gifts don’t even begin to compare w/ waging a senseless war.

Having said that, I doubt Obama actually decided on those things himself. More likely it was some staff member who made the crap decision. Unfortunately, poor choices of staff are a direct reflection on him.

By the way, I agree w/ your list too, though I’d add another two unfortunate & truely frightening justifications; fighting God’s holy war & ridding the Middle East of threats to Israel.

By the way, on top of what I previously wrote, I’ve since heard that the new admin also failed to give Brown a proper dinner as is customary when welcoming heads of state. Not sure if it’s true as I wasn’t there but if true it’s yet another example of how these things just compound the appearance of being a bad host.

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Some people are just poor gift givers.

I’d take a man who can’t give a gift, but runs a COUNTRY over what we’ve had for 8 years.

So he can’t give a gift, how many men AREN’T guilty of that? Heck, how many PEOPLE aren’t guilty of that?

I may know my mother/boyfriend/sisters/brothers inside and out, but I still find myself at a loss on what to give them when birthdays/christmas/insert other significant events here roll around.

I’m happy with him so long as he doesn’t give us 8 more years of Bush. Trillion’s right, can’t get much worse than that.

Also, to answer Ana, I believe that yes, he definitely has oil connections (Texas jokes aside). Or had at one point.

The reasons for the Iraq war go beyond just oil. I mean, we’re talking rebuilding contracts for his friends that amounted to millions and millions of dollars, we’re talking being able to finish what his dad could not (in his eyes) weapons’ contracts, etc etc, the root of which, is of course, wanting power and money.

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On top of that, Obama left Brown waiting & finally postponed the original meeting due to bad weather after he’d commented on the softness of Washingtonians compared to the people of Chicago when it came to harsh weather.

If Canada is the best ally of the US, & the UK/US relationship is simply post 911 BS, then why is the general rule for an incoming admin to have the British Head of State be the 1st to offcially visit?

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On top of that, Obama left Brown waiting & finally postponed the original meeting due to bad weather after he’d commented on the softness of Washingtonians compared to the people of Chicago when it came to harsh weather.

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