The Washington Post summed up the recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit using pictures and words to describe the theatrics and points of interest with 21 nations present and some amazing productions by the host nation. The Photo shows the costume worn by all attendees to this summit.
This is a time to make a show of strength and respect the host country. Mr. Obama chewed gum during photos while Putin showed off the close ties Russia and China are developing. Putin even offered a shawl to the Chinese First Lady that was both awkward and endearing. US Media and Chinese government censors tried blowing up “Shawlgate” into a bigger thing than it was. Obama’s behavior was far more egregious and arrogant. Chinese bloggers had plenty to say about Obama:
People got in a tizzy about Obama chewing gum as he arrived at a formal banquet. “We made this meeting so luxurious, with singing and dancing, but see Obama, stepping out of his car chewing gum like an idler,” wrote
Yin Hong, a professor at one of Beijing’s most prominent universities, on China’s Twitter-equivalent Sina Weibo.
ABC News showed Obama and Putin in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6-ZOY5fxFg
I thought there was a protocol director on the White House staff. I also have to wonder if Obama had some kind of etiquette lessons at Punahou, Occidental College or Columbia University. My public high school had teachers who told us how to behave before prom. One would think at some point during his prep school and college days or when he started his career in politics someone taught him to behave properly, right? In addition, doesn’t someone from the state department brief the president? At least he could watch a YouTube video on the plane ride to his foreign destination and see what local customs are.
As a recap, after the APEC summit in Beijing, Obama totally ignored local custom, basic etiquette, chewed gum in public, and was the epitome of the Ugly American while Putin acted like a leader and gave the appearance of being a gentleman and a strong leader. Perhaps Obama needs to actually attend the briefings and listen to the information given during said briefing.
Kate says: Mao called. He wants his clothes back.
Appalled By The World says: It’s really a good thing that the USSR no longer exists because if it were still around and chummy with China as was the case in the 1950’s the US would have been finished by now thanks to the Obama von Bismarck of our times. Nixon had his faults but at least he was smart enough to drive a bigger wedge between China and the USSR- the fearless “leader” of the Western world we suffer under these days has managed to undo all that and then some, making the world a far more dangerous place.
Gail Boer says: I guess hope and change means being on the brink of global conflict thanks to Neville Chamberlain’s spiritual heir Obama.
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