Obama in Berlin | 47 comments (47 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: Obama in Berlin (4.00 / 2)

Setting aside the debate over whether Obama should speak at the gate or not, Krauthammer is an asshole. His column is a beautiful illustration of the Villge mentality. "We decide who gets to do what and where." I'm curious to know what, exactly, Reagan did to "earn" giving a speech at the gate. Reagan wouldn't be fit to shine Obama's shoes if he were alive today, let alone Kennedy's.

The Siegessäule is as good a place as any, I suppose, but why not just give a speech at any non-critical intersection, addressing ordinary Germans instead of some big show at the Siegessäule? That would be a lot more visually appealing to me.

Be nice to America. Or we'll bring democracy to your country.

by Drew J Jones (pedobear@pennstatefootball.com) on Fri Jul 18th, 2008 at 10:06:46 AM EST

Re: Obama in Berlin (none / 1)

I confess to agreeing with the idea that this is a mere campaign event and that the Brandenburg gate, given how JFK made it iconic, should be reserved for historic events; which this is blatantly not.

And if that's the case, any speech in Berlin becomes overshadowed by where he isn't, so he shouldn't give one in the City at all.

But what do I know ? This is all about campaign photo opportunities.

keep to the Fen Causeway

by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Fri Jul 18th, 2008 at 10:32:57 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama in Berlin (4.00 / 2)

Oh, I quite agree that the Brandenburg Gate should be reserved for historic speeches, and that this one will almost certainly not qualify.

And only those few politicians -- willing to affirm that they, too, are jelly donuts -- should be allowed. /snark

My opinion on whether he gives a speech in Germany or not depends on how many people will show up for it. If it's going to be many, I say he should go for it, because it'd be helpful for people abroad to make their feelings known (so long as they're on our side, of course). If not many, skip it.

I don't know how the German public feels well enough to gauge it. I've read, from people in Germany and those outside of it with some knowledge, that it'd draw a pretty big crowd, but I'm also left thinking, "Surely our election can't be that interesting to people over there."

Be nice to America. Or we'll bring democracy to your country.

by Drew J Jones (pedobear@pennstatefootball.com) on Fri Jul 18th, 2008 at 10:54:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama in Berlin (4.00 / 7)

I'm also left thinking, "Surely our election can't be that interesting to people over there."

Your ickle lickle election has consequences for every person on the planet. The president of the United States and their prejudices/opinions creates the political environment that colours damn near every decision on the planet. From which wars we have, what price we pay for stuff, what happens to our environment, heck, even down to whether there will be ice in Greenland in 50 years time, it's all down to who sits in the Oval office.

Damn right we're interested. You and yours have screwed up mightily last two times. We're losing patience, McCain is not an option.

keep to the Fen Causeway

by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Fri Jul 18th, 2008 at 11:22:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama in Berlin (none / 0)

Interested enough for a hundred thousand people to pile in and make for a good photo-op?

Be nice to America. Or we'll bring democracy to your country.

by Drew J Jones (pedobear@pennstatefootball.com) on Fri Jul 18th, 2008 at 11:32:49 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama in Berlin (4.00 / 3)

Dunno, free beer might help

keep to the Fen Causeway

by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Fri Jul 18th, 2008 at 12:47:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama in Berlin (4.00 / 3)

He can speak at St. James' Gate in Dublin if he wants. (Site of Guinness Brewery).

Or anywhere else for that matter - and draw a big crowd.

Mandela spoke at the Mansion House, The Pope in Phoenix Park, Clinton in front of Trinity College. All got a rousing welcome. If he promises to end rendition flights Obama will get one too.

"It's a mystery to me - the game commences, For the usual fee - plus expenses, Confidential information - it's in my diary..."

by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot male dotty communists) on Fri Jul 18th, 2008 at 12:54:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama in Berlin (none / 0)

27 thousand megaton is a good motivator...

- Jake

Friends come and go. Enemies accumulate.

by JakeS (JangoSierra 'at' gmail 'dot' com) on Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 at 11:36:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama in Berlin (none / 1)

And what do you mean McCain is not an option? Y'all should love him. He's old enough to tell you stories of the Siegessäule being built.

Be nice to America. Or we'll bring democracy to your country.

by Drew J Jones (pedobear@pennstatefootball.com) on Fri Jul 18th, 2008 at 11:39:00 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama in Berlin (4.00 / 2)

As far as I'm concerned, presidents or similar should be elected by the popolations of adversary nations, or ideally drawn by lot with a solid betting system to go along.

In the worst of cases I'm for forced massive population exchanges with full citizenry rights in the packet.

by de Gondi (publiobestia aaaatttthotmaildaughtusual) on Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 at 08:11:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama in Berlin (none / 1)

That's how we choose colleagues in academia.

Only someone on the inside can reveal that he was the 3rd choice all along, and he won the job simply because he was the least objectionable (read mediocre) candidate available.

UpstateNY, PhD.

by Upstate NY on Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 at 12:48:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Obama in Berlin | 47 comments (47 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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