Domani Spero at Diplopundit weighed in on the protocol learning curve.
Money quote(s):
"On the DVD gift set reportedly given to Mr. Brown, what can I say? At least Mr. Brown did not have to report it to his ethics office? Or -- it was so cheap, Mr. Brown gets to keep it? Well, I'm trying to be helpful here -- who picked out that gift, an intern with a maxed out credit card? Okay, let's be charitable and just say they are on a learning curve here."
"(W)hat we need is a a new position at the State Department -- the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Gag Gifts and Foreign Gifting (GG/FG). He/She would be the subject matter expert on gifts and foreign gifting choices for all branches of the government."
&
"I'm willing to do the gag gift gig, if only to show I'm not a kid! Will work for free if there is coffee and some respectability (i.e. corner office).
Not a lot of options here, people - get your act together, get a new bureau (and A/S), or get your daily dose of Comedy Central. Seriously."
Showing posts with label Gordon Brown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gordon Brown. Show all posts
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
re: " "You're nothing special" "
EURSOC had some commentary on the UK gifts gaffe.
Money quote(s):
"(I)f the new administration is eager to reach out to its traditional enemies and rivals, it is less interested in its oldest allies. Regular readers will be aware that we hold no brief for British PM Gordon Brown: However, the disdain Brown received from Obama's office during Brown's visit was appalling, not only as a breach of diplomatic etiquette, but as a calculated snub to one of the few major nations the US can rely on."
&
"(L)et us allow the gifts to pass. Obama and Brown are not tribal chieftans meeting in the desert, exchanging golden swords, dancing girls and eunuchs. Obama's people are new to this game and, besides, they have a lot on their plate."
Money quote(s):
"(I)f the new administration is eager to reach out to its traditional enemies and rivals, it is less interested in its oldest allies. Regular readers will be aware that we hold no brief for British PM Gordon Brown: However, the disdain Brown received from Obama's office during Brown's visit was appalling, not only as a breach of diplomatic etiquette, but as a calculated snub to one of the few major nations the US can rely on."
&
"(L)et us allow the gifts to pass. Obama and Brown are not tribal chieftans meeting in the desert, exchanging golden swords, dancing girls and eunuchs. Obama's people are new to this game and, besides, they have a lot on their plate."
Sunday, April 5, 2009
re: "Obama's Foreign Policy: Nothing Personal"
Charlie at Undiplomatic ("dedicated to covering the intersection of diplomacy, global issues, U.S. politics, and pop-culture") pegs our new chief diplomat as a realist.
Money quote(s):
"The object is to defeat al Qaeda, not get bin Laden. Similarly, the Administration has made it clear (albeit informally) that it no longer will refer to the conflict with al Qaeda as the “Global War on Terror.”
So what do these stories and statements have in common? For Obama, foreign policy is not a frat party. Brown is not his “staunch friend.” Medvedev is neither a “soul” mate or “troublesome and unhelpful.” ; and Osama bin Laden is not an “evil-doer.”
Unlike his predecessor, who personalized everything, Obama is keeping his distance, regardless of whether he is dealing with a friend, competitor, or enemy. He is pursing a businesslike approach to foreign policy, focusing on country-to-country relations, not private relationships.
That is pretty much a textbook example of realism. He views relationships as a function of American interests, and acts accordingly. The downside of this approach is that some issues, such as human rights, are less likely to impress the President as priorities simple because it’s the right thing to do. He still may (or may not) champion human rights, but he’ll do so because it is in America’s best interest."
Money quote(s):
"The object is to defeat al Qaeda, not get bin Laden. Similarly, the Administration has made it clear (albeit informally) that it no longer will refer to the conflict with al Qaeda as the “Global War on Terror.”
So what do these stories and statements have in common? For Obama, foreign policy is not a frat party. Brown is not his “staunch friend.” Medvedev is neither a “soul” mate or “troublesome and unhelpful.” ; and Osama bin Laden is not an “evil-doer.”
Unlike his predecessor, who personalized everything, Obama is keeping his distance, regardless of whether he is dealing with a friend, competitor, or enemy. He is pursing a businesslike approach to foreign policy, focusing on country-to-country relations, not private relationships.
That is pretty much a textbook example of realism. He views relationships as a function of American interests, and acts accordingly. The downside of this approach is that some issues, such as human rights, are less likely to impress the President as priorities simple because it’s the right thing to do. He still may (or may not) champion human rights, but he’ll do so because it is in America’s best interest."
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
JO - Contempt politics in Antigua. 'Recolonising' Turks and Caicos.
Jamaica Observer
Contempt politics in Antigua
'Recolonising' Turks and Caicos
RICKEY SINGH ANALYSIS
Sunday, March 29, 2009
I was following post-election political developments in Antigua and Barbuda last week when the Caribbean Community made public its concern over the threat to democracy in the Turks and Caicos Islands by Britain's announced intention to resort to direct rule from London in that associate member territory of Caricom.
RICKEY SINGH
How refreshing it was to note this militant stand by Caricom as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's administration was laying the legal basis in Parliament for the reintroduction of old-style colonialism, possibly by the end of next month (April). Such a retrograde political move could ensue, depending on the TCI's governor's response to the final report of a Commission of Inquiry. The interim report has already painted an ugly picture of "clear signs of political amorality and immaturity and general administrative incompetence" in the territory.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The embattled Premier Michael Misick who was obliged to resign under a cloud of unsavoury allegations had done so only after formally requesting last Monday Caricom's intervention to "stop the onset of modern-day colonialism" in his homeland.
Caricom is currently monitoring the developments - the TCI having appropriately raised the public alarm against Britain's threat to impose direct rule through its enactment of legislation suspending the Executive and Legislative branches of government in that territory.
The Community Secretariat cannot, however, be so preoccupied with the TCI's future political status, while also complying with its regular work agenda, that it finds it too difficult to also pay heed to the very disturbing trends that mock democratic governance in Antigua and Barbuda."
"This latest post-election political behaviour that mocks traditional swearing-in ceremonies by a governor general was the brief, five-line note from Dame Louise informing Bird to "find enclosed your instrument of appointment as Her Majesty's loyal opposition..."
It was a humiliating first since the days of internal self-government in Antigua and Barbuda, and long before the birth of Caricom, an astonishing departure from what is also the established norm within member states of our Community with either a president or governor general as head of state."
&
"Caricom therefore needs to also interest itself with developments in Antigua and Barbuda while being engaged over moves to recolonise the Turks and Caicos."
Contempt politics in Antigua
'Recolonising' Turks and Caicos
RICKEY SINGH ANALYSIS
Sunday, March 29, 2009
I was following post-election political developments in Antigua and Barbuda last week when the Caribbean Community made public its concern over the threat to democracy in the Turks and Caicos Islands by Britain's announced intention to resort to direct rule from London in that associate member territory of Caricom.
RICKEY SINGH
How refreshing it was to note this militant stand by Caricom as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's administration was laying the legal basis in Parliament for the reintroduction of old-style colonialism, possibly by the end of next month (April). Such a retrograde political move could ensue, depending on the TCI's governor's response to the final report of a Commission of Inquiry. The interim report has already painted an ugly picture of "clear signs of political amorality and immaturity and general administrative incompetence" in the territory.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The embattled Premier Michael Misick who was obliged to resign under a cloud of unsavoury allegations had done so only after formally requesting last Monday Caricom's intervention to "stop the onset of modern-day colonialism" in his homeland.
Caricom is currently monitoring the developments - the TCI having appropriately raised the public alarm against Britain's threat to impose direct rule through its enactment of legislation suspending the Executive and Legislative branches of government in that territory.
The Community Secretariat cannot, however, be so preoccupied with the TCI's future political status, while also complying with its regular work agenda, that it finds it too difficult to also pay heed to the very disturbing trends that mock democratic governance in Antigua and Barbuda."
"This latest post-election political behaviour that mocks traditional swearing-in ceremonies by a governor general was the brief, five-line note from Dame Louise informing Bird to "find enclosed your instrument of appointment as Her Majesty's loyal opposition..."
It was a humiliating first since the days of internal self-government in Antigua and Barbuda, and long before the birth of Caricom, an astonishing departure from what is also the established norm within member states of our Community with either a president or governor general as head of state."
&
"Caricom therefore needs to also interest itself with developments in Antigua and Barbuda while being engaged over moves to recolonise the Turks and Caicos."
Sunday, March 15, 2009
re: "The Ultimate Diplomacy"
Ace at Ace of Spades HQ doesn't sugar-coat his criticism of PM Brown's visit.
Read the whole thing here.
Read the whole thing here.
re: " "Overwhelmed" "
George Smiley at In From the Cold ("Musings on Life, Love, Politics, Military Affairs, the Media, the Intelligence Community and Just About Anything Else that Captures Our Interest") weighs in on the gifts gaffe.
Money quote(s):
"Every new administration--and president--goes through an adjustment process, but this is ridiculous."
Ouch.
"(I)n regard to Obama's meeting with Gordon Brown, there is no excuse for the diplomatic faux pas. Both the White House and the State Department have permanent, professional protocol staffs who work these events on a daily basis. If the Obama team was unsure of how to "handle" a meeting with a British Prime Minister, all they had to do was ask.
Apparently, no one did, since Mr. Brown was not afforded the press conference or formal dinner that normally accompany a U.S.-British summit. Additionally, protocol experts could have prevented the embarrassment over those cheesy DVDs given by Mr. Obama to the British leader."
There's also such a thing as "managing upwards."
Did no one in a protocol position at either the White House or State Department know that PM Brown was going to visit?
I hate to sharpshoot the guys/gals whose responsibility this was; I read the job description for State's protocol officer during last summer's bidding season and, despite protocol and ceremony being an interest of mine (perhaps rising to the level of a hobby), I'd take that job only if someone very senior to me asked me to do so (and if said senior official was someone I both liked and respected). It's the kind of job that'll make you lose your hair.
Money quote(s):
"Every new administration--and president--goes through an adjustment process, but this is ridiculous."
Ouch.
"(I)n regard to Obama's meeting with Gordon Brown, there is no excuse for the diplomatic faux pas. Both the White House and the State Department have permanent, professional protocol staffs who work these events on a daily basis. If the Obama team was unsure of how to "handle" a meeting with a British Prime Minister, all they had to do was ask.
Apparently, no one did, since Mr. Brown was not afforded the press conference or formal dinner that normally accompany a U.S.-British summit. Additionally, protocol experts could have prevented the embarrassment over those cheesy DVDs given by Mr. Obama to the British leader."
There's also such a thing as "managing upwards."
Did no one in a protocol position at either the White House or State Department know that PM Brown was going to visit?
I hate to sharpshoot the guys/gals whose responsibility this was; I read the job description for State's protocol officer during last summer's bidding season and, despite protocol and ceremony being an interest of mine (perhaps rising to the level of a hobby), I'd take that job only if someone very senior to me asked me to do so (and if said senior official was someone I both liked and respected). It's the kind of job that'll make you lose your hair.
re: "Quick, Get the Duct Tape!"
DS at Diplopundit ("Blogging the Foreign Service: outside looking in, sometimes, inside looking out; monitoring the goings on at Foggy Bottom and elsewhere in the diplomatic universe, so you don't have to. ") responds to news coverage of PM Brown's visit to the White House.
What she found truly alarming:
Her reaction:
"That State Department official is new in this gig, hmmn? Quick, get the duct tape! Must not open mouth again until said person has undergone the following intensive courses with one-on-one simulations at FSI: “How to Keep Your Cool When Questioned by Mainstream Media on Foreign Official Visit” and “How to Speak Delicately About Special Relationships and Other Matters and Still Keep Your Friends.”"
What she found truly alarming:
"The real views of many in Obama administration were laid bare by a State Department official involved in planning the Brown visit, who reacted with fury when questioned by The Sunday Telegraph about why the event was so low-key. The official dismissed any notion of the special relationship, saying: "There's nothing special about Britain. You're just the same as the other 190 countries in the world. You shouldn't expect special treatment."
Her reaction:
"That State Department official is new in this gig, hmmn? Quick, get the duct tape! Must not open mouth again until said person has undergone the following intensive courses with one-on-one simulations at FSI: “How to Keep Your Cool When Questioned by Mainstream Media on Foreign Official Visit” and “How to Speak Delicately About Special Relationships and Other Matters and Still Keep Your Friends.”"
Saturday, March 14, 2009
re: "Obama Gives PM Gordon Brown a Crummy Box of DVDs"
LT Nixon at LT Nixon Rants ("Looking for truth and starting controversy since 1980!") is under-impressed with this treatment.
Money quote(s):
"It pretty much goes without say that the Brits have been one of our best allies ever since that whole unpleasant War of 1812 business. World War I, World War II, standing united against communist expansion, fighting side by side against terrorism, and other "minor" mutual understandings to name a few. But Obama's staff neglected to pull out the stops when PM Gordon Brown was in town and gave him what looks like a box of used DVDs from a Virginia flea market. Not exactly the V.I.P. treatment for a Prime Minister. Perhaps Obama should've screened his staff for protocol experience instead of whether or not they ever owned a firearm."
""
Money quote(s):
"It pretty much goes without say that the Brits have been one of our best allies ever since that whole unpleasant War of 1812 business. World War I, World War II, standing united against communist expansion, fighting side by side against terrorism, and other "minor" mutual understandings to name a few. But Obama's staff neglected to pull out the stops when PM Gordon Brown was in town and gave him what looks like a box of used DVDs from a Virginia flea market. Not exactly the V.I.P. treatment for a Prime Minister. Perhaps Obama should've screened his staff for protocol experience instead of whether or not they ever owned a firearm."
""
Friday, March 13, 2009
re: "Gordon Brown Obama Meeting"
beth at Blue Star Chronicles ("a way from me to vent and journal the experience of having a son in the military, stationed in Europe and deployed to Iraq as part of the Global War on Terror") is pretty unhappy with Pres. Obama.
Money quote(s):
"Barack Obama hosted his first foreign leader yesterday and today and managed to insult British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the entire United Kingdom."
&
"I’m sure that its no accident that the very first time Obama hosted a foreign leader, it was British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Obama has to be broken in to dealing with foreign leaders, protocol and all things diplomatic, so best to start out with those who are going to be friendly with us even if there is a faux pas here and there. But what to do when its all just one big faux pas that can’t be over looked or looked over?"
Money quote(s):
"Barack Obama hosted his first foreign leader yesterday and today and managed to insult British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the entire United Kingdom."
&
"I’m sure that its no accident that the very first time Obama hosted a foreign leader, it was British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Obama has to be broken in to dealing with foreign leaders, protocol and all things diplomatic, so best to start out with those who are going to be friendly with us even if there is a faux pas here and there. But what to do when its all just one big faux pas that can’t be over looked or looked over?"
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