THE HILL
 

Who You Calling Arrogant?

By Ron Christie - 04/06/09 07:03 AM ET
Lost in the euphoria of the Obama European tour last week was the stunning lack of objectivity of the American media. If they had bothered to pry their eyes away from the Obamas and reflect on several of his conversations, they might have reported news to the American people that would have given them pause for reflection.

First, consider the meeting President Obama held with his Chinese counterpart last week. China had invited the new president to visit Beijing — Obama accepted. Obama also vowed to work with China to garner more influence with the International Monetary Fund. And what did we, the American people, receive in kind? Nothing. No concession or pledge to work to reduce the threat posed on the Korean Peninsula by North Korea. Oh, nice missile test launched by the North Koreans a few days back.

Next, President Obama noted to his Russian counterpart that America has "drifted" in its relationship with Russia. Let me see, in the last few years Russia has: invaded Georgia, threatened Poland, cut off natural gas shipments to Europe — and America has drifted? No, the American media overseas were too distracted to report this while they twittered about whether the first lady placing her arm around the waist of Queen Elizabeth II was appropriate behavior.

No, my favorite event coming out of the Obama World Tour last week that was scarcely reported was that the president of the United States declared that America has "failed to appreciate Europe's leading role in the world" and has "shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive" towards its allies. Where to start?

First, America has taken a leading role over the past 100 years to liberate Europe from brutal dictators not once but twice. At significant cost to American lives. To suggest that America has somehow failed to appreciate the leading role of the Europeans is a remarkable statement. I only wish the Europeans would appreciate America's leading role in the world to liberate those who have been oppressed by fascism, communism and tyranny.

Next, for the president of the United States to declare that his own country "has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive" towards its allies on foreign soil is repugnant. In one sentence, the American president has given voice to America-haters around the world, who scorn our freedom, liberty and very way of life. Why the American president would seek to insult his country while on foreign soil is truly beyond me. That the American press would ignore such a significant statement tells far more about its objectivity, or lack thereof.

The next time the president of the United States thinks he should insult his own country, which he was elected to protect and defend, perhaps he should look in the mirror first to see the one who is truly arrogant.
Source:
http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/the-administration/31002-who-you-calling-arrogant

Comments (57)

I noticed that u wingnuts have been cackling about this lately, parsing the prez words, here is the FULL quote..

"In America, there's a failure to appreciate Europe's leading role in the world. Instead of celebrating your dynamic union and seeking to partner with you to meet common challenges, there have been times where America has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive."

Did u not read/hear this?

But in Europe, there is an anti-Americanism that is at once casual but can also be insidious. Instead of recognizing the good that America so often does in the world, there have been times where Europeans choose to blame America for much of what's bad.

Hannity jumped on this and nicole wallace was parroting the same nonsense without being challenged on Morning Joe. Is this how you are trying to sour his wildly successful trip? LOL!!!
BY Theard on 04/06/2009 at 12:24
And let's not forget the "ready for prayer, [***] in the air" bow to the Saudi king. Never before has any American President bowed at the waist to any foreign sovereign. So Obama's first foreign phone call after assuming office was to Abbas, he states in his Turkey speech "We will convey our deep appreciation for the Islamic faith, which has done so much over the centuries to shape the world, including in my own country". The only serious shaping I can recall was at the World Trade Center. He bows to the king, apologizes to Muslims for taking the blame for 9/11, attempts to get a notorious Sauid (and Chinese) apologist into a high advisory position, who is just too outrageous and so withdraws. With Obama's whole history of associations with Muslim fanatics and crazed anti-Israel Palestinians, I'm not so sure where his allegiances lie.BY Jerry on 04/06/2009 at 14:13
This amazing trip is giving the repugs the chills. What will you boys and girls do now that most of the rest of the adult world like the Obamas too.BY Joyce on 04/06/2009 at 14:15
Theard, I noticed you mindless synchophants incapable of original thought have been apologizing for your incompetent, anti-american dictator-in-training lately. I absolutely refuse to believe that u idiots are that clueless so u r probably just paid hacks. U think voters will care about ANY this idiocy? All the terms of endearment directed to u are from your own post on Brent's blog just like defending "everying Obama simply will not do". So beat it Kool-Aid drinker (that one is from me).BY Jerry on 04/06/2009 at 14:19
Armstrong, you delivered another GOP wingnut talking point, dead on arrival. Ka-plunk.BY Lester on 04/06/2009 at 14:31
Well, we do know that Ron Christie can't see straight. Due to his messianic hatred of President Obama. Self hating, self loathing. Shame.BY Navec on 04/06/2009 at 14:50
Um Ron? I've seen you on tv more times than I can count, and yes, you are arrogant. But we don't blame you, it's part of the Republican dna.BY celtic on 04/06/2009 at 15:25
The Obama apology tour isn't working. At least not with the American public. It is amazing how much he appears to hate the very country who elected him.BY Robert Rosencrans on 04/06/2009 at 15:43
#8. RR; I think you have a few splinters in the windmill of your mind.BY Joyce on 04/06/2009 at 16:17
You boys on teh wingnut right are having a hard time trying to come up with outrage aren't you? Look, Obama is good and most people like him and have confidence that he'll do the right thing. As far as you wingnuts are concerned, go suck an egg.BY Mike Coleman on 04/06/2009 at 16:20

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