From "Trumps Throw Out Tradition for Their First State Dinner" (NYT).
I would have written not surprising for a president who knows they hate him.
"There will be subtle hints at bipartisanship in the décor: Along with 1,200 Obama-inspired cherry blossom branches to decorate the Cross Hall, Mrs. Trump will use china from the Clinton White House," the article continues, and the most-liked comment is:
So we can have a "nod to bipartisanship" in the dishes used - but no actual human beings who don't fawn at the feet of our dear leader?The Daily Mail has lots of juicy photographs of the tablescapes with the gold-encrusted dishes that could have been mocked as evidence of Trump's horribly narcissistic taste if they weren't the Clintons'.
Donald Trump representing the United States of America at a state dinner is an embarrassment to our country.
The Daily Mail also has a great picture of Trump man-kissing Macron.
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114 comments:
Are there any Dems left who are not rabidly anti-Trump?
Maybe Manchin--but you don't want to give him a boost in the Senate race.
I would have guessed that, being unable to get things that are to their taste, the Trumps are using whatever is lying around. Not b/c of frugality, but because of No F*cks Given.
-XC
Trump just following the Obama playbook: " Mr. Obama was later quoted as telling GOP leaders that “elections have consequences,” and, in case there was any doubt, “I won.”
https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/Politics-Voices/2014/1121/Elections-have-consequences-Does-Obama-regret-saying-that-now
I love this guy more everyday.
Well, we have new traditions now. Like calling for impeachment before a new president is even sworn in.
Or federal officers raiding the president's lawyer.
The pictures don't do Mrs. Macron any favours there. Trump either. It makes them look like a pair of aging cradle-robbers, next to their youthful, attractive spouses.
Re: Humperdink:
Trump just following the Obama playbook: " Mr. Obama was later quoted as telling GOP leaders that “elections have consequences,” and, in case there was any doubt, “I won.”
Yes, but that was a dumb playbook. It's why Republicans (to their great surprise) won everything in 2016. If you're happy with Trump, you owe Obama your thanks. If he'd been competent, we wouldn't have Trump today.
Why herbs from the White House garden? Aren't there better ones domestically available?
Good for Trump. A refusal to pander to the insane was what brought him the office.
Why should he even consider hob knobbing with Dems when they will not bow to the needs of this country and approve his appointees --- as has been done by every previous Senate?
It's very pretty. No need to mar it with sour, side-tilted heads.
"So we can have a "nod to bipartisanship" in the dishes used - but no actual human beings who don't fawn at the feet of our dear leader?"
-- Who could Trump invite from the Democrat leadership and trust they won't make a scene?
What does "china from the Clinton White House" mean, exactly? "China initially taken from the White House by the Clintons, then returned after being found out?"
Good time to rehash my argument that it was a total mistake to fuse the head of state and head of government into a single Executive figure in our Constitution. The head of state should be a largely ceremonial position that strives, as much possible, to stay out of and above politics.
In addition to the political angle, Melania apparently is adamant that State dinners not be too crowded, with a little over 100 here, as contrasted to Obama’s last dinner of maybe 400. What she has, that her recent predecessors didn’t is training and experience in style. And a good eye for style and color. Down to the exact hue of napkins. Something that most of us wouldn’t recognize consciously, but likely would do so subconsciously.
"The Daily Mail also has a great picture of Trump man-kissing Macron."
No! Please don't man-kiss French guys, jeez, that's going half-way to full Beta status.
Sacre bleu!
The head of state should be a largely ceremonial position that strives, as much possible, to stay out of and above politics.
That would be ideal and existed at times, like Eisenhower's administration.
The media pretended the Kennedys were also an example.
The only other example I can recall of how it is now would be Lincoln, who would be still reviled if he had not been assassinated.
"Typically the leadership of the opposing party is invited to a state dinner, but the Trumps threw out that tradition as they also shunned journalists..."
"Leadership of the opposing party" and "journalists" -- aren't they the same?
"Yes, but that was a dumb playbook. It's why Republicans (to their great surprise) won everything in 2016."
Liberals and Demcorats made these rules and the God Emperor is just playing by them.
In fact he did not go far enough. He should ban Democrats and the media from the White House altogether. Originally they were going to close the White House Press room that just gave preferences to the Networks and CNN and the Times and Post. He should move them across the street.
They have done nothing but shit on him and demand his impeachment. Ginning up witch hunts. Calling him senile and not worthy of being President. He owes them nothing but the back of his hand.
I completely approve of Trump freezing the Democrats out of this dinner. They've made it quite clear from the day he was elected that they don't consider themselves the loyal opposition, they consider themselves his enemies. Democratic politicians, judges, and bureaucrats are doing everything in their power to undo his election and prevent him from carrying out his agenda.
Screw them. Cut them out of everything they don't have a solid legal right to participate in. Not getting invited to a state dinner is the *least* he should be doing to them.
Of course the rest of us always invite our most rabid enemies to dinner, especially the ones who wish for and actively work every minute of the day to bring our immediate demise.
If you want to come to dinner, don't be an insufferable asshole. I got friends to feed.
Why should the president have people to the White House who pay people to attack his supporters?
No one from Fox News available? Murdock papers? National Enquirer?
By freezing the Democrats out, Trump deprives them of the opportunity to signal their virtue by refusing to attend. Well played.
Tradition is both an imposition and a choice.
Lacking either, it ends.
I personally think he does not go far enough in his war with the fake news media.
At the next rally when he has them penned up he should distribute rotten eggs and buckets of urine and feces to be thrown at these worthless scum. He should encourage every American to tell every journalist who asks them a question to answer with one simple phrase: "Go fuck yourself."
The press is the bitter enemy of the American People. They prove it every day.
They are elitist liberal scum.
For the journos, being locked out means that it's harder for them to do their jobs, so, yeah, they're gonna bitch & moan.
But for the Dem politicians not invited? They're not going to say so for the camera, but for them it's a win-win. They get to paint Trump as a petty tyrant to their constituents, & they get spared yet one more boring, evening waste-er of a DC event.
Time is precious for the politicos. Ya seen one of these state dinners, ya seen 'em all. Unless an important constituent has business before the French government, I'm sure they're glad to have an excuse not to be there.
The only two actual journalists that I have seen the past two years are Selena Zito and Mollie Hemmingway.
They criticize Trump but are not mindless elitist scum who turn and twist everything into an attack on the God Emperor.
Otherwise the rest of them should be crucified with a pot of starving rats attached to their groins.
@Michael K:
That would be ideal and existed at times, like Eisenhower's administration.
Well, the country was less polarized back in the day due to being less diverse. But I deny that it has ever "existed," because it cannot exist by nature of its design. The President is an inherently political job.
"I'm sure they're glad to have an excuse not to be there."
Good point. One less boring work function to attend.
"Along with 1,200 Obama-inspired cherry blossom branches to decorate the Cross Hall, "
I worked on Capitol Hill back when Obama was still sleeping on Uncle Omar's couch, and I distinctly remember that Washington DC had cherry blossoms before Barack Obama showed up. The trees seemed to bloom every Spring without waiting, or needing, to be inspired by someone whose only previously known interest in horticulture was in seeking maximum absorption as a member of the Choom Gang..
It is really sad they are cutting branches off live trees in order to decorate for some "let them eat cake" gala.
I also wonder if that is the "Clinton china" that Hillary stole and was forced to return...
I would actually invite the Dem leadership to State dinners like this. No, they don't deserve to be invited. But Lyndon Johnson said, keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.
For purely tactical reasons, it makes sense to keep these assholes close.
Blogger readering said...
No one from Fox News available? Murdock papers? National Enquirer?
Readering, you would fit right in at the NYT comments section.
Just hilarious.
Personally, I would suggest reopening the White House swimming pool and putting the press across the street somewhere.
Respect is earned and maintained.
The leftists have been utter shitheads who demand their political opponents be disenfranchised and resort to violence and mob attacks both socially and physically on their enemies.
Every day there is a gibbering howling mass of leftist fucks on social media attacking people they disagree with. Shania Twain and Jay Feeley just the latest examples.
Leftist corporations in monopoly positions are actively censoring their political opponents.
They are acting exactly like the Nazis did in Germany. This is not hyperbole. Look at what they are doing and the only difference is their political enemies are armed this time.
I agree with the first commenter. Dems have been rabidly partisan. Now they want to go to the big party and get a free meal. Screw em all - some of them twice.
And isn't it nice of them to give Trump this opportunity to kiss their collective asses?
If Trump has invited any democrats, we'd be treated to them going before a podium and 50 microphones making a breathless declaration that they won't come.
For me, it would be like George Washington inviting fascists, literal and real fascists, to come in their ash clothes and rendered clothes. These people are beyond the pale when it comes to snobbery, arrogance, and lack of tact. Why would he want to have that?
The photos look great! They also dined at Mount Vernon, a favorite spot for DC tourists. (George Washington's home if you didn't know that, and you should know that.)
Macron's wife seems a bit dour though.
I hereby retract my criticism of Trump's man-kissing the French dude.
America has not forgotten behavior of the Democrats at the State of the Union speech. Why would anyone think it a good idea to invite them to another important event?
As President, did George Washington ever invite Benedict Arnold to dinner?
re: bagoh20:
Of course the rest of us always invite our most rabid enemies to dinner, especially the ones who wish for and actively work every minute of the day to bring our immediate demise.
It is a time-honoured tradition.
Frau Merkel is going to get a bit of a cold shoulder when she comes to DC on Friday. Fine by me. She can eat cold wiener schnitzel on a park bench beside the Potomac as far as I care. You badmouth people, then expect them to love your? Frau Merkel, the press, Chuck You Schumer, Max Scene Waters and the rest of that crowd are presumptuous.
As for the idea that Trump should act like a head of state and be gracious to all--well what goes around comes around. Until his opponents can play nice, payback is what they've got coming.
The Head of State stuff in other countries is nonsense. The Prime Minister of England and its colonies sets what passes for British foreign policy. The Queen and her family are Disney Royalty. Same with Spain and the rest.
Personally, I think the Queen of England and the King of Spain would be much better than these weak Prime Ministers in Canada and Western Europe.
The Democrats just suck.
I'm not saying they have always sucked.
I liked Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson, and still do.
FDR was a great Commander in Chief during WWII (except for interning the Japanese Americans and demanding Unconditional Surrender). But domestically he sucked, too. Big time.
And there have been a lot of good Democrats over the years. But now, in 2018, they just suck. The Bernie Bros think they suck too for rigging the Dem primaries.
So, if you suck this bad, you don't get to dine with the French. Sorry. But, still, tactically, maybe Trump shoulda invited a few to sit at the kiddie table or something.
I think Trump should invite the press and the Democrats to a wedding at the White House and then pull a Walder Frey on them.
Why are they "Obama-inspired cherry blossoms"? Apparently I wasn't sufficiently paying attention to Obama's inspirations...
QEII is a cany old bird. After all, if she wants to say that a referendum on Scottish independence is a serious matter that voters should think hard about, well, who could disagree with that? It's not a political statement at all. And if she wants to go to church in Scotland the Sunday before the vote, well, that's freedom of conscience. She can go to church anywhere she likes..
And Jaun Carlos of Spain did his bit for democracy on the world stage as well..
In light of the multi-trimester witch hunt, before and after inauguration, there is sufficient and even probable cause to believe that there will be an attempted witch trial, or trial by press. Trump should keep the twilighters at a distance, and the journolists spinning their yarns as they imagine.
Joshua Barker wins the thread with his first two words!
I wonder if those menu cards were written out by hand?
I am thrilled the President decided to shut the press out. They deserve it and much more. However, he had the opportunity to create havoc among the Democrats and he failed to do it. I wish he had invited only Red State Democrats and those in elections that either lean red or are too close to call. Knowing Democrats, they would have to think long and hard if they were going to accept or not. It would have been so much fun to watch.
There may be a tradition for inviting the loyal opposition to state dinners, but there is no tradition for inviting the resistance. And if you are a member of the resistance and are invited, you shouldn't go.
Agree with above commenters about "Obama-inspired cherry blossom..." Amazing that there is no one at the NYTimes capable of grasping how this kind of nonsense makes them look.
@McCullough:
The Head of State stuff in other countries is nonsense. The Prime Minister of England and its colonies sets what passes for British foreign policy. The Queen and her family are Disney Royalty. Same with Spain and the rest.
"Disney" is exactly what you want with a head of state. Ceremonial symbolism and a unifying symbol for the country. The head of state should not be involved in day-to-day governance. I think it is one of the flaws of the constitutional system.
”For the journos, being locked out means that it's harder for them to do their jobs, so, yeah, they're gonna bitch & moan.”
Making shit up requires access?
Wait just a minute! How did Hannity not rate an invitation? And the whole team at "Fox & Friends"?
Our friend Chuck is attempting humor.
Humor is a good thing.
It is a step in the right direction, Chuckles.
Heh. What Original Mike said at 12:24PM!
”"Disney" is exactly what you want with a head of state. Ceremonial symbolism and a unifying symbol for the country. The head of state should not be involved in day-to-day governance. I think it is one of the flaws of the constitutional system.“
I fail to see the point of an “official” who has no political power.
Well, if he ain't your president then it ain't your state dinner.
not surprising for a president who derides the 'fake news' media.
It's really sorry when you have to repeat Trump's 'fake news' mantra to disparage him. Trump is living rent free in the author's head!!
Winning!!
Did the Germans sit down with Pearl Harbor? No!
I wish Trump had invited 50 people chosen at random form the phone book and flown into DC at no cost to the invitees. It'd be nice to see some cops, accts, clerks, truck drivers etc enjoy themselves instead of lib liars like Sleepy Chuck Todd and his hateful media peers.
Readering begrudges the fact that conservatives even have a few woefully outnumbered media outlets to themselves.
@Original Mike:
I fail to see the point of an “official” who has no political power.
Because a head of state's role is largely symbolic and ceremonial. Their function is primarily to represent the nation. I think the US Constitution erred in having two powerful an executive, even with the checks and balances system. I think head of state and head of government should not be a single individual.
Here is the reason that Trump didn't invite any Democrats- he knows that a good number of them, and probably all them as coordinated stunt, would make a big and public deal about declining the invitation. By not inviting them at all, he keeps them from doing so. I think it was a smart move, too.
”Their function is primarily to represent the nation.”
Not really a representative if they can’t do anything.
At the state dinner, Trump should propose a toast from a cup full of Democrat's tears.
Like others, I'm calling B.S. on the idea that the use of cherry blossoms is "Obama inspired". Given the city's long history of using cherry trees to line its streets, I would find in incredible that no other state dinner had ever used cherry blossoms as a decoration before the Obama Administration. As for the use of the "Clinton" china, the Clinton's picked it out. It belongs to the White House. It's like saying that the use of the tables and chairs is a tribute to the LBJ administration because they were bought during his term (supposing they were).
The important point is that Mrs. Trump picked out the china, flowers (including the cherry blossoms), and other elements for the state dinner. The combination is elegant and shows exquisite taste. Who originally chose the china and silverware is beside the point.
I fail to see the point of an “official” who has no political power.
Yet most Republics in the world have one. Evidently they see the point.
Humperdink said: "Trump just following the Obama playbook: " Mr. Obama was later quoted as telling GOP leaders that “elections have consequences,” and, in case there was any doubt, “I won.”
Balfegor responded: "Yes, but that was a dumb playbook. It's why Republicans (to their great surprise) won everything in 2016. If you're happy with Trump, you owe Obama your thanks. If he'd been competent, we wouldn't have Trump today."
We owe more than Obama for our thanks. We owe the DNC, the IRS, the media, a variety of swamp creatures, for giving us Trump. Flyover country has been crapped on enough and Trump is dishing it back - much to my delight.
The loyal opposition.
What a quaint term.
In a laughable version of "only time will tell," The New York Times's fashion critic reports that Melania Trump's wardrobe choices have been inconsistent and hard to predict and that nobody knows what she'll wear to the state dinner, but she assures us, "Whatever it is, it will be telling."
I think the US Constitution erred in having two powerful an executive, even with the checks and balances system.
Washington probably was responsible for the Constitutional Convention's decision to include a powerful executive.
I don't know what happened to my copy of "Madison's Notes on the Convention of 1787," but I think that was part of it.
Personally, I think the Judiciary is too powerful.
@J. Farmer: "I think the US Constitution erred in having two powerful an executive, even with the checks and balances system."
The executive wouldn't be so powerful if the legislative branch didn't willfully give up much of its own power in favor of the bureaucracy under the executive.
Perhaps some folding card tables could be placed in another room for the journalists, following the custom for child diners at holidays.
"Donald Trump representing the United States of America at a state dinner is an embarrassment to our country."
I guess Trump shouldn't have any state dinners since this guy who voted for Hillary is embarrassed.
"The executive wouldn't be so powerful if the legislative branch didn't willfully give up much of its own power in favor of the bureaucracy under the executive."
True, but this was more of the legislature making the Federal government much too powerful. The added powers and government structure were of course in the executive branch. The more recent development is that this structure now has a life of its own and is largely uncontrolled by anyone, or rather it belongs to its public-private partnership system and exerts control of politicians, and owns quite a few outright.
It gives me the sads to think of the Democrats and media (but I repeat myself) pressed up against the window pane, looking hungrily in like urchins outside a candy store.
Well, on second thought, it actually doesn't.
@Original Mike:
Not really a representative if they can’t do anything.
The entire point is that you don't want a head of state to "do anything." They're just supposed to sit around and represent the nation at ceremonial functions like state dinners. Political power is neither required nor desired. Again, that's the point. The most obvious comparison is with the sovereigns of constitutional monarchs.
J Farmer,
I think you have it backwards.
The Constitution did not make a too powerful Executive. Until Wilson and progressive ideas created the administrative state powered by an income tax the President (except during war times perhaps) was simply an administrator. The office existed to temper and put a check on Congress.
Congress was designed to be *THE* political player on the American stage. Since Wilson, and even more so since WWII and the Great Society, and the belief in imminent thermonuclear war with the Soviets, Congress has set up a mini-government that exists in government bureaus to apply administrative law with regulations galore outside of function of government as initially designed. In short if Congress made fewer offices, and made fewer laws with less ambiguity for the remaining offices to administer in a clear and consistent way the Presidency would be far far less political.
So, for most of our history the President did lots of ceremonial functions that were apolitical. If you want that to come back you need Congress to do it's job, reign in the administrative apparatus that an Executive has too much direct control over. The problem with doing that is it prevents Congressmen (of all parties) from being able to preen and virtue-signal.
@JaimeRoberto:
The executive wouldn't be so powerful if the legislative branch didn't willfully give up much of its own power in favor of the bureaucracy under the executive.
That is true, but then again how often have you heard someone say something to the effect that "The President's number one job is to protect the American people." No it isn't!
Blogger My name goes here. said...
J Farmer,
I think you have it backwards.
Excellent comment. Wilson really reworked the presidency. Harding and Coolidge took most of it back but the precedent and the income tax were still there to be used.
If Benjamin Strong had not died in 1928, we would probably be living in a different world.
Blogger Freeman Hunt said...
Perhaps some folding card tables could be placed in another room for the journalists, following the custom for child diners at holidays.
-----------------------------
LOL...That's they way it is at our house.
Re: buwaya:
True, but this was more of the legislature making the Federal government much too powerful. The added powers and government structure were of course in the executive branch. The more recent development is that this structure now has a life of its own and is largely uncontrolled by anyone, or rather it belongs to its public-private partnership system and exerts control of politicians, and owns quite a few outright.
I think a lot of this is just politicians' self-interest. Congress would prefer to push decisions onto the Executive, so that they can say they're not responsible, when they are up for election. And the Executive, in turn, would prefer that things be structured so the unelected civil service isn't actually answerable to him, so that when they do unpopular things he can throw up his hands and say he's not responsible either. It's all a series of extra-Constitutional fictions thrown up by politicians who want to minimise their responsibility for any potentially unpopular actions by the government they're theoretically in charge of running.
@My name goes here:
The Constitution did not make a too powerful Executive.
The anti-federalists of the late 18th century would probably disagree with that statement.
So, for most of our history the President did lots of ceremonial functions that were apolitical. If you want that to come back you need Congress to do it's job, reign in the administrative apparatus that an Executive has too much direct control over. The problem with doing that is it prevents Congressmen (of all parties) from being able to preen and virtue-signal.
The administrative state is not going to be undone. It is mostly the result of a more complex technological society beginning in the late half of the 19th century. The administrative state, from the US to the UK to Germany to Japan is the default state.
"The President's number one job is to protect the American people."
This makes sense. His position in the traditional human view of government was to serve as commander in chief, to prepare and make war on the enemies of the people.
That was the original function of the Roman consuls, elected specifically to serve as generals, of the Emperors, of Germanic kings. The king/chief was primarily a war-chief.
Things got more complicated later, but this was always in the picture. The last examples of European monarchs who accompanied and at least oversaw their armies in the field, are really quite recent.
"I think a lot of this is just politicians' self-interest. "
It may have begun that way, but at this point I don't think they would be able to exert control of most of it even if they wanted to. Trump has chipped away here and there, but the system fights back, effectively.
Inviting the Democrats to this dinner would be the equivilant of having your sourpuss Mother-in-Law who hates your guts come to celebrate your birthday. A person who will do anything to passive-aggressively insult you to your face and denigrate you to anyone who will listen.
The sour and angry MIL who, just by her pursed up Cat Butt Face, exuding disapproval will put a damper on everyone around her.
Inviting the media would be worse than having dog turds in the punch bowl on purpose. A bunch of yelling howling hyenas who have no sense of proportion or manners. Like a bunch of embarrassing drunken Uncle Ernies.
Too many settings per table. There will be many spills.
The chairs are too tall.
Other than that it looks like a rocking party.
J. Farmer said...
"....The head of state should not be involved in day-to-day governance. I think it is one of the flaws of the constitutional system....?"
Nice opinion, but given the garbage of other systems and its results, especially in Europe, I'll take our "Constitutional System" over theirs anytime. LOL - how many governments has Italy had to form since WW2 ceremony has really helped them a lot. Anyway, who cares about "Ceremonial Functions", when the real governing entity is the only thing which counts. You sound like one of those PC players who believe that "Disney Diplomacy" is important.
Screw them. Cut them out of everything they don't have a solid legal right to participate in. Not getting invited to a state dinner is the *least* he should be doing to them.
Bears repeating.
Despite their political differences, the first lady used the Clinton china as part of her first state dinner's place settings
This caption from the article made me laugh.
Oh...uck...the dishes were Clinton china? Not to worry, I bet they washed the plates since the last time Hill and Bill slobbered over them.
@hstad:
Nice opinion, but given the garbage of other systems and its results, especially in Europe, I'll take our "Constitutional System" over theirs anytime
Even if that were true, it is not an answer to a criticism of the US Constitution to point out the flaw in another system. I mean, if I complained about the engineering of a certain make of car, it is not an answer to say some other model is even worse.
LOL - how many governments has Italy had to form since WW2 ceremony has really helped them a lot.
Not sure what point that statement is making, but I think the answer has more to do with the fact that "Italy" is a relatively invented nation that does not function as a coherent unit. See, for example, Banfield's Moral Basis of a Backward Society.
Anyway, who cares about "Ceremonial Functions", when the real governing entity is the only thing which counts.
In nations, symbolism is quite important, and a head of state can provide a unifying force during turbulent political times. Thailand's recently deceased monarch has not exercised real power in many decades. But his influence was essential keeping the Thai nation coherent for much of the latter half of the 20th century.
A lot of the issues in international relations due resolve around "ceremonial functions." See, for example, the importance of our One China policy, which is largely symbolic and ceremonial, but essential to smooth relations between the PROC, the ROC, and the US. Plus, a state dinner is entirely a "ceremonial function."
You sound like one of those PC players who believe that "Disney Diplomacy" is important.
Again, not sure what exactly you're saying, but diplomacy and cordial relations between nations is important. It is not everything, but it is always preferable to acrimonious relationship.
Congress would prefer to push decisions onto the Executive, so that they can say they're not responsible, when they are up for election. And the Executive, in turn, would prefer that things be structured so the unelected civil service isn't actually answerable to him, so that when they do unpopular things he can throw up his hands and say he's not responsible either.
I think it worked that way for years but the Sorcerer's Apprentice is out of control and destroying the economy.
We have a Principle Agent problem that will not solve itself.
The French "tax farmers" were the 18th century equivalent of the Administrative State but they went to the Guillotine anyway.
From news report:
"One of Donald Trump's key allies in media, 21st Century Fox executive chairman Rupert Murdoch, will be in attendance for the first state dinner of his administration, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
"Murdoch's wife, the former supermodel Jerry Hall, will also be in attendance.
"Asked to confirm Murdoch's attendance, Stephanie Grisham, first lady Melania Trump's communications director, told THR that the guest list for the dinner will be announced when the dinner begins."
Well then.
Readering, you mean they did not ask your advice about the guest list ?
OMG!
No, they just think alike.
The Dinner is given to honor the guests. There are thousands of men and women worthy of the honor. The Military comes to mind. But not all can come.
So the Secret Service probably struck those with a suspected propensity to kill the President at any cost. Voila , all the Dem pols and media swine were eliminated.
Trump, ever the Earth loving hippie, is recycling China. How progressive!
The French are notorious for thinking Americans are a bunch of dolts. Trump was probably concerned that if Nancy Pelosi showed up, she might confirm that prejudice.
Readering: "Well then."
Its wise never to announce ahead of time where republicans or conservatives will be.
Lots of lefty James Hodgkinsons around...
I wish Trump would have invited Jim Acosta, just so the Secret service could throw him out for being obnoxiously rude.
Now that's entertainment!
tcrosse said...
By freezing the Democrats out, Trump deprives them of the opportunity to signal their virtue by refusing to attend. Well played.
First comment that said it. I nominate it for insightful blog comment of the day. Absolutely totally on target.
Blogger Dust Bunny Queen said...
Oh...uck...the dishes were Clinton china?
--
Hopefully not featuring the faces of Chinese donors.
making, but I think the answer has more to do with the fact that "Italy" is a relatively invented nation that does not function as a coherent unit. See, for example, Banfield's Moral Basis of a Backward Society.
So were we and we managed to transfer power peacefully at the time.
It took Italy 55 years for their head to complete a full term, but England is also designed that way. Look how long it took Merkel to get a functioning government this last time.
France is on its 5th Republic.
“The entire point is that you don't want a head of state to "do anything." They're just supposed to sit around and represent the nation at ceremonial functions like state dinners. Political power is neither required nor desired. Again, that's the point.”
The point is to have people who’s job it is to sit around and “represent”. Sounds like the definition of pointLESS to me.
It’s an archaic system. Harmless, I guess (and I’ll save you the trouble of explaining to me that “that’s the point”).
Remember when Clinton tossed Newt Gingrich and Bob Dole out the back of Airforce One lo those 20 years ago but Clinton expected collegiality from Republicans.
Yeah, those rules are over. I am shocked they still let the so called journalists into the White House. Remove their WH passes. It is a huge ego blow to the so called elite media...who already hate Trump and Republicans.
These are the rules you've used, Dems. Enjoy them.
It would make thoughtful people reconsider their tone but I haven't seen a bit of it thus far.
@Original Mike:
It’s an archaic system. Harmless, I guess (and I’ll save you the trouble of explaining to me that “that’s the point”).
I do not presume to know your personal politics, but nonetheless I will say that anyone who considers themselves a conservative should not consider "archaic" a pejorative.
The point is to have people who’s job it is to sit around and “represent”. Sounds like the definition of pointLESS to me.
Not really. If we are to build social communities beyond kinship groups, we need communal "ceremonial functions" to participate in. Every culture creates their own, and they are essential to the functioning of a community. Does brining a certain breed of tree into your home and decorating it with lights and ornaments mean anything? No. It is merely a "ceremonial function." But that is not the point. The point is that the majority of people participate in and identify with this ritual. That is essential to a well functioning nation state.
"Princess Leia appalled to be not invited to Palpatine's State Dinner. 'I mean...yeah, I am stealing his plans, shooting at his troops, and want his head on a spike, but it poorly serves the Republic for him to be rude like this' she is quoted as saying."
I’m with Farmer on the need for a “Head of State” for internal US ceremonial stuff and to respond “with empathy.”
So the Head of State can host the championship sports teams and visit schools and factories and all that other bullshit. And when there is a school shooting or a terrorist mows down some people the Head of State can give some words of consolation and comfort.
But a Head of State to host foreign leaders is terrible. Our State Department can host parties for the foreign ambassadors and those who work in their embassies/consulates but the President needs to be the one who hosts other Prime Ministers, Dictators, Presidents. Doesn’t have to be at the White House. W had the ranch in Crawford and Trump has Mar-a-Lago.
A small portion of these events are ceremonial/symbolic but it’s also business.
Even if Princess Leia attended a state function to commit acts of espionage, she would still maintain more decorum than your average leftist today. She would use the correct forks, refrain from wearing flipflops, mix with everyone, help pin up a hem that had been stepped on, and not swear even when being arrested. James Bond could also be trusted that far, which is why he got invited to do many supervillain lairs.
You can war against someone to the knife, without tweeting a picture of yourself spitting on his floor. Lefties today lack this basic sense of civilization.
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