Statue of President Obama as boy erected in Indonesian park

[bobofthedesert]

If only we loved him the way the rest of the world does......

"The nonprofit Friends of Obama Foundation".... I was unaware that there was such an entity.....but I'm not surprised.....why did we not have one of these for former POTUS Bush? Where was the love?......

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hGS64brDTnfR56EknFZQZictCCEgD9CFQ3K00


Statue of President Obama as boy erected in Indonesian park

(AP) – 5 hours ago

JAKARTA, Indonesia — A statue of President Barack Obama as a 10-year-old wearing shorts and a T-shirt has been erected in a Jakarta park to inspire children in the country where he lived as a boy, officials said Wednesday.

The almost life-sized statue, to be unveiled Thursday by Jakarta's governor, shows the young Obama smiling at a butterfly that has landed on his upheld left thumb.

It stands in Taman Menteng Park, near where Obama lived from 1967 until 1971 with his American mother, his Indonesian stepfather and his half-sister. The park was previously an athletic field near Obama's elementary school.

"We welcome the statue, which is designed to give Indonesian children the spirit to reach their dreams," Central Jakarta Mayor Sylviana Murni said.

"There is a message through the young Obama statue that any child and anyone from any background can reach their dreams if they fight for it persistently," she added.

Money for the bronze statue, which cost more than $10,000, was donated by eight Indonesian patrons, a television station and a charity that helps Indonesia's urban poor, said the chairman of the nonprofit Friends of Obama Foundation, Ron Mullers. The Indonesia-based foundation came up with the idea of the statue and found the donors.

Obama has described his Indonesian experience as both exotic and enlightening.

He had a pet monkey, and baby crocodiles swam in a pond behind his house. But he also saw Third World poverty and disease.

The statue's pedestal carries an paraphrased quote from former U.S. first lady Eleanor Roosevelt reading, "The future belongs to those who believe in the power of their dreams."

[greenwarrior1]

What a waste of money.

[JDAM]

The almost life-sized statue, to be unveiled Thursday by Jakarta's governor, shows the young Obama smiling at a butterfly that has landed on his upheld left thumb.

How gay...:rolleyes:

[KidA]

Haters. If it inspires one little Indonesian kid to not work in a Burger King and save up money for a primered Honda Civic with a loud exhaust and to fill chatrooms with Engrish jibberish about the Fast and the Furious......crossthread points yet?

[crazyitalian]

What a waste of money.

Everybody acts like he is the next Mother Teresa. With respect to the POTUS, what the heck has he really done in Indonesia that has changed so many lives?
Better yet, what has he done in the world that has really earned him the Nobel Peace prize? What a joke. :rolleyes:

[Longrifle]

They're late. A statue of him already exists . . .

[crazyitalian]

They're late. A statue of him already exists . . .

Its gay enough, but not sure its gayer than the new one

[DaedalusX]

......crossthread points yet?

The Cross-thread Czar orders that points are only awarded when the thread in question is at least 7 days old or when it involves super hot chicks.

[KS11]

They're late. A statue of him already exists . . .

Well played, sir. Well played.

[Carl Spackler]

So he isn't a US citizen?!?!

[smittycolt]

What I'd like to see is a portrait of the POTUS and FLOTUS back in the days when they used to hang out with Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn of the Weather Underground.

Ever seen this?:

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/john-stephenson/2008/05/05/obama-s-buddy-bill-ayers-stomping-american-flag

Probably old news to some of you. I'll never get it out of my mind. I don't like people who desecrate the flag, even if they're partners of the POTUS.

[SOTB]

Meh. Countries that don't have a lot of people, or even events, to look up to -- are going to take advantage of the first opportunity they have to do so.

It is no different than an astronaut from foreign heritage (or from a foreign country), being held in high esteem.

Hell, some countries are so hero-poor, they place restrictions on their successful athletes.

So they built a statue? You know -- even in Indonesia, they have pigeons....

[smittycolt]

Meh. Countries that don't have a lot of people, or even events, to look up to -- are going to take advantage of the first opportunity they have to do so.

It is no different than an astronaut from foreign heritage (or from a foreign country), being held in high esteem.

Hell, some countries are so hero-poor, they place restrictions on their successful athletes.

So they built a statue? You know -- even in Indonesia, they have pigeons....

Yeah. He was a Muslim during that time period, you know. That's where he learned to do the call to prayer better'n Ali Baba himself.

[smittycolt]

Everybody acts like he is the next Mother Teresa. With respect to the POTUS, what the heck has he really done in Indonesia that has changed so many lives?
Better yet, what has he done in the world that has really earned him the Nobel Peace prize? What a joke. :rolleyes:

He was able to pull this off:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/12/08/obamas-percent-approval-lowest-president-point/

President Obama's job approval rating has fallen to 47 percent in the latest Gallup poll, the lowest ever recorded for any president at this point in his term.

President Obama's job approval rating has fallen to 47 percent in the latest Gallup poll, the lowest ever recorded for any president at this point in his term.

Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford and even Richard Nixon all had higher approval ratings 10-and-a-half months into their presidencies. Obama's immediate predecessor, President George W. Bush, had an approval rating of 86 percent, or 39 points higher than Obama at this stage. Bush's support came shortly after he launched the war in Afghanistan in response to the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said he doesn't "put a lot of stock" in the survey by Gallup, which has conducted presidential approval polls since 1938, longer than any other organization.

"If I was a heart patient and Gallup was my EKG, I'd visit my doctor," Gibbs said in response to questions from Fox. "I'm sure a six-year-old with a Crayon could do something not unlike that. I don't put a lot of stake in, never have, in the EKG that is daily Gallup trend. I don't pay a lot of attention to the meaninglessness of it."

Gallup Editor-in-Chief Frank Newport responded: "Gibbs said that if Gallup were his EKG, he would visit his doctor. Well, I think the doctor might ask him what's going on in his life that would cause his EKG to be fluctuating so much. There is, in fact, a lot going on at the moment -- the health care bill, the jobs summit, the Copenhagen climate conference and Afghanistan."

The new low comes as Obama struggles to overhaul the nation's health care system and escalates America's involvement in the Afghanistan war. He is also presiding over a deep and prolonged recession, with unemployment at 10 percent.

"There's no doubt Obama's 47 percent is mainly a result of the continuing bad economy," said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. "But there is also a growing concern about government spending and debt, and a sense that Obama is trying to do too much, too soon."

He added: "President Obama has reason to be concerned about his ratings. Even in tough times, presidents have usually been able to stay above the critical 50 percent mark in the first year, when the public is most inclined to give the new incumbent the benefit of the doubt."

Obama officials have not always shown disdain for Gallup. During last year's presidential campaign, Obama adviser David Plouffe, trumpeted "the latest Gallup poll" to reporters because it showed that 53 percent of Americans did not find Obama Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, "trustworthy."

When Gallup began taking presidential approval polls 71 years ago, Franklin Roosevelt had been president for more than five years. During his remaining time in office, his job approval rating never fell below 48 percent.

The next 11 presidents, both Democrats and Republicans, all had higher job approval ratings than Obama at this stage of their tenure. Their ratings were:

-- George W. Bush, 86 percent
-- Bill Clinton, 52 percent
-- George H.W. Bush, 71 percent
-- Ronald Reagan, 49 percent
-- Jimmy Carter, 57 percent
-- Gerald Ford, 52 percent
-- Richard Nixon, 59 percent
-- Lyndon Johnson, 74 percent
-- John Kennedy, 77 percent
-- Dwight Eisenhower, 69 percent
-- Harry Truman, 49 percent

The poll is an average of a three-day tracking of 1,529 adults taken Dec. 4-6. It has a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

[Gypsy]

Its gay enough, but not sure its gayer than the new one

You know what that statue represents, right?


Indeed, well played Longrifle.

[MakoZeroSix]

LOL...You said "erected". :smile:

[heavyguns1/1]

Maybe some shitbirds will steal that for scrap.

[Longrifle]

Its gay enough, but not sure its gayer than the new one
Nah. This is the gay version . . .

[heavyguns1/1]

Poor guy must be cold.

[Bravo Five Romeo]

What purpose does a statue of ten-year-old Obama in an Indonesian park serve?
It tells little Indonesian kids that someone who went to the same school they did grew up to be President of the United States and that anyone can achieve anything if they try hard.
It hopefully encourages kids to stay in school and do well.
That's not a bad thing.

Unless, of course, you really hate the President and just want to get your panties in a bunch over anything to do with him.

[smittycolt]

What purpose does a statue of ten-year-old Obama in an Indonesian park serve?
It tells little Indonesian kids that someone who went to the same school they did grew up to be President of the United States and that anyone can achieve anything if they try hard.
It hopefully encourages kids to stay in school and do well.
That's not a bad thing.

Unless, of course, you really hate the President and just want to get your panties in a bunch over anything to do with him.

That guilt trip shit don't work no more, dumbass. :smile:

[Kip]

Maybe some shitbirds will steal that for scrap.

Makes me wonder how much it's worth. Did the article say what it was made out of? Bronze?

[smittycolt]

Makes me wonder how much it's worth. Did the article say what it was made out of? Bronze?

I heard it was sand and hardened monkey shit.

[KidA]

What purpose does a statue of ten-year-old Obama in an Indonesian park serve?
It tells little Indonesian kids that someone who went to the same school they did grew up to be President of the United States and that anyone can achieve anything if they try hard.
It hopefully encourages kids to stay in school and do well.
That's not a bad thing.

Unless, of course, you really hate the President and just want to get your panties in a bunch over anything to do with him.

What I said, but with more bite. Thanks.

[Mraughh]

Money for the bronze statue, which cost more than $10,000, was donated by eight Indonesian patrons, a television station and a charity that helps Indonesia's urban poor, said the chairman of the nonprofit Friends of Obama Foundation, Ron Mullers. The Indonesia-based foundation came up with the idea of the statue and found the donors.

But he also saw Third World poverty and disease.


irony. I'd imagine Indonesia's poor would rather have that charity money used in a different way than on a statue.

[Cujo]

What purpose does a statue of ten-year-old Obama in an Indonesian park serve?
It tells little Indonesian kids that someone who went to the same school they did grew up to be President of the United States and that anyone can achieve anything if they try hard.
It hopefully encourages kids to stay in school and do well.
That's not a bad thing.

Unless, of course, you really hate the President and just want to get your panties in a bunch over anything to do with him.

Well said, B5R.

[Ole crusty bastard]

President Obama has yet to impress me, but I can easily see how he would be an inspiration to the impoverished kids over there.

The monkey shit comment seems out of place.

[billdawg]

What purpose does a statue of ten-year-old Obama in an Indonesian park serve?
It tells little Indonesian kids that someone who went to the same school they did grew up to be President of the United States and that anyone can achieve anything if they try hard.
It hopefully encourages kids to stay in school and do well.
That's not a bad thing.

Unless, of course, you really hate the President and just want to get your panties in a bunch over anything to do with him.

Well, I don't think anyone is getting theri panties in a bunch over it. I do however think that most everyone thinks that it is a meaningless, inane gesture. Actually, I know I am sick of hearing how great he is, when he has done absolutely fucking nothing, that is statue worthy. or Noble Prize worthy. I am sick of, if you disagree with him, people call you racist, stupid, or uninformed. I'm tired of people making excuses for his ill-advised 'projects', yet are teh samwe ones that crucified Pres. Bush at every turn, when he tried keeping us safe. But, I suppose that's alright? Where was your self-righteous indignation then? Apparently, those on the left, were just getting their panties in a bunch.

[Spot379th]

Well, I don't think anyone is getting theri panties in a bunch over it. I do however think that most everyone thinks that it is a meaningless, inane gesture. Actually, I know I am sick of hearing how great he is, when he has done absolutely fucking nothing, that is statue worthy. or Noble Prize worthy. I am sick of, if you disagree with him, people call you racist, stupid, or uninformed. I'm tired of people making excuses for his ill-advised 'projects', yet are teh samwe ones that crucified Pres. Bush at every turn, when he tried keeping us safe. But, I suppose that's alright? Where was your self-righteous indignation then? Apparently, those on the left, were just getting their panties in a bunch.

Ditto.

[KidA]

Well, I don't think anyone is getting theri panties in a bunch over it. I do however think that most everyone thinks that it is a meaningless, inane gesture. Actually, I know I am sick of hearing how great he is, when he has done absolutely fucking nothing, that is statue worthy. or Noble Prize worthy. I am sick of, if you disagree with him, people call you racist, stupid, or uninformed. I'm tired of people making excuses for his ill-advised 'projects', yet are teh samwe ones that crucified Pres. Bush at every turn, when he tried keeping us safe. But, I suppose that's alright? Where was your self-righteous indignation then? Apparently, those on the left, were just getting their panties in a bunch.

The point, to an impoverished Indonesian child, is this:

This kid was living here in this shithole just like you, now he's the President of the United States of America.

[sfmedicw9]

For the first time in my life I wish I was an Indonesian Pigeon

[SOTB]

For the first time in my life I wish I was an Indonesian PigeonIn absence of such a possibility, perhaps you could start a fund to build a statue of an Indonesian pigeon doing, well, you know....:biggrin:

[smittycolt]

President Obama has yet to impress me, but I can easily see how he would be an inspiration to the impoverished kids over there.

The monkey shit comment seems out of place.

Inspiration to do what? Grow up and triple your Country's deficit, kowtowing to every fucking world leader you meet and degrade the trust and popularity of the Nation you're supposed to be leading to the lowest point in its history?

Why the fuck would any kid want to do that?

I think your "monkey shit comment seems out of place" is out of place.

[SOTB]

....triple your Country's deficitOf course, you are giving some of the credit for this to previous administrations as well, right? Including those of Republicans?....degrade the trust and popularity of the Nation you're supposed to be leading to the lowest point in its history?Right. Yet the trust and popularity of the US is somewhat higher than at least it's previous administration (http://www.gallup.com/poll/121991/World-Citizens-Views-Leadership-Pre-Post-Obama.aspx). You did mean how the rest of the world viewed the US, right? Or at least that is the way you phrased your statement.I think your "monkey shit comment seems out of place" is out of place.I think that anyone on this board referring to WHOMEVER is in the office of the POTUS as "monkeyshit" (and YES, that is EXACTLY what that comment meant) is lacking SA....

[smittycolt]

Ditto.

Ditto.

Fuck, I almost gave up the possibility of there being anybody with common sense left in the fucking world.

Thank You.

Dusty

[smittycolt]

Of course, you are giving some of the credit for this to previous administrations as well, right? Including those of Republicans?Right. Yet the trust and popularity of the US is somewhat higher than at least it's previous administration (http://www.gallup.com/poll/121991/World-Citizens-Views-Leadership-Pre-Post-Obama.aspx). You did mean how the rest of the world viewed the US, right? Or at least that is the way you phrased your statement.I think that anyone on this board referring to WHOMEVER is in the office of the POTUS as "monkeyshit" (and YES, that is EXACTLY what that comment meant) is lacking SA....

Don't put words in my mouth. I say what I say, I don't need a fucking translator.

The numbers don't lie. I already posted 'em, look 'em up if you're confused.

[smp52]

Plenty of things to criticize the President on, but he didn't commision or build the statue. How does he have any control over what other people do? Just like previous Presidents don't have any real control over what their people (outside their direct line of authority) do, President Obama can't control what individuals or groups outside his sphere decide to do.

If the kids in the area see a statue and think they can get an education and get elected a leader in their communities, good for them. Whether the President's policy is good for the country or not, from the foreign kid's perspective matters very little (to them). They don't live here nor are any kids really in a position to understand domestic politics of the United States.

[smittycolt]

Plenty of things to criticize the President on, but he didn't commision or build the statue. How does he have any control over what other people do? Just like previous Presidents don't have any real control over what their people (outside their direct line of authority) do, President Obama can't control what individuals or groups outside his sphere decide to do.

If the kids in the area see a statue and think they can get an education and get elected a leader in their communities, good for them. Whether the President's policy is good for the country or not, from the foreign kid's perspective matters very little (to them). They don't live here nor are any kids really in a position to understand domestic politics of the United States.

Now, I'll buy that; it's reasonable.

[Bravo Five Romeo]

Well, I don't think anyone is getting theri panties in a bunch over it. I do however think that most everyone thinks that it is a meaningless, inane gesture. Actually, I know I am sick of hearing how great he is, when he has done absolutely fucking nothing, that is statue worthy. or Noble Prize worthy. I agree.I am sick of, if you disagree with him, people call you racist, stupid, or uninformed.I don't think that's the case though I've heard that complaint a bit from his critics. I think, from what I've seen, that accusations of racism or general idiocy are reserved for the conspiracy nuts and people holding up signs of the POTUS as a tribal witchdoctor. I'm tired of people making excuses for his ill-advised 'projects', yet are teh samwe ones that crucified Pres. Bush at every turn, when he tried keeping us safe. But, I suppose that's alright? Where was your self-righteous indignation then? Apparently, those on the left, were just getting their panties in a bunch.It is a matter of opinion... thinking one is a good idea and the other is a bad idea.

[SOTB]

Don't put words in my mouth....I won't/haven't. I would not want to do anything to camouflage your stupidity....

[Ole crusty bastard]

Inspiration to do what? Grow up and triple your Country's deficit, kowtowing to every fucking world leader you meet and degrade the trust and popularity of the Nation you're supposed to be leading to the lowest point in its history?

Why the fuck would any kid want to do that?

I think your "monkey shit comment seems out of place" is out of place.


The inspiration I was speaking of was that the kids would not have to grow up into a life of poverty, not be just like the thousands he sees who are going to grow old and die never having accomplished a damn thing.

I've seen monkey shit and I've seen sand, but I have yet to meet one who is proficient in building statutes out of said materials, you run into all sorts of talented folks on SOCNET:rolleyes:.

[smittycolt]

The inspiration I was speaking of was that the kids would not have to grow up into a life of poverty, not be just like the thousands he sees who are going to grow old and die never having accomplished a damn thing.

I've seen monkey shit and I've seen sand, but I have yet to meet one who is proficient in building statutes out of said materials, you run into all sorts of talented folks on SOCNET:rolleyes:.

Now, see, I have no problem with that; it's an opinion not delivered condescendingly or in a patronizing manner.

:cool:

[smittycolt]

I won't/haven't. I would not want to do anything to camouflage your stupidity....


Ok, now, see, that's a direct intimation of stupidity on my part.

I guess if you've been here long enough, the mods allow a certain bending of the rules.

Well, if I'm stupid, then according to the latest polls, about 53% of the Country is as stupid as I am.

Denial's a fucked up thing, dude ( I assume you're male). You oughtta quit.

[okami1]

This thread passed compound-gay lightyears ago. A fucking statue. Jesus Christ.

[heavyguns1/1]

Your coming out with guns blazing is a sideshow unto itself.
It has been more entertaining than the original post.

[billdawg]

Your coming out with guns blazing is a sideshow unto itself.
It has been more entertaining than the original post.

I agree,lol. While I disagree with POTUS, on almost EVERYTHING, I could give two fucks about the statue per se. But, the new guy is emptying his magazine fairly quickly,lol.

[smittycolt]

I agree,lol. While I disagree with POTUS, on almost EVERYTHING, I could give two fucks about the statue per se. But, the new guy is emptying his magazine fairly quickly,lol.

Don't sweat it. I got a basic combat load.

[BigNickT]

You can't have it both ways.

If The Honorable Mr. Obama was from Indonesia and he had drug himself up from the depths of third world poverty and gone on to become a world leader then the message would fit.

But he didn't. He's as American as apple pie and a native-born citizen who happened to spend a few years as an ex-pat in Indonesia. That would make his situation pretty unique among little kids who happen to be in Indonesia.

So it would seem that the message to little Indonesian kids is that if your not Indonesian, and you come to live in Indonesia for a while, and then go to America, you can achieve anything. And since they're like 5 years old they'll take away "If you not from here you can do anything". Nice job.

I keep forgetting it's ok to lie as long as you are making someone else feel better about their situation. It's the hope that counts :rolleyes:

Tax out

[greenwarrior1]

I hear a chopper nearby...

[Sigaba]

Plenty of things to criticize the President on, but he didn't commission or build the statue.Somewhere down the line, some graduate student is going to write an essay on the use of this president's likeness to advance causes and to sell schwag.

Bloomberg ran a story earlier this summer about lawyers from the White House looking for ways to curtail the use of their boss's image. That story is here (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aY4JojiQVy4c).

FWIW, up the road a ways in So Cal is one of the favorite destinations for tourists visiting the U.S. from Eastern Europe. There's a statute of an American president that is a little less controversial <<LINK (http://www.timeoutofmind.com/images/ron_reagan_library_091604/07_reagan_library_statue.jpg)>>.

My jaw will hit the ground when this president takes a step back and says to his supporters both here and abroad anything along the lines of "This is a great honor...but it is too soon for me to receive it. Let me do my job for a while so that I can be truly worthy of your respect."

YMMV.

[smittycolt]

Somewhere down the line, some graduate student is going to write an essay on the use of this president's likeness to advance causes and to sell schwag.

Bloomberg ran a story earlier this summer about lawyers from the White House looking for ways to curtail the use of their boss's image. That story is here (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aY4JojiQVy4c).

FWIW, up the road a ways in So Cal is one of the favorite destinations for tourists visiting the U.S. from Eastern Europe. There's a statute of an American president that is a little less controversial <<LINK (http://www.timeoutofmind.com/images/ron_reagan_library_091604/07_reagan_library_statue.jpg)>>.

My jaw will hit the ground when this president takes a step back and says to his supporters both here and abroad anything along the lines of "This is a great honor...but it is too soon for me to receive it. Let me do my job for a while so that I can be truly worthy of your respect."

YMMV.

Bro, not only will your jaw hit the ground, but hell will freeze over.

[billdawg]

Here's an interesting news bit, that not everyone, even Indonesians are happy with the statue. And I find it ironic, that a disaster relief fund put up money. A)Why are they kowtowing to POTUS, as he has never had to send money to a disaster area yet, and B) Wouldn't this be a HUGE mismanagement of funds? What do you tell the next flood victim? "We'd like to help, but we have no money,as we helped pay for the wonderful Obama statue in Indonesia. Maybe you can go over there and bask in it's beauty, and that will help you in your time of need."

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2009/12/15/obama-statue-slammed-facebook-critics/?test=latestnews

[SOTB]

....and B) Wouldn't this be a HUGE mismanagement of funds?Well that depends -- wouldn't the amount of the funds be a requirement for calling it "HUGE"? It sure looks like there are a number of others who've donated. Also, one would have to show that the funds came from disaster relief money, no?

Personally, I believe the money donated to disaster relief in this area was a waste -- and I fucking hate to think that US tax dollars were involved -- but such is our system.

Anyway, hate that the statue was built if you wish, but it doesn't help the credibility of the argument if you don't attribute all of the factors (ie, the other donations)....

[billdawg]

Well that depends -- wouldn't the amount of the funds be a requirement for calling it "HUGE"? It sure looks like there are a number of others who've donated. Also, one would have to show that the funds came from disaster relief money, no?

Personally, I believe the money donated to disaster relief in this area was a waste -- and I fucking hate to think that US tax dollars were involved -- but such is our system.

Anyway, hate that the statue was built if you wish, but it doesn't help the credibility of the argument if you don't attribute all of the factors (ie, the other donations)....

I don't hate that the statue was built, I do find it kind of creepy though in the context they're trying to portray it. My opinion is that A) Some Indonesians are mad, and rightfully so, and that monies were used(albeit, maybe private or small amount) that could have been used for something a little more worthwhile. As far as how it effects me, I don't care if they build a huge 100' robot with the POTUS likeness, and he can stomp all over INdonesia like Godzilla taking Tokyo.

[smp52]

Somewhere down the line, some graduate student is going to write an essay on the use of this president's likeness to advance causes and to sell schwag.

Bloomberg ran a story earlier this summer about lawyers from the White House looking for ways to curtail the use of their boss's image. That story is here (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aY4JojiQVy4c).

FWIW, up the road a ways in So Cal is one of the favorite destinations for tourists visiting the U.S. from Eastern Europe. There's a statute of an American president that is a little less controversial <<LINK (http://www.timeoutofmind.com/images/ron_reagan_library_091604/07_reagan_library_statue.jpg)>>.

My jaw will hit the ground when this president takes a step back and says to his supporters both here and abroad anything along the lines of "This is a great honor...but it is too soon for me to receive it. Let me do my job for a while so that I can be truly worthy of your respect."

YMMV.

IMO, the day where a message can be tightly controlled is gone. The internet has spawned an alien landscape where marketers, businessesmen, and politicians are still learning how to use it. The most successful example so far has been President Obama's election where his campaign used new media to their advantage with a loose message that could be propogated by many. I think the President is seeing the other side of the coin now, where in an attempt to excute policy that requires more control and focus, the decentralization of media means far more issues will escape his control and hurt him (where it helped him in the past). Some of it is his own fault and some of it, he has zero control over.

Either way, it's interesting to have a sideline seat during an important time in world history, where rules of media, warfare, business, and politics are going through significant turmoil.