Barack Obama sends bust of Winston Churchill on its way back to Britain

telegraph.co.uk ^ | Feb. 14, 2009 | Tim Shipman

[Free ThinkerNY]

Barack Obama has sent Sir Winston Churchill packing and pulse rates soaring among anxious British diplomats.

A bust of the former prime minister once voted the greatest Briton in history, which was loaned to George W Bush from the Government's art collection after the September 11 attacks, has now been formally handed back.

The bronze by Sir Jacob Epstein, worth hundreds of thousands of pounds if it were ever sold on the open market, enjoyed pride of place in the Oval Office during President Bush's tenure.

But when British officials offered to let Mr Obama to hang onto the bust for a further four years, the White House said: "Thanks, but no thanks."

[DoughtyOne]

It was actually his last 34 years, dwelling in London.

[what's up]

Hussein's angry that Churchill acted against his grandfather who was part of a Kenyan rebellion in the 50's.

This is what happens when we elect an African to the WH.

[RichInOC]

Is there a James Callaghan bust in their collections, by any chance? That might become historically appropriate in a few years. I mean, he got beat by a woman too.

[Recovering_Democrat]

Is there any more succinct way to say Hussein sucks?

[Mad Dawgg]

"Obama needed the space for the bust of Che."

I thought it was Neville Chamberlain

[Da Coyote]

It was returned because the loon doesn’t know who Winston Churchill is. The Churchill that the loon knows and admires has a first name of “Ward”.

[Patriot Babe]

I rather see this as a headline:

Americans sends Obama on its way back to Kenya =)

[Recovering_Democrat]

In exchange for the Harold Wilson bust, no doubt. Because the US is going to look like the UK in the 70s when this is all done.

Bump to that. I'm reading "The Commanding Heights" now, and the massive stupidity of the current crop of what passes for "leadership" in the American body politic is stunning...it really, truly, IS history repeating itself.

[cblue55]

No class, low life slugs-

[cblue55]

Yes, but I can’t repeat it on Free Republic.......

[MinuteGal]

To replace Churchill, he'll mount a bust of Lincoln, one that looks as close to him as possible.

I saw a TV clip yesterday of Obama speaking at some Lincoln Day affair. Hanging on the wall behind his podium was a hugh, blown-up picture of Lincoln's head on the wall.

Danged if this photo of the Great Emancipator didn't resemble Obama at first glance. I had to look twice.

Next thing we know, the Great Pretender will be adding a stove-pipe hat to his wardrobe.

Leni

[PhilDragoo]

Bush was Churchill ~ Hussein is Chamberlain

[Oldpuppymax]

Great! Now to begin crating up those damn Washington and Jefferson paintings. “Me on the wall, get it! Just me, you honky muthas!”

[Rastus]

Kenyan village gets its idiot back

[BluH2o]

Dubya expressed great admiration for Winston Churchill very early on in his first administration. He has read nearly everything Churchill ever wrote, GWB hoped to emulate Churchill's leadership style as POTUS. The Brits knew this and a bust of Churchill was loaned to the WH.
The Obama team doesn't want anything in the WH that has ties to Bush.

[Reagan Man]

[SeeSharp]

Marx is also buried in London.

[okie01]

But when British officials offered to let Mr Obama to hang onto the bust for a further four years, the White House said: "Thanks, but no thanks."

This is an administration that thrives on symbolism, dedicated to diplomacy -- which requires a belief in symbolism. Consequently, this was a well-considered and thought out decision.

Clearly, it is intended as a signal -- to our enemies -- that we are ready to negotiate. And will no longer fight.

At the same time, it signals our allies that...they are on their own.

Dangerous messages to send in a dangerous world.

God help us all...

[VanDeKoik]

Obama is a C**t.

As far as I’m concerned, the presidency is empty for the next four years.

[jwalsh07]

The new bust in the Oval Office.