[savedbygrace]

Why would that be considered a snub? She’s not the President of the U. S.

[silverleaf]

meeting Zuma was on her itinerary

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/166980/20110621/obama-michelle-africa-south-africa-botsawana-official-trip-young-women-leadership.htm

Remember her visit is being pumped up to look official so as to justify its expense to the US Taxpayers

[kabar]

Really? It is a diplomatic courtesy for the President to meet with our first lady. The US is not any country. I find this very surprising having served as a diplomat for 28 years, 20 years overseas.

There must be more to this story. I find it hard to believe that a photo op could not have been arranged at the very least. Maybe we were the ones that turned down the meeting.

[kabar]

South African officials insisted that Mr Zuma was simply busy – and Mrs Obama had rejected the offer of a meeting at 9am on Wednesday because she was making a speech in Soweto.

Zizi Kodwa, Mr Zuma’s spokesman, refused to discuss the president’s appointments in the coming days, but said his diary was full and could not easily be changed.

“Even when the president is in South Africa, he is not on holiday and cannot meet anybody at any time,” he said. “Why is he not meeting the head of state of an African country who is coming to South Africa? Because he has a schedule.” Clayson Monyela, spokesman for South Africa’s foreign office, said that since Mrs Obama is not a head of state or cabinet minister, there was no onus on Mr Zuma to meet her.

Now I get it. She turned down the meeting with the President to meet with Mandela. That was a political gaffe on her part. No wonder the President could not fit her in later.

[Cheerio]

Why would that be considered a snub? She’s not the President of the U. S.

Don't tell her that. I would imagine the FLOTUS thinks she is representing POTUS and TOTUS on her trip at our expense. Since they won't meet with her, she will just stick to the fun part of the tax paid trip.

Frankly I resent having my tax money going to their luxurious life style while the economy is in the tank and 43 million are on food stamps. This is the Food Stamp President and the Food Stamp party.