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January 19, 2011
Obamas Reap Windfall in Diplomatic Gifts
Obamas reap windfall in diplomatic gifts
Foreign leaders showered President Barack Obama and his family with hundreds of thousands of dollars in art, jewelry, rare books and other presents during their first year in the White House.
Saudi Arabia’s king was the most generous gift-giver, according to documents released by the State Department on Tuesday. Saudi King Abdullah gave Obama, his wife and daughters nearly $190,000 in luxury baubles in 2009, including the single most valuable gift reported to have been given to U.S. officials that year: a ruby and diamond jewelry set, including earrings, a ring, a bracelet and necklace, for the first lady worth $132,000.
…Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was a distant runner up to King Abdullah, with gifts for the first family worth a little under $33,000. The Italian haul included silk ties, a gold watch, a crystal table and candlesticks. Berlusconi also gave nearly $2,000 worth of ties and scarves to members of Congress in 2009, including the speaker of the House at the time, Nancy Pelosi.
In addition to the ruby and diamond jewelry, the Saudi monarch presented Michelle Obama with a $14,200 pearl necklace. He gave the president a marble clock adorned with miniature gold palm trees and camels valued at $34,500. He sent first daughters Sasha and Malia Obama diamond earrings and necklaces worth more than $7,000.
Senior White House officials were also recipients of King Abdullah’s largesse, with top aides like national security adviser James Jones, David Axelrod, Rahm Emmanuel, Valerie Jarrett and spokesman Robert Gibbs receiving watches, cufflinks, pens, earrings and bracelets valued at between $5,000 and $9,000.
Wild Thing's comment........
Article I, Sec. 9:No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince or foreign State.
So unless the rules have changed, all this is supposed to be turned over to the country. I don’t know whether immediately, or when they leave the White House.
We’ll see if Michelle and B. Hussein Obama will act like Hilary and try to make off with them... or the silverware... when their reign... I mean term... is over.
Posted by Wild Thing at January 19, 2011 04:48 AM
Comments
December 14, 2000:
The US Supreme Court declared:
BUSH-CHENEY 271 electoral votes
Sorelosermen 266
Posted by: darthcrUSAderworldtour07 at January 19, 2011 10:03 AM
I wish someone would give Michelle some clothes that don't look like they were designed for Walmartians.
Posted by: TomR,armed in Texas at January 19, 2011 11:42 AM
Sell the jewels and clock to the highest bidders, then walk around town hand $20. bills to the homeless... you know "spread the wealth".......ya, like that'll happen. Bunch of lying scammers.
Posted by: pontiff alex at January 19, 2011 12:48 PM
p.s. The Shrillary silverware gif is hilarious!!
Posted by: pontiff alex at January 19, 2011 12:49 PM
Weren't all the 'W's' on all computer keyboards missing when Bush arrived.
These people have no class at all.
Posted by: Mark at January 19, 2011 05:50 PM
Thanks everyone.
Alex, heh heh thank you. I got there many years ago when the clinton's were leaving office
(finally).
Posted by: Wild Thing at January 20, 2011 02:35 AM
