Is it me, or is there something really creepy (and 19th century) about this tradition? I thought we were all supposed to be chums now, so why is it that the first thing we make a visiting politician/ally see is the size of our army?
It's not just Germany: M. Sarkozy did it the day before, too, although at least he made his men dress up in interesting-looking novelty costumes.
A bit like Cirque du Soleil or those Blue Men fellas.
I think being met by an ally who immediately shows you their clowns would be a much friendlier gesture.
Any other ideas about what you could show visiting dignitaries at the airport?
5 comments:
The US of A show visitors their clowns on arrival. They're dressed up as Homeland Security officers specially trained to look as if their IQ is about that of a potted plant. They show them to you on the way out too and the clowns chew gum and have electric vibrators to stick in your groin to see if you have steel balls. It's so jolly!
Winkies?
Touching, isn't it, the way 'Dave' leaves 'Nick' to mind the shop while he's away trying to get a free lunch.
Imagine how much more confident he must feel than when Tony used to leave John alone at home!
Oh, but in answer to your question - if it was the done thing for Queeny to show off, then it would be young squaddies in bearskins, Chelsea Pensioners or the bloody corgies.
The UK should greet incoming dignitaries dressed in kilts a la commando. Then perhaps the wind will blow!
Yes, there seems to be a clear penis-related consensus emerging here.
I am not surprised, though obviously a little disappointed.
Why not give them a demonstration of sheepdog trialling? Or a brass band play-off between the two finallists in the annual best brass band competition (there must be one of those, surely)? The visiting dignitary could then judge or, perhaps, if it were something beyond their skill level, they could hand out the prizes?
Or they could inspect a display of competing flower arrangements, organised by the WI from those formidable armies of women who arrange flowers for their local churches?
Or we could have a display of prize marrows to show them?
I dunno... surely there has to be something more interesting than a squadron of squaddies? With or without penii on display?
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