Melania and equality

I think a lot of thought went into it, gillybob. Somebody's 'avin' a larf!

I think you’ve missed the point, dj. The OP and the second post by the OP-er are about interpretations of media reports about very very very public figures. Admittedly the thread has wandered a bit, as they are wont to do, but don't miss an opportunity to have a dig or I'd worry about you

I have just read in the DM that Mrs May will present President T with a "Quaich" which is apparently an ancient Scottish (whisky)sharing cup. She is gifting The first lady with a box of cakes and other sweet treats.

Firstly Mr T doesn't drink alcohol and is a bit of a germophobe(is there such a word?) and Mrs T only eats healthy food (Fruit and Vegetables).

We will definitely go to the bottom of the trade deal pile now won't we?

Although it is the thought that counts. just not much thought went into it

I think this is a good thread and just goes to show that some people seem to have taken a dislike to Melania for no other reason than the fact that they dislike her husband and/or his politics.

Plenty (ordinary) people have minions too sunseeker, or so I am told. Apparently even some working class people have cleaners these days (although I do find that hard to believe).

The (serious) point I was making though, is that neither of them had a little woman on hand to hold/give/carry the gift for them.

Not often we agree durhamjen but I am totally with you on that

Do people honestly believe the first family does not have "minions" on hand to help them.

It is rather sad Anniebach and I am glad neither of them had a minion in waiting, either to carry or to receive the gift.

I don't know about adjusting to customs. Is there a custom on giving and receiving gifts?

Ooh, Annie - pot/kettle!
(your post of 13.55 today)

Seems Michelle should hav had a lady in waiting at her side to receive it Gillybob.

This nit picking on the giving and receiving of a gift is rather sad

How long she has lived in America does make a difference in adjusting to customs

Can poor Melania win? She brought a gift so is wrong. If she hadn't brought a gift would everyone be saying it was because she disliked Michelle? I usually hand over a gift as soon as I meet my host, this is what Melania did. Can people please stop attacking this woman simply because of the man she is married to.

People have complained about Melania being discussed as an adjunct to her husband.
Which begs the question, why start this thread?

I believe she has lived in the USA for around 20 years Anniebach but why should that make a difference?

What should she have done? carry the gift in a shopping bag? or perhaps (like the queen)have a minion following behind her to hold it?

I'm not American either Jalima. However, when faced with a decision which a sizeable proportion of the electorate think is not to their, and the world's advantage, I believe we have a duty to work seriously to do something about it be it in the politics of our own country or one which affects the whole world. It has to be a serious, well thought out approach, though rather than the continuing knee jerk reaction. Well presented arguments and robust debate is usually the way forward.

I thought "the gift" was a lovely, warm, gesture from one lady to another. Who knows, it might have contained diamonds

They are a girls best friend after all.

And do they wait untill thry step,inside the door Jalima or give their plates of biscuits or cakes on the garden path or at the front gate , and how many years has she lived in America?

Why should anyone anticipate a gift Ana, it is a custom with heads of state and PM's to exchange gifts, but not at the front door

Presumably she'll need every penny she can get now, husband out of a job and no home.

(that was a joke btw daphnedill !

Michelle didn't waste much time putting the box on eBay
www.ebay.com/itm/Tiffany-Box-Pouch-And-Ribbon-/232213225355?hash=item3610fc9f8b:g:p2sAAOSwZQRYg6Kb

I think Michelle should have anticipated the possibility that Melania would bring a gift and accepted it with more grace than she did.

When would you expect her to present it, Annie?

She is from the former Yugoslavia - you never, ever go anywhere empty-handed. If invited even just for coffee they take just some nice biscuits or a cake.

Stansgran, unlike your own dear queen, Michelle Obama doesn't have a lady in waiting hovering a few feet away to save the Royal hands from being overloaded with two bunches of flowers

Poor Michelle, no table near, no lady in waiting, should she have put it on the ground?

The one at fault was the present Mrs Trump for the need to hand over a gift on the doorstep in front on cameras

Now is the time to start planning to reverse the decision next time.
Well, I can't plan anything because I'm not American

they used to be called 'sugar daddies' but usually avoid marriage.

Perhaps Michelle looked awkward because she hadn't bought Melania a gift.
Oh, that awful feeling

I think it is sexist to criticise a younger glamorous women who hitches up with an old , wealthy man as "gold diggers". Surely the older man can be equally criticised for buying her for her youth, sexiness, trophy wife etc. He is gaining as much in the relationship as she is.

I couldn't help but wonder what was in "that" box. It was very nicely wrapped.

Posh chocolates?
Bath Bombs?
A silk Scarf?
A photo frame?
Sexy Underwear?
a manual on how to please your man?