President Obama on the death of Prince Philip...

[babylonsister]

https://www.facebook.com/barackobama/


Barack Obama

When we first met His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, he and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had already been on the world stage for more than half a century — welcoming leaders like Churchill and Kennedy; Mandela and Gorbachev. As two Americans unaccustomed to palaces and pomp, we didn’t know what to expect.

We shouldn’t have worried. The Queen and Prince Philip immediately put us at ease with their grace and generosity, turning a ceremonial occasion into something far more natural, even comfortable. Prince Philip in particular was kind and warm, with a sharp wit and unfailing good humor. It was our first introduction to the man behind the title, and in the years since, our admiration for him has only grown. We will miss him dearly.

Like the Queen, Prince Philip saw world wars and economic crises come and go. The radio gave way to the television, and the television to the internet. And through it all, he helped provide steady leadership and guiding wisdom. It has long been said that the United States and Great Britain have a special relationship — one that has been maintained and strengthened not just by presidents and prime ministers but by the Royal Family that has outlasted them all.

At the Queen’s side or trailing the customary two steps behind, Prince Philip showed the world what it meant to be a supportive husband to a powerful woman. Yet he also found a way to lead without demanding the spotlight — serving in combat in World War II, commanding a frigate in the Royal Navy, and tirelessly touring the world to champion British industry and excellence. Through his extraordinary example, he proved that true partnership has room for both ambition and selflessness — all in service of something greater.

As the world mourns his loss, we send our warmest wishes and deepest sympathies to the Queen, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and everyone who knew and loved this remarkable man.

[Arkansas Granny]

1. That was lovely.

[MaryMagdaline]

2. Beautifully written. President Obama did us proud

[lunatica]

3. So classy!

I hope Biden calls on him in the hard times. I hope Dr Jill and Michelle communicate with each other also. They’re all wonderful people!

[Chautauquas]

4. Did the former guy have anything to say about it?

I imagine if he did it was a lot of bullshit about how the election was stolen and oh yeah some English big-shot died.

[NYC Liberal]

5. Yes. Well, one of his more intelligent employees did,

because he very clearly did not write the statement:

The world mourns the passing of Prince Philip, a man who embodied the noble soul and proud spirit of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Melania and I send our deepest and most profound condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and to the entire Royal Family. We send our most heartfelt sympathies to the British people. This is an irreplaceable loss for Great Britain, and for all who hold dear our civilization.

Prince Philip defined British dignity and grace. He personified the quiet reserve, stern fortitude, and unbending integrity of the United Kingdom. As a young man, he served Britain honorably and courageously as a naval officer in the Second World War. Aboard battleships in the Mediterranean, he saw combat at sea. He then participated in the pivotal Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943. Like so many of his generation, in Britain’s darkest hour, he put his life on the line for God, country, and the values of freedom and self-government that forever unite America and the United Kingdom.

For seven decades, Prince Philip brought the same sense of duty and purpose to his role as consort and husband to the Queen. He was admired by his fellow citizens, and respected by everyone around the world. His exceptional example of service, constancy, and patriotism will be his greatest legacy. Over the past few years, Melania and I were honored to have the opportunity to visit the United Kingdom. We saw firsthand how the Monarchy epitomizes and carries on the virtues of the British People—and no one did so more than Prince Philip.

As we grieve his loss, we celebrate his memory and rededicate ourselves to the values to which he devoted his extraordinary life. He will be greatly missed.

If he was still on Twitter, no doubt we’d have heard his real thoughts on the matter a few minutes after this was released.

[Chautauquas]

6. You are correct

no way Trump could write anything nearly as coherent as those statements.

[MLAA]

11. He couldn't have read anything that coherent!

[BobTheSubgenius]

22. HAHAHAHA

Even more to the point! NOICE!

[3catwoman3]

34. Exactly. Too many multisyllabic...

...words.

[smirkymonkey]

8. There is no way in HELL that The Former Guy penned a word of that.

It's ridiculous for anyone to even try to sell that lie.

[niyad]

13. There is absolutely no way that the murdering, orange traitor wrote that.

[tavernier]

27. Clue: Since it wasn't 100% about him,

he didn’t write it.

[GETPLANING]

58. There is nothing in the statement about the 2020 election being stolen from him

So I strongly doubt he even knows anything about this statement being written for him.

[lpbk2713]

7. "Phil was a great guy. I mean it."

"Such a great guy. Phil and I go back a long way."

[Martin Eden]

9. Did Trump write a similar condolence?

[Marcuse]

46. Always a class act

Following the announcement in December 1992 that Princess Diana had separated from Prince Charles, then-American businessman Donald Trump reportedly started courting the Princess of Wales, allegedly bombarding her with flowers to the point that she said, "He gives me the creeps."[link:https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/politics/a12267086/donald-trump-royal-family/|

[TxGuitar]

10. I get Obama saying these things

But please, Philip was the UK Donald Trump on steroids. A racist entitled piece of shit that lived that long because he owned half of England and could afford proper healthcare. Fuck him and all of his family.

[bluecollar2]

17. As an Englishman

I feel obligated to tell you to go fuck off yourself. As a Texan you should know better...

[TxGuitar]

30. Where am I wrong?

Aristocrats think being born into aristocracy is an achievement.

[Treefrog]

35. I will second that emotion.

Thank you.

[efhmc]

49. This Texan totally agrees. Philip was a racist and sexist of the first order. Typical rich white

privileged male on steroids.

ttps://www.cnn.com/2021/04/09/uk/prince-philip-outbursts-legacy-intl-gbr-cmd/index.html

https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2017/8/13/the-priceless-racism-of-the-duke-of-edinburgh

Why in the world do you still have this anachronistic firm anyway?

[LiberalLovinLug]

55. Phillip wasn't perfect. He had his flaws as we all do

Just to play the Devil's advocate, I do think one must view a life on balance, and in historical context.

I read the article in your link. It lists some of his racist comments through the years. It doesn't give dates to those statements, but I will presume most came from an earlier time in his life. When the world, or at least western culture, did not consider making jokes about stereotypes of different races to be systemically harmful. When I was a boy, I played cowboys and indians. Complete with making "woo woo woo" sounds and face paint. No one wanted to play the indian though because they had to lose. And if they did win, it was an injustice. We only were mimicking the films on TV, and our other friends. No one told us not to, or why it might be harmful.

There were also a host of comedians I grew up with, who would go on popular TV talk shows, and crack jokes at the expense of other nationalities and races. Even white people stereotypes. Through the years, especially with more multiculturalism in western countries, eyes were opened to the potential lasting hurt and harm under the surface of buttressing those stereotypes......even if one couldn't help laughing at the same time.

And if I had heard some comedian crack joke about a (white) Briton's over-bite, or lack of quality traditional food dishes, or even the hooliganism at soccer matches, if it was a funny line, even at the expense of our British friends, I would laugh too. One of the reasons for such unguarded laughter was knowing that a person from the UK would probably laugh at it too. That was important. As they, like I was, were brought up to laugh at themselves. British are maybe the best at that (Monty Python to Spitting Image).

So they, and the rest of the majority white privileged nations, just ASSumed that this kind of jaded humour was accepted the world over. Does that make it all right? Of course not. Many things have not stood the test of time, and humanities evolving sensibilities. White people, as am I, have learned that it was easy to assume that these other cultures would take these depreciating jokes the same as someone who has the luxury of reacting to one about themselves from a position of authority and privilege.

I just think it is a bit unfair to judge a 99 year old man, during his whole life, on some dumb "jokes" he, and most others in his country, thought were done in a more jestful, ribbing way at the time. A, perhaps, clumsy way to break the ice. My point being that it was not done with harmful intent, quite the opposite. But through time we have, the majority at least, come to a greater understanding of how words, especially coming from authority figures (such as The Former Guy), can have a profound negative impact on a person in the minority, and/or without voice or representation.

[TxGuitar]

59. The thing is

That he never apologized for his remarks. He also said "One steps out with actresses, one does not marry them"

[LiberalLovinLug]

60. I googled a bit and found a report where he apologized

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/duke-of-edinburgh-forced-to-apologise-for-racist-remark-1111947.html

At least for the "as though it was put in by an Indian" comment.

But in that article also,
"However, Dr Shanfi Kauser, secretary of the Islamic Centre in Glasgow, said he was not offended. "He is a nice man and I don't think he has done anything out of malice," he said. "On other occasions he has been very complimentary to us. I think he should be excused."

I do think there is room for forgiveness when it is spoken not out of malice, but a misguided assumption of saying it in the context of a good natured ribbing.

Here in Canada, he had a good relationship with our First Nation people. He often visited them, and they respected him in turn because of his shared concern for environmental issues.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-philip-remembered-indigenous-canada-1.5982711

"I knew that he was really big on climate change and environmental issues, so I thanked him for that," said Erasmus (the Dene national chief and regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations).

As they talked further, Erasmus was impressed by Philip's knowledge on the subject.

The prince criticized "how multinationals were approaching the environment, the great amount of wealth and the waste that they generated," and was keen "to keep the Earth pristine," Erasmus said.

[Hekate]

57. Some people can't tell the difference between the occasion for a Leninist tract on the parasitism...

...of the upper classes and the occasion for keeping one’s thoughts to oneself just a day longer.

Sorry — they come out of the woodwork here every so often.

My late father in law lived to be 99. He came from a whole different world than we now live in, and in fact he helped create the world we live in by his service in WWII — just as the late Prince did in his own very different way. People who live a century deserve to have their lives assessed in toto, not cherry-picked and judged as some are doing here.

[efhmc]

62. This was my statement about the monarchy I wrote on Twitter and stand solidly behind it:

There is NO monarchy fit for a different i.e. "modern" time. It is a wasteful and disgustingly racist undemocratic anachronism.

[BobTheSubgenius]

28. BHO should have checked with you before releasing such a misguided missive.

[DallasNE]

12. Such Grace n/t

[mcar]

14. A man of his generation playing second fiddle

to his wife for 73 years deserves credit. RIP Phil.

[TxGuitar]

16. Please

Prince Philip was a horrible, entitled human being who lived to 99 years because he had money. Dubious money. He was a racist piece of shit, prime fodder for a guillotine. The royals aren't better people, or even normal, moral people and they shouldn't be normalized. We as a global society need to realize that these people could end world hunger as we know it and still be stinking rich but they choose not to because they're horrible people. Rich does not equal smart, or moral, or caring. Having the money they have means quite the opposite. They are monsters that prey on the good people of this earth.

[FakeNoose]

19. OK it's your opinion and I respect it

... but how about saving this for another time. Hmmm?

[TxGuitar]

20. Why?

No need to dress up a pig. If Chauvin dies should we wait a certain amount of time before reminding g everyone he was a murderer?

[TxGuitar]

21. He had a ton of money

He didn't earn, didn't work for. He and his family are essentially the descendants of gangsters. And they're still gangsters.

[Treefrog]

36. Are you actually and really comparing Prince Plilip

to Chauvin? Seriously?

[Ilsa]

47. If Chauvin died today, I would remember he has a family

who is grieving a loss. We say nothing at all, instead of rant, out of respect for friends and loved ones, not all of which are guilty of your judgments.

Not intentionally hurting people who are already in pain is part of being in a civil society, regardless of how you feel about the recently departed.

[mcar]

29. Wow. OK

The royals aren't better people, or even normal, moral people and they shouldn't be normalized.

Did I say that anywhere in my post? Good heavens, I was commenting on the longevity of their marriage and the fact that he took a subservient role in the relationship.

[TxGuitar]

32. The poor guy being all subserviant

And rich and fooled around whenever he wanted, had awesome health care, never worked, looked down disdainfully at his inferiors (all of us), owned half of London, born on third base and thought he hit a triple. That was an arranged marriage and they both came to an arrangement on how things would go. I can't believe people on DU would defend or support monarchy. These people are the British Koch brothers.

[mcar]

33. Whatev. Done here

[Treefrog]

37. Good tack. Not worth it at all.

I hear an ax grinding somewhere, but no idea why.

[mwooldri]

54. Prince Philip had the same healthcare as everyone else in the UK.

At least from 1948. National Health Service.

This was not an arranged marriage. Philip and Elizabeth had been corresponding for years before their engagement. As descended from the Greek and Danish thrones, he hardly owned "half of London".

Land in London that is owned by the Crown isn't property that personally belongs to the Royals - just like the White House does not personally belong to the President.

Never worked? Ha! Serving onboard a warship in WW2 doesn't count? And then when he did become consort to the Queen he was a working Royal and took his job seriously.

British Koch brothers? I wish the Koch brothers were like the royal family. The Royals champion general public good causes and keep their nose firmly outside of politics. And they have more environmentalism in their little fingers than any of the Kochs.

I am a monarchist. At least as far as the UK is. The Royal family know that the UK could decide to have different leadership in the future at any time (government decision or referendum). And while I may joke about Lizzie Windsor (my chosen nickname for the Queen) wanting to take back America I don't support a monarchy for America as it doesn't suit it. But for the UK the constitutional monarchy works and works well.

Besides the British royal establishment is a different creature when compared to the start of Elizabeth's reign.

[TxGuitar]

56. No, he was in a private hospital

Last edited Sat Apr 10, 2021, 06:01 PM - Edit history (1)

King Edward VII is a private hospital. And many NHS hospitals have private wings. Hardly the same care, not to mention waiting list as your average punter. My source: my wife, who worked for the NHS

[BuddhaGirl]

63. Whatever else we know about them

Their marriage was not "arranged." Yes, Philip knew he would have to play second fiddle, but all reports say it was a love match.

Do you evidence to saying otherwise? Please post it.

[meadowlander]

64. "Yak, yak, yak; come on get a move on."

Prince Phillip shouting from the deck of Britannia in Belize in 1994 to the Queen who was chatting to her hosts on the quayside.

This is not the proto-feminist ally you're looking for.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/prince-philip-husband-of-queen-elizabeth-ii-dies-a-life-of-duty-with-outrageous-moments/IHWNQUJYBJJICUKAD5KZLVKQGU/

[pazzyanne]

41. Vitriol in the face of death is unnecessary attack on a person who cannot defend themself. nt

[twodogsbarking]

44. Much of the negative that is written about Philip would

describe a number of prominent people in the US during my life time and I am thirty years younger. While I don't agree I understand the times and the influences that formed peoples' opinions. When you grow up in a certain environment you are essentially taught and expected to join in. That is why change is slow and sometimes backward. Anger and picking fights only exacerbates problems.

[pazzyanne]

45. Your post shows much wisdom.

I am so tired of passionate outbursts that don't solve problems but only serve to inflame. We now have an abundance of judgemental claptrap that serves no purpose in our world. I miss the expressions of sanity that has eroded during the past 4 or 5 years.

[twodogsbarking]

51. Thank you.

Hope you find your calm. I am still trying.

[Ilsa]

48. As well as on those who grieve the departed.

So much for trying to live in a decent society.

[efhmc]

50. So true. I cannot believe the accolades being given him here by those who claim to be devoted to

democracy.

[marieo1]

15. A Hero

Thank you, President Obama..........we still love you and you speak for all of us as do President Biden and the Vice President!!

[hollygolively]

18. Nicely done.

President Obama is the exact type of person who makes us all proud. His comments always make me proud.

[geardaddy]

23. Barack Obama has more class in his little finger

than Prince Philip had in his whole being.

[demigoddess]

24. apparently not every one is as kind and honorable as Obama.

Study the british nobility and your opinion might change, txguitar. Members of the nobility have been in the British military. And have served in many other ways. I read those 'racist' remarks. Not as racist as I was led to believe. Serving in a system that does not allow retirement at age 65, only upon death. I doubt if too many americans could do what they do.

[NJCher]

42. Good points all

Especially about no retirement.

Also constantly attending to all those good causes is work.

[TygrBright]

25. Diplomacy: How it's done. n/t

[Treefrog]

38. Respect. He is one who has earned it and showing it to another.

He has shamed some people here simply by showing the class he was born with. Thank you President Obama.

[Demovictory9]

31. beautifully written

[Joinfortmill]

39. Obama is such a class act.

[SmartVoter22]

40. Phillip was first Royal on Live TV

In 1961, Prince Phillip did a TV interview. Its the first time any member of the Royal Family was on live television.
It took until 1961 to get on live TV?

His wife decided using TV was a good thing for "The Firm" and Philip helped keep a tight reign on the organization.
He embraced TV as a tool to be used, and they have, as a 'state family' excelled at using it, but at times could not contain troubles.
The Prince was always a strong supporter of technologies. He was involved in many of the tech advances as they developed, during World War II. Things like; He was around when Radar was demonstrated in 1935 ...in Britain.,
As a Naval leader, he had to be aware of Alan Turin's Enigma code decryption, the development geostationary satellites, fiber optics and LCD's were all British made inventions the Prince would have been aware of, and promoting trade of those technologies.

Phillip was a progressive human, all 99 years of him.



edit: ran spellchecker.

[smirkymonkey]

43. He is such a mensch.

A better person cannot be found. What a lovely tribute.

[Hekate]

52. Lovely. Once again, Barack Obama does America proud. ...

[heckles65]

53. Did enjoy how HRH--

could be a real life Senator Bulworth: opening up and saying things everyone knew but no one else dared say.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

61. K&R