AND, for all the people who will rant and rave about “YEAH, but what about all the stuff that the Clinton’s and Obama got from foreign leaders?”
In the past, all gifts from foreign dignitaries had to be approved by Congress, after which they could become the property of the recipient. But as the U.S. gained prominence on the world stage, a division of protocol was created in 1928 to help presidents entertain visiting dignitaries and of course, organize the customary gift exchanges. Today, foreign gifts—from paintings to ceremonial daggers—are sent to the National Archives.
As the gifts that U.S. presidents received started to become more extravagant, a rule was enacted to ensure there was no impression of impropriety. The Foreign Gifts and Declarations Act of 1966 was prompted in part by the expensive gifts some Arab kings would bring on their visits, like luxury cars and fine horses, according to Lloyd N. Hand chief of protocol under Lyndon Johnson. In political culture, “perception becomes reality,” says Hand, and it did not look good to have the president accept something that flashy from a foreign leader. The rule put a limit to the value of a gift a president could accept, with most gifts going directly to the National Archives after being presented. As of January 2014, the limit is currently set at $375.
The gifts of past presidents are located in the National Archives or are transferred to a Presidential Library when he retires. Presidents and other government officials have the option to purchase the gifts they received in office for their market value if they choose, as Hillary Clinton did following her tenure as secretary of state. She chose to purchase the black pearl necklace given to her by Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 2012, a gift, priced at $970. But usually, the gifts become a relic of past diplomacy, a little bit of history in the form of a novelty tea infuser or a ceremonial dagger, tucked away and carefully catalogued.
“So long as I do not pronounce the word ‘emoluments’ in the course of my activity, all is completely aboveboard and praiseworthy. Words, you see, are all that truly matter.”
Why are there such long gaps between your offerings? I want one every day because it is hard to wait for your excellent and insightful political cartoons.
Any minute, Donnie Boy will call up his good buddy, the Clown Prince More B.S., to accept an entire circus-worth of gift “lions” on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Znox11 over 4 years ago
Silly rabbit, don’t you know that rules are for other people to follow?
Baslim the Beggar Premium Member over 4 years ago
Pretty funny, Brian!
fusilier over 4 years ago
How will WE, the People, answer the lion’s question?
fusilier
James 2;24
bxclent Premium Member over 4 years ago
get over it
Masterskrain Premium Member over 4 years ago
AND, for all the people who will rant and rave about “YEAH, but what about all the stuff that the Clinton’s and Obama got from foreign leaders?”
In the past, all gifts from foreign dignitaries had to be approved by Congress, after which they could become the property of the recipient. But as the U.S. gained prominence on the world stage, a division of protocol was created in 1928 to help presidents entertain visiting dignitaries and of course, organize the customary gift exchanges. Today, foreign gifts—from paintings to ceremonial daggers—are sent to the National Archives.As the gifts that U.S. presidents received started to become more extravagant, a rule was enacted to ensure there was no impression of impropriety. The Foreign Gifts and Declarations Act of 1966 was prompted in part by the expensive gifts some Arab kings would bring on their visits, like luxury cars and fine horses, according to Lloyd N. Hand chief of protocol under Lyndon Johnson. In political culture, “perception becomes reality,” says Hand, and it did not look good to have the president accept something that flashy from a foreign leader. The rule put a limit to the value of a gift a president could accept, with most gifts going directly to the National Archives after being presented. As of January 2014, the limit is currently set at $375.
The gifts of past presidents are located in the National Archives or are transferred to a Presidential Library when he retires. Presidents and other government officials have the option to purchase the gifts they received in office for their market value if they choose, as Hillary Clinton did following her tenure as secretary of state. She chose to purchase the black pearl necklace given to her by Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 2012, a gift, priced at $970. But usually, the gifts become a relic of past diplomacy, a little bit of history in the form of a novelty tea infuser or a ceremonial dagger, tucked away and carefully catalogued.
Kip W over 4 years ago
“So long as I do not pronounce the word ‘emoluments’ in the course of my activity, all is completely aboveboard and praiseworthy. Words, you see, are all that truly matter.”
Radish the wordsmith over 4 years ago
2 days ago – President Donald Trump on Monday claimed he’s receiving unfair scrutiny because of the “phony emoluments clause.”
gerard.adelman over 4 years ago
Why are there such long gaps between your offerings? I want one every day because it is hard to wait for your excellent and insightful political cartoons.
Andrew Sleeth over 4 years ago
Any minute, Donnie Boy will call up his good buddy, the Clown Prince More B.S., to accept an entire circus-worth of gift “lions” on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Concretionist over 4 years ago
There have always (since the start) Presidents who were in some way shady. But this one, is in all ways shady.
VegaAlopex over 4 years ago
Did anyone notice that John Quincy Adams was in the House of Representatives when Martin Van Buren was president?