UK student Conservatives burn effigy of Obama on bonfire - Polidicks

[B]An effigy of US President Barack Obama was burned over the weekend by members of the Conservative student association at St Andrews University.[/B] Suggestions that the effigy was wrapped in an EU flag have been denied. One of those who attended told the BBC that [B]members of the association had "no input" and were "surprised" to discover Obama was on the bonfire[/B]. The St Andrews Conservative Association apologised for any offence caused. In a statement, [B]the university said it had asked to meet the president of the society to discuss "very understandable concerns"[/B]. A spokesman said it would be inappropriate to comment further. Matthew Marshall, president of the St Andrews Conservative Association, said: "[B]President Obama is an important ally to the British government. It was a stupid thing to do and we apologise for any offence caused.[/B]" [B]A former chairman of the university's Labour society described the burning as "disgraceful".[/B] James Mills said: "I can't imagine any other student activists of a major political party would behave in this manner. [B]"It's disgusting and I hope the Conservative Party and the prime minister completely come out and condemn this obscene act.[/B]" He added: "[B]The last thing a truly modern party should be doing is burning an effigy of anyone let alone the first black president of the USA, one of our closest allies.[/B]" [B]The same society has burned effigies of Gordon Brown and former South African president Nelson Mandela in the past, along with one of Mr Mills.[/B] A St Andrews Students Union spokesman said: "As students we believe in political debate, with engaging those who we disagree with us and that all students at St Andrews have a valid opinion to contribute. "[B]While it does not violate any laws, we believe that the burning of political or public figures in effigy can be an act of hate, stifles productive engagement and can be offensive.[/B] "We believe that St Andrews students should hold ourselves to a higher standard and actively demonstrate that we are ready to engage with, and respect, the opinions of others. "[B]As such we deplore the burning in effigy of political or public figures regardless of sex, race, political persuasion or any other distinction.[/B] " [URL]http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-15847986[/URL]

Looks like things are about to heat up. I wonder if someone is going to be fired for this one. Sucks to have Obama get burned politically like this, but these students academic futures may be up in smoke.

yep totally proud of my generation right now. Jesus christ though, really? This is just embarrassing

Yeah, they've got the right idea. Burn the Communists!

Why Obama anyway? He's really stepped down the US interference with UK politics since the bush/blair era.

Because that [B]SURELY[/B] accomplishes their goals :rolleyes:

They should've burnt Cameron and Osborne.

[QUOTE=NorthernFall;33401187]Why Obama anyway? He's really stepped down the US interference with UK politics since the bush/blair era.[/QUOTE] Yeah, Nelson Mandela is justifiable (of course it's unlikely their reasons were justifiable), but Obama?

[QUOTE=markg06;33401216]They should've burnt Cameron and Osborne.[/QUOTE] Especialy Cameron.

Well if they'd burnt Ed Miliband no one would have cared.

[QUOTE=Raidyr;33401141]Looks like things are about to heat up. I wonder if someone is going to be fired for this one. Sucks to have Obama get burned politically like this, but these students academic futures may be up in smoke.[/QUOTE] Thanks for taking all our zings. lol Next time, leave some of them for us please!

[QUOTE=Matriax;33401538]Well if they'd burnt Ed Miliband no one would have cared.[/QUOTE] But I like his funny voice

[QUOTE=DiBBs27;33401799]Thanks for taking all our zings. lol Next time, leave some of them for us please![/QUOTE] Aren't you hot with jealousy. [editline]23rd November 2011[/editline] Flaming hot

anyone who is a member of the conservative student association probably has their head up their ass anyway

[QUOTE=Matriax;33401538]Well if they'd burnt Ed Miliband no one would have cared.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PX8JxsBybbA/TfajQyZjMkI/AAAAAAAAC8M/qmtELPVMZ-s/s400/Wallace+and+Ed+Miliband.jpg[/IMG] say that to my face fucker

[QUOTE=Charybdis;33401908][IMG]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PX8JxsBybbA/TfajQyZjMkI/AAAAAAAAC8M/qmtELPVMZ-s/s400/Wallace+and+Ed+Miliband.jpg[/IMG] say that to my face fucker[/QUOTE] He looks more like Bert from sesame street imo.

[QUOTE=Charybdis;33401908][IMG]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PX8JxsBybbA/TfajQyZjMkI/AAAAAAAAC8M/qmtELPVMZ-s/s400/Wallace+and+Ed+Miliband.jpg[/IMG] say that to my face fucker[/QUOTE] It makes me sad that I'm going to have to vote for that to get the Tories out.

[QUOTE=strayebyrd;33401159]yep totally proud of my generation right now. Jesus christ though, really? This is just embarrassing[/QUOTE] Just goes to show that Conservatives are just utter nut-jobs.

[quote]The same society has burned effigies of Gordon Brown and former South African president Nelson Mandela in the past, along with one of Mr Mills.[/quote] I can understand Gordon, although alot of the wrong wasn't his fault, But fucking NELSON MANDELA?! ARE YOU ON FUCKING E'S?

[QUOTE=Bobie;33401871]anyone who is a student probably has their head up their ass anyway[/QUOTE] Fixed

[QUOTE=Capitulazyguy;33402495]Fixed[/QUOTE] Good job, you just generalised almost everyone in the world under 18.

[QUOTE=matt.ant;33401115]He added: "The last thing a truly modern party should be doing is burning an effigy of anyone [b]let alone the first black president of the USA[/b], one of our closest allies."[/QUOTE] stopped giving a shit right about here

I don't see the issue. This was quite common with Bush. It's really not a good way to make a point, but I don't understand how these people are any different than Bush haters that did similar things.

[QUOTE=Raidyr;33401141]Looks like things are about to heat up. I wonder if someone is going to be fired for this one. Sucks to have Obama get burned politically like this, but these students academic futures may be up in smoke.[/QUOTE] My head exploded.

Oops, I just applied to St. Andrews :v:

[QUOTE=Pepin;33403607]I don't see the issue. This was quite common with Bush. It's really not a good way to make a point, but I don't understand how these people are any different than Bush haters that did similar things.[/QUOTE] Because Bush was an actual, legitimately bad president. Obama's just his fall guy who got elected at the wrong time.

Shouldn't they burn Cameron instead? It's not Obama's fault Cameron is willing to do anything America wants.

[QUOTE=squids_eye;33402291]It makes me sad that I'm going to have to vote for that to get the Tories out.[/QUOTE] Are you basing your vote on the fact that he looks a bit like Grommet. [editline]23rd November 2011[/editline] [QUOTE=Electrocuter;33404353]Shouldn't they burn Cameron instead? It's not Obama's fault Cameron is willing to do anything America wants.[/QUOTE] While I agree he needs to be burnt, these guys are tories, why would they burn the leader of their political party.

snip

[QUOTE=Matriax;33401538]Well if they'd burnt Ed Miliband no one would have cared.[/QUOTE] Labour would probably just get the other one in so they only have to edit the first name on all their crap.