Obama Administration To Spend $400,000 For A Camel Sculpture In Pakistan

[Constitutional Paulicy]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BkD7ZOaCQAAqDS_.jpg


Obama Administration To Spend $400,000 For A Camel Sculpture In Pakistan


Beyer said the sculpture was being sold at a “very reduced price” and that “there is an art market that makes these prices, and this is one of the most prominent American artists.” He told BuzzFeed that while some may think it is a waste of money, others may find it enjoyable.

The $400,000 purchase was justified by U.S. officials in a four-page document, titled “Camel Contemplating Needle.”

“This artist’s product is uniquely qualified,” the document states. “Public art which will be presented in the new embassy should reflect the values of a predominantly Islamist country.”

The document then continues to cite Wikipedia as an authoritative source to show that the artist is an “American conceptual artist known for his work.”

A State Department spokeswoman told BuzzFeed that the money comes from the department’s “Office of Art in Embassies” budget.

more here... http://www.teaparty.org/state-department-spend-400000-camel-sculpture-pakistan-38027/

[Constitutional Paulicy]

This stuff never ceases to amaze me. Rand needs to add this too his list and toss it out there for the US tax payers to contemplate. I hope he makes more references to these issues in the lead up to 2016.

[phill4paul]

THIS. Is why I will not pay U.S. Federal income tax until the government returns to Constitutional levels. At the least.

[ZENemy]

THIS. Is why I will not pay U.S. Federal income tax until the government returns to Constitutional levels. At the least.

Seems like if enough stuff stacks up that one day we will be able to have a jury nullify a tax "evader" after presenting evidence of absolute criminal activity and wasteful spending.

[Henry Rogue]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BkD7ZOaCQAAqDS_.jpg

Where's his cigarette?

[ghengis86]

Where's his cigarette?
In the Presidential Smokes case Reggie Love holds for him.

Oh, you meant the camel. My bad.

[Occam's Banana]

[Steven Beyer, the art dealer for the project,] told BuzzFeed that while some may think it is a waste of money, others may find it enjoyable.

You can say exactly the same thing about whores - so by his own "logic," Beyer is basically just a pimp ...

[alucard13mm]

I rather waste money on "freebies" on americans, not wasting money for overseas purpose.

[Wooden Indian]

I rather waste money on "freebies" on americans, not wasting money for overseas purpose.

^^This.
I'd rather my money go to the freeloader down the road than it be spent to bomb a city into ruin... then follow it up with outrageously priced "conceptual art".

I swear to God, I feel I'm trapped in a bad episode of The Twilight Zone every time I read the friggin news.

[Weston White]

The $400,000 purchase was justified by U.S. officials in a four-page document…

A four-page report to justify the purchase of a single item… And the ACA was last at 1,200 pages? Yea nothing to cover up here. Nothing at all.


He told BuzzFeed that while some may think it is a waste of money, others may find it enjoyable.

Great, so let those “others” pay out of their own pockets for their enjoyment then. They can obviously afford it, because clearly their opinions are the only ones that matter to this corrupt administration.


The document then continues to cite Wikipedia as an authoritative source to show that the artist is an “American conceptual artist known for his work.”

Laff at the desperation for justification.


Granted it is nice looking work of art. However, that thing sticks out like a sour thumb there, nothing in that photo matches the placement of that camel art. And I do not see how that fee is justified. Here is an example for $9,000: http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Zoo-decoration-high-emulation-life-size_1657993558.html

And this one is marble for $2,500, which would have fit in much nicer to the scenery shown in the photo, imagine one placed on each side of main entrances, resting upon decorative mounts: http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Garden-marble-life-size-animal-statue_1676249197.html?s=p

[HOLLYWOOD]

Goes with this POS @ the US embassy in the London. This Washington government doesn't give a shit about the taxpayers... "they don't give a fuck, they don't care about you..." George Carlin

http://kwout.com/cutout/c/d7/dr/wdc_bor.jpg

US State Department spends $1 MILLION on a single granite sculpture to decorate new embassy in London | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2517666/US-State-Department-spends-1-MILLION-single-granite-sculpture-decorate-new-embassy-London.html)

[Anti-Neocon]

http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/f-35-costs-182-million-to-299-million-per-plane/

That's somewhere in the range of 460 to 750 camel sculptures for a single unit of fail.

Sure, the camel sculpture is a nice talking point, but let's not get distracted from where the real money is wasted.

[Constitutional Paulicy]

Where's his cigarette?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxUZI0vE0FM

[oyarde]

That is nothing compared to what they spent for Mango Farmers and Sesame Street with new characters in Pakistan , over ten million if I recall.

[oyarde]

I think the 20 million Pakistan Sesame Street funding was terminated in 2011 ....

[oyarde]

They had a Donkey and a Croc , among others I think .

[Mani]

Goes with this POS @ the US embassy in the London. This Washington government doesn't give a shit about the taxpayers... "they don't give a fuck, they don't care about you..." George Carlin

http://kwout.com/cutout/c/d7/dr/wdc_bor.jpg

US State Department spends $1 MILLION on a single granite sculpture to decorate new embassy in London | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2517666/US-State-Department-spends-1-MILLION-single-granite-sculpture-decorate-new-embassy-London.html)


I've pissed on stuff that's a lot more appealing than that so called art.

[2young2vote]

That camel sculpture is worth atleast $25 billion.

[Tinnuhana]

So, in a country with a Muslim majority, you're going to put a sculpture depicting Jesus's comment that it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven?
Lots of irony here on a few levels.

[Occam's Banana]

Lots of irony here on a few levels.

Not the least of which is this (FTA - emphasis added):

“A life-size dromedary with its neck extended inquisitively eyes a super-sized needle in a way which makes the viewer think it could actually pass through the needle’s eye,” described Hall Wines, which has a copy of the piece on display.

Huh?? Say what??
Any viewer who looks at this thing and thinks that is a frakkin' moron.
For another thing, such an "interpretation" is in utter contradiction to what the whole "camel & the needle's eye" metaphor is supposed to convey.

[Tinnuhana]

You ever heard the linguistic theory that goes that the Aramaic/Hebrew word for camel is just one vowel sound off from the word for rope? Back then they didn't put little marks under letters to note the vowel sound. People just knew from context what the word was. The theory goes that the particular gospel with that parable in it was originally in Aramaic, or Jesus told it in Aramaic and it was just written down that way and later, translated, it became camel instead of rope. Rope makes a lot more sense, and doesn't change the meaning of the parable. The visual picture drawn of someone trying to thread a rope through the eye of a small needle may have been what Jesus was portraying at that time. Interesting.

[Dianne]

Goes with this POS @ the US embassy in the London. This Washington government doesn't give a shit about the taxpayers... "they don't give a fuck, they don't care about you..." George Carlin

http://kwout.com/cutout/c/d7/dr/wdc_bor.jpg

US State Department spends $1 MILLION on a single granite sculpture to decorate new embassy in London | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2517666/US-State-Department-spends-1-MILLION-single-granite-sculpture-decorate-new-embassy-London.html)

WTF? Is that where they stacked their stones in preparation to complete a sculpture, or is that supposed to be a sculpture?

This is the kind of stuff Rand Paul should be nitpicking.

[MRK]

"Camel Contemplating Needle.”

LOL

[Tinnuhana]

LOL this is what I came up with when I input "comtemplative camel"

http://sacredcamelgardens.com/wordpress/retreats/testimonials/

[kcchiefs6465]

bump

[oyarde]

The " needle " was a narrow stone gate into the city , which a well trained camel would have to pass through on knees.

[oyarde]

You ever heard the linguistic theory that goes that the Aramaic/Hebrew word for camel is just one vowel sound off from the word for rope? Back then they didn't put little marks under letters to note the vowel sound. People just knew from context what the word was. The theory goes that the particular gospel with that parable in it was originally in Aramaic, or Jesus told it in Aramaic and it was just written down that way and later, translated, it became camel instead of rope. Rope makes a lot more sense, and doesn't change the meaning of the parable. The visual picture drawn of someone trying to thread a rope through the eye of a small needle may have been what Jesus was portraying at that time. Interesting.

I suspect that may be from translating Greek. I think , same problem in Aramaic ....

[oyarde]

These gates , in Jerusalem , Damascus . probably many other places I forget, were narrow for a reason , so they could easily be blocked and defended . They would require the wealthy merchant , to also , unload the camel before passing .

[oyarde]

These gates . were for use of merchants and worshippers and open late into the evening and easily defended without leaving a walled city open for large attack .

[oyarde]

The confusing part , that I can probably answer for no person , was , that some of the common rope , was likely made of hair , some , camel hair .

[oyarde]

Only "poor" man on foot can walk through the " needle" , others , must unload the wealth and kneel . LOL , I would never kneel to any man , but to God , yes. You see , it is easier for the poor to be pure of heart , he should love and value and care for his family , work diligently unto his death to do so , accept his place and responsibility .... easily understood . Now , for the wealthy man , this proves more difficult :) ,he must guard against treachery to take his wealth , he must grow it for his wives and children , next thing ya know , he has forgotten God , maybe then , he continues to grow his wealth in manner that may be unscrupulous ..... you see now ?

[oyarde]

The " moral" to the story can probably found in Matthew 19 , but to have to at least start @ Matthew 19 :16 and read to :22 .You should read the whole book of Matthew if you can find the time .... people may tell you otherwise , but the actual " gates" were real . The rest is too , best I can tell , just from my lifetime of observance . : )

[enhanced_deficit]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BkD7ZOaCQAAqDS_.jpg


Obama Administration To Spend $400,000 For A Camel Sculpture In Pakistan

“This artist’s product is uniquely qualified,” the document states. “Public art which will be presented in the new embassy should reflect the values of a predominantly Islamist country.”

more here... http://www.teaparty.org/state-department-spend-400000-camel-sculpture-pakistan-38027/


Yea that $400K price tag "public art" camel statue really reflects the mood and values of that poor county, and following public art err news photos from same country should really be censored in US media:


http://willyloman.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/drone-kids.jpg?w=468&h=468 (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=9C9W1omcBjEsVM&tbnid=Nzoe2ZEYjeA0GM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ronpaulforums.com%2Fshowthrea d.php%3F421437-Anti-drone-protests-peaceful-anti-Zimmerman-protests-breaking-windows-why&ei=Bsg7U-75DoLfsATYwoKADA&bvm=bv.63934634,d.dmQ&psig=AFQjCNGlpTEtIQehatY3Dq7SISzaDIXmCA&ust=1396512692543496)http://factreal.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/muslimragekabul2012sept16.jpg (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=8yARKwkJ2RMzEM&tbnid=FBtmfEKmwg3zzM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffactreal.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F0 9%2F17%2Fphotos-obama-posters-burnt-by-islamists-in-afghanistan-9162012%2F&ei=0sc7U-bYCeLLsASG-4DwBw&bvm=bv.63934634,d.dmQ&psig=AFQjCNGlpTEtIQehatY3Dq7SISzaDIXmCA&ust=1396512692543496)



http://www.cpdweb.org/images/anti-drone-demo.jpg (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=8UeLzOMso5E7NM&tbnid=4cJXP8fPATdxBM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwithintheblackcommunity.blogspot. com%2F2012%2F08%2Fin-mind-of-waok-listeners-who-is-neo.html&ei=Vsc7U5r-L6HQsQS34IDQCQ&bvm=bv.63934634,d.dmQ&psig=AFQjCNGlpTEtIQehatY3Dq7SISzaDIXmCA&ust=1396512692543496)


http://moonbattery.com/obama-hanged-in-effigy.jpg (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=9C9W1omcBjEsVM&tbnid=fD3bBTbnJH60oM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ronpaulforums.com%2Fshowthrea d.php%3F421437-Anti-drone-protests-peaceful-anti-Zimmerman-protests-breaking-windows-why&ei=WsY7U-LKIJbMsQSWv4G4Bg&bvm=bv.63934634,d.dmQ&psig=AFQjCNGlpTEtIQehatY3Dq7SISzaDIXmCA&ust=1396512692543496)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWKG6ZmgAX4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWKG6ZmgAX4

[Tinnuhana]

http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2010/camel-or-rope.html

[Spikender]

Is it just me or does that camel not look real and instead looks like a model Photoshopped into that picture from 3ds Max?

[Tinnuhana]

“Camel Contemplating Needle” by John Baldessari on display at the HALL Wines winery in Napa Valley, Calif. An identical sculpture is planned for the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan. Photograph by Michael Bowles courtesy of Hall Wines / Via hallwines.com

[MRK]

I think I've figured out the meaning of the artwork.

The camel is contemplating how it can be possible that it cost $400,000 to build him, yet that figure is still just a needle in the haystack of federal spending.

[enhanced_deficit]

“Camel Contemplating Needle” by John Baldessari on display at the HALL Wines winery in Napa Valley, Calif. An identical sculpture is planned for the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan. Photograph by Michael Bowles courtesy of Hall Wines / Via hallwines.com


I think I've figured out the meaning of the artwork.

The camel is contemplating how it can be possible that it cost $400,000 to build him, yet that figure is still just a needle in the haystack of federal spending.

Has SWC dronebag administration bought any art work with tax payers money or appointed any ambassador or gave bailout money to any executives who were not involved in his election/donor campaign?



John Baldessari, Frank Gehry to show support for Obama campaign

Originally posted by The Los Angeles Times
September 10, 2012
The reelection campaign for President Barack Obama is getting a modest boost from some major names in the art world — John Baldessari, Ed Ruscha, Richard Serra, Bruce Nauman, Claes Odenburg, Chris Burden and Frank Gehry.


http://www.ucira.ucsb.edu/john-baldessari-frank-gehry-to-show-support-for-obama-campaign/



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[enhanced_deficit]

Only "poor" man on foot can walk through the " needle" , others , must unload the wealth and kneel . LOL , I would never kneel to any man , but to God , yes. You see , it is easier for the poor to be pure of heart , he should love and value and care for his family , work diligently unto his death to do so , accept his place and responsibility .... easily understood . Now , for the wealthy man , this proves more difficult :) ,he must guard against treachery to take his wealth , he must grow it for his wives and children , next thing ya know , he has forgotten God , maybe then , he continues to grow his wealth in manner that may be unscrupulous ..... you see now ?

But many in US are not poor so...
Even SW is a millionaire now despite having no major source of income since his community organizer stints.

[oyarde]

But many in US are not poor so...
Even SW is a millionaire now despite having no major source of income since his community organizer stints.

Yeah , but many do live the life I described , in many places. You should check out some small Midwest towns :) , let me know , I can probably tell you the best place to eat :)

[enhanced_deficit]

Yeah , but many do live the life I described , in many places. You should check out some small Midwest towns :) , let me know , I can probably tell you the best place to eat :)


Big cities have become boring. I might just do that someday :)

[Carson]

Someone will get drunk, bust it up and laugh and laugh, and drink and drink, as they shove the pieces through that needle.

[56ktarget]

What does this have to do with obama? Oh right, absolutely nothing. It is congress that appropriates funds for federal agencies and the bureaucracy that subsequently runs them.

[Spikender]

What does this have to do with obama? Oh right, absolutely nothing. It is congress that appropriates funds for federal agencies and the bureaucracy that subsequently runs them.

Were you this kind to Bush when he was in office?

I hope you were. He was the same as your precious Obama, and so are all the useless politicians in Congress. Your point holds no water. Most people in this topic are complaining about the budget and taxation period. The only person who even mentioned Obama was enhanced_deficit, and his points were spot on.

Stop being butthurt that we aren't on our hands and knees worshiping Obama. He's just a useless politician like the rest of them.

Now I must ask: do you support this action by the State Department?

[56ktarget]

The title has "obama administration" in it. How is that not intentionally deceptive? And what does bush have to so with anything?

[Spikender]

The title has "obama administration" in it. How is that not intentionally deceptive? And what does bush have to so with anything?

That's the title of the article. We can't help what the title of the article is.

What is your answer to my question? Do you support this decision by the State Department?

I brought up Bush because I was just wondering if you were so quick to jump to his defense as well. That is all.

[enhanced_deficit]

The title has "obama administration" in it. How is that not intentionally deceptive? And what does bush have to so with anything?

State Dept is technically part of SWC drone administration... even if puppet is functionally a Public Relations officer for bankers oligarchy.

[Tinnuhana]

Someone will get drunk, bust it up and laugh and laugh, and drink and drink, as they shove the pieces through that needle.
If it was in Iraq, they could throw shoes at it.

[enhanced_deficit]

If it was in Iraq, they could throw shoes at it.

Not a far fetched possibility.
Droneking seemed to have learnt from reception of Bush (who was actually bold enough to make multiple visits tor war theatres he oversaw) in Iraq and has not set foot in the country or there may have been shoe trains waiting for him going by news photos out of there.

http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/assets_c/2010/03/capt.1475af89c7cc4829b2e059af440e4ac1.indonesia_ob ama_protest_jak104-thumb-380x259.jpg (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=WeXZYVMc5iU0vM&tbnid=aR8EyQ1Yh0fmyM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.powerlineblog.com%2Farchives% 2F2010%2F03%2F025755.php&ei=gadBU763Ksa-sQSWkYGQCw&bvm=bv.64125504,d.dmQ&psig=AFQjCNFlEUMKPTt6Kgbc78NYM5vxliHcuw&ust=1396897745860054)http://images44.fotki.com/v1448/photos/1/1222605/5484831/6b4e588340120a92fcdb6970b800wi-vi.jpg (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=ZkDVH_oRueTxqM&tbnid=gAUcY31AZrGGlM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.barenakedislam.com%2F2010%2F0 3%2F13%2Fnew-photos-obama-go-home-indonesians-protest-the-upcoming-visit-of-their-native-son%2F&ei=sKpBU-X6OMe_sQT944FI&bvm=bv.64125504,d.dmQ&psig=AFQjCNFLdyOMddeXy-AFQESaklcOhtkiNg&ust=1396898768610352)
http://cdn.theatlantic.com/static/mt/assets/international/jf%20july12%20p.jpg (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=_F3jcQb7OQEh1M&tbnid=yX98PpFZ6xfODM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theatlantic.com%2Finternation al%2Farchive%2F2012%2F07%2Fus-drones-make-peace-with-pakistan-less-likely%2F259756%2F&ei=t6dBU4ftOvHUsATXjYG4AQ&bvm=bv.64125504,d.dmQ&psig=AFQjCNFlEUMKPTt6Kgbc78NYM5vxliHcuw&ust=1396897745860054)

[Cissy]

The " needle " was a narrow stone gate into the city , which a well trained camel would have to pass through on knees.

The gate in Jerusalem known as "The Needle's Eye" was built in the Middle Ages and was therefore not in existence in Jesus's day. Jesus speaks rhetorically, not literally, in that passage.

[oyarde]

The gate in Jerusalem known as "The Needle's Eye" was built in the Middle Ages and was therefore not in existence in Jesus's day. Jesus speaks rhetorically, not literally, in that passage.

I think so as well , but I imagine there would have been narrow gates just like that one in that city and numerous other cities. Common defense practice .