I say again: Fat Ineffectual Bastards.
In the early days of Saturday Night Live, one bit they put together was a test, to evaluate your potential to be a diplomat. Sort of a "Draw this picture, you could be an artist!" type of thing. I can only paraphrase from what I remember:
Are You Diplomat Material?
Take This Easy Test
You are at a state dinner function. The chairperson from the great island nation of Kefallinia insults your country's citizens and its leader. Do you:
a. Turn heel and leave
b. Remove your glove and slap him with it
c. Ignore the remark, and politely ask him to pass
the sweet and sour shrimp
The answer, of course is c. ...pass the sweet and sour shrimp.
Reminds me of another diplomatic example. Richard Nixon opened diplomatic talks when he went to Red China, a bold move back in those days. During his stay, special dishes were created in his honor, one of which the chef named for his country's special guest. Sweet and Sour Dick.
Ed