Easterhay said:

As for world leaders quoting the films, I wouldn't be too proud of Reagan's Star Wars project, for which Lucas attempted (and failed) to sue for improper use of the name. And didn't the Daily Express have May The Fourth Be With You as their headline when Margaret Thatcher won the 1979 election? Hmm, not so proud of that one either...

Oh, don't get me wrong - I definitely wouldn't be proud of the circumstances either. I certainly wouldn't be proud of the militarisation of space being associated with the series, and I can understand why Lucas fought against it. Dick Cheney affectionately comparing himself to Darth Vader is hardly something to be proud of either.

But my point is that the series has embedded itself into history via these means, if by no other means. It should therefore be treated with respect as an item of historical significance. It should not be treated with the crassness we've seen.