Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Questioning Michelle Obama

As most of us know, Michelle Obama has been pretty vocal with her opinions during her husband's campaign (sometimes even undercutting the "official" message he's telling us).

However, now we are told by him not to question what his wife says.

Huh? Why not?

If someone enters a debate, then it goes without saying that their statements are subject to being questioned or challenged, just like those of anyone else in the discussion.

Otherwise, they are insisting on the right to slam other people and their opinions, without those people having the right to respond. In what way is that fair or reasonable? I find that attitude worrisome in someone who aspires to civic leadership.

It also suggests that we are to treat Ms Obama as we would a small child who hides behind an adult, occasionally sticking her head out from behind his legs to make rude comments or stick her tongue out, and that the only proper responses to the things she says are
  • Tolerant silence
  • Saying "that's nice" and patting her on the head
I mean, if we're not to challenge or question what she says, aren't those the only alternatives? In what way is this respectful of Ms Obama... or, for that matter, of the topics under discussion, which of course is the real issue?

There is one way that this twisted attitude makes sense, and that is if the intent is to allow the Obama campaign to make statements that no "reasonable or polite" person would challenge.

IMO it's sad and revealing when a candidate feels he needs to stoop to this level of petty, and sophomoric, attempts at manipulation.

Michelle, like Hillary, is a big girl who can take care of herself. If she wants to speak publicly, let her (and him) be expected to deal with the resulting discourse like the rest of the grownups.

"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen" -- Harry S Truman, Democrat

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