Thursday, May 22, 2008

"Lay Off My Wife"

I guess some radio talk show hosts and media commentators just can't dig up enough dirt on Obama so they have to attack his wife by calling her unpatriotic or elitist. To go after a politician's wife, or to verbally attack a female to me suggests a cowardly, weak man. I hope the Dems don't go after McCain's wife, who I believe has an impressive resume of charity work, and is worth millions from overseeing her family's beer distributing business.

I liked Obama's reaction to the Republican attack ad from Tennessee which criticized Michelle Obama for being "unpatriotic" because she said that for the first time in her adult life she was proud of her country. He said "lay off my wife." And then there's the "he's not sporting a lapel flag pin" crap, and of course the whole pastor Jeremiah Wright issue. I guess the right can try to use this as evidence that the Obamas are not as "patriotic" as they should be. I don't think it is going to work.

One of the reasons why I am supporting Obama is because of the patriotism he showed by not voting for Bush's war, and for speaking out against Bush's policies. Michelle has explained her comment by saying that she meant that for the first time in her life she felt proud that an African American, her husband was being accepted, but mostly she was speaking about how average people have been re-invigorated to vote, and how people like college students and housewives are starting to "give a damn" again. She's a strong, successful woman with strong opinions, and that should be applauded, not put down.

Speaking of being accepted, I wish people would just accept people for who they are and just "lay off." I am going to remember Obama's wise words this weekend at our family barbeque where hubby and I will be the only Democrats out of 30+ people. Just "lay off."

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

I suspect many male (and female) voters would like to lay on Mrs. Obama....damn, she's cute

Bernie O'Hare said...

I agree it's cowardly to try to attack another person through someone close to him.

Anonymous said...

It's going to get hectic. The writing is on the wall. She is VERY outspoken and she says things the "mainstream" does NOT like to hear. I can relate to her comments because I have felt the same, but many equate her words as being un-American or unpariotic, when in fact, she is just speaking from her life experiences. I hope the Obama's have a thick skin because it is only going to get worse.

Alfonso Todd

Angie Villa said...

Considering the state of things in this country, I think it is about time for strong opinions and speaking out.

Blah Society said...

I don't see any problem calling out the future first lady. I do have a problem when the attacks don't relate to the issues.

I think both women will be able to handle them just fine - probably better than Clinton herself.

Angie Villa said...

Speaking of not relating to the issues, To anon 9:34 I would prefer if you keep your private thoughts private.;D

michael molovinsky said...

mrs. dottie, i must take issue with one comment you made
" or to verbally attack a female to me suggests a cowardly, weak man."
women who are in the political arena should be subject to the same scrutiny as men

Angie Villa said...

MM,

What I meant is I think a politician's wife should not be under the same scrutiny.
I was speaking of male radio talk show hosts like Sean Hannity who attack Michelle instead of confronting Obama, they show how cowardly they are.

Anonymous said...

So according to these conservative radio windbags, Michelle Obama should've just lied about her true feelings and put a fakey blank smile on her face and dressed in red, white & blue? I respect honesty anyday over phoney sentiments.

I think a lot of us younger folk (boomers, x-ers, etc.) can understand where Mrs. O is coming from. We didn't grow up in great moments of American history. Segregation, Watergate, Vietnam...fast forward to Bush/Cheney and the Legion of Doom and there's a lot to be angry about.

But I think there's a difference between being/feeling patriotic and being proud of your country. I consider myself patriotic. Our Constitution is incredible! But there are ways it has been manipulated and dirtied that make me feel un-proud.

As for your family gathering, Mrs. Dottie. Good luck!
I understand how hard it can be to tolerate relatives who have different views and yet seem to toss them in your face all the time. May the force be with you!

Bill Villa said...

... well-said, Sarina, wow, you really nailed it for me. There's been a lot going on, for a long time, that has had the effect of making one feel less than proud and dare I say ashamed of, or for, our country-- while still being patriotic and loving the place. Let's start with Clinton/Lewinsky. Not exactly a shining moment in American history ... although it pales in comparison to the atrocities and war crimes of Cheney/Bush. In any case, it's been quite a while for many of us, Michelle Obama included, since we've felt beaming proud of our Unites States of the USA. I'm greatly looking forward to feeling beaming proud of our great country for electing Barack Obama President of the United States. This is gonna feel really good on so many levels ...

Bill said...

Good luck at your family picnic. I for one don't do well at avoiding political talk in such company.

Still trying to get members of my family to see the light!

Bill Villa said...

Mrs. Dottie, today's Morning Call stole your post idea about laying off Michelle; they have an op-ed piece on it in there. This isn't the first time I've seen TMC pick up on a theme they've all read about on your blog. They follow Bernie O'Hare's lead a lot too. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery they say, although I can't picture The Morning Call being sincere about anything ... it's probably just laziness and their tendency to regurgitate back onto people what they already know the people want ... in fact, that's new owner Sam Zell's credo ... give the people what they want ... like today's over the logo teaser: Powered By Idol (American Idol, that is) ...

Angie Villa said...

Bill,

I always try to keep it light with family and never bring up politics anymore, but they always try to bait me. It's hard, but I usually don't take the bait because I know they are so way far off to the right, we can't even joke anymore.

Angie Villa said...

Bill Villa,

I read Kathleen Parker's piece. I am glad she pointed out that chivalry is not dead and it was refreshing to see Obama stand up for his wife. THe ultra feminists probably think she could stand up for herself, but I tend to lean toward old fashioned values when it comes to being "treated like a lady," She did say that Michelle should be under some scrutiny when she speaks at campaign rallies, but I think the media really takes things too far.

As far as the MC, could be a coincidence, but it does happen very often. Gee, I wish I could get some commission for my ideas. I'd hate to think I am making it easier for the MC editors to keep their jobs.

Bill Villa said...

"I read Kathleen Parker's piece." -Mrs. Dottie

I'll betcha a buck that Morning Call Editorial & Opinions God and Chief Agenda Framer Glenn Kranzley read Parker's piece right after reading your piece and selected Parker's piece for inclusion in today's "newspaper" to appear in tune with local interests. And I agree you should get a commission ...

Anonymous said...

A commission or at least offered a column in the Mcall. Now THAT would be something...

Alfonso

Bill Villa said...

I've heard a rumor that The Morning Call is thinking of offering me a column. Yep. Bill White and Paul Carpenter went to bat for me, as the story goes, and Dave Erdman is all for it, I hear. It's just a rumor, mind you ... and I don't know where it started ... no wait, I just started it, here ...

Anonymous said...

The problem with Obama is he is all talk. He talks change change change all day yet he has given us absolutely nothing as to what he will do. A few weeks ago he thought there were 57 states in the country he wants to be president of. I feel he is totally unqualified to be President. And guess what??? I don't like McCain either. Thanks Henry

Bill Villa said...

"The problem with Obama is he is all talk."

Barack Obama's communications skills and ability to inspire are possibly his greatest assets.

"He talks change change change all day yet he has given us absolutely nothing as to what he will do."

For detailed descriptions of what he will do, visit Obama's web site or try listening to him when he talks.

"A few weeks ago he thought there were 57 states in the country he wants to be president of."

He probably confused 57 states with "57 varieties," i.e., what's on the Heinz Ketchup bottle, the result of being deliriously tired and spending too much time in diners while campaigning. I'm confident this former President of the Harvard Law Review knows how many states there are in the United States.

"I feel he is totally unqualified to be President."

Do yourself a favor, when Rush Limbaugh comes on turn him off.

"And guess what??? I don't like McCain either."

Now you're making some sense ...

Anonymous said...

""Barack Obama's communications skills and ability to inspire are possibly his greatest assets"" People have been using "make you feel good" politics for years. That does not mean they can do the job or be better than someone else. Thanks Henry

Bill Villa said...

"People have been using "make you feel good" politics for years. That does not mean they can do the job or be better than someone else."

Presidents who have combined "make you feel good" rhetoric with swell job performance have included ...

* George Washington
* Abraham Lincoln
* Theodore Roosevelt
* Franklin Delano Roosevelt
* Harry Truman
* John Fitzgerald Kennedy
* Ronald Reagan
* William Jefferson Clinton

Angie Villa said...

What's wrong with making us feel good too? It's about time.

Anonymous said...

How many on the list had almost zero experience?

Anonymous said...

Dottie, if you want to feel good take a pill or smoke a joint. You will not get a feel good feeling from any politico that isn't fake. Thanks Henry.

Angie Villa said...

Henry River,

Obama makes me feel good about my country and myself.If I wanted to smoke a joint or take a pill I would.

Thanks, Dottie