I had to wait a little while to let Michelle Obama’s comments from the other day sink in. Something was bothering me about the whole thing. It was kinda like with the series finale of the Sopranos where I felt I should have recognized something significant at the end, but it just wasn’t formulating in my mind. It was actually pretty humorous to read the initial responses to her statement about her pride in her country. There was everything from her being racist and unpatriotic to the assumption that, until that statement, she has been ashamed of her country (a word she never used). I had my initial reactions, too, but I felt like I couldn’t see what was happening just off screen…and all the answers lay there…

 

Then I saw Cindy McCain’s response the next day. And it began to make sense.

Initially, my reaction to Mrs. Obama’s statement was of disbelief- not because she felt the way she did, but because she said it. We could sit around all day debating whether she was talking about America in general or the political involvement of the people of the country. It’s the former assumption that is the popular interpretation, and understandable, the most reprehensible in many people’s eyes. So for the sake of argument, let’s run with it.

 

The thing is, I feel the same way she does. I am not always proud of our country. In truth, I rarely am. Don’t get me wrong. There is no other country in which I would rather live. But that fact alone does not instill pride.

 

It’s just that I believe this country suits my sensibilities more than any other.

 

Sure, we could sit here and recount the many accomplishments the country has made and the opportunities it offers. From advances in medicine and technology to the promise of the American dream, there are many things we can point at as being the glory of being an American. But by the same token, there are many other countries that have been party to achievements in the sciences, and some aspects of our economic and political systems are just as much a hindrance as they are an enabler for many trying to make their way. Truly we have as much a history of inequality and injustice as we have of success and achievement (Don’t kid yourselves folks. The civil rights movement may have occurred in the sixties, but it’s not like a switch was immediately flipped and all was made right in the world in an instant.)

 

I don’t believe pride, or lack thereof, in the country is what is bringing so much attention to Michelle Obama. It’s just the issue du jour that people happen to be latching on to right now. If she hadn’t said what she said in the manner in which she said it, they would have found something else to pick over. The true concern is the fact that she is speaking her mind. Some people just do not want that in a First Lady.

 

When I saw Cindy McCain’s response the next day, that she always had pride in her country, I couldn’t help but think of how canned and prepared that statement seemed. And it dawned on me. THAT is exactly what is expected of a First Lady. They are supposed to be there, by their husband’s side, at all of the appropriate occasions to chime in at just the right time and show they are 100% behind any decisions that he makes. They are simply an extension of him. They are not supposed to speak their mind. They are not independent entities, like the feminist whack-jobs are brainwashing the people of this country into believing. They are one. One family. One thought. One person. Oh, they can take on a cause- fighting drugs, cancer awareness, Save the Manatees. But public policy should not be in the equation.

 

Michelle Obama has garnered much more press during recent weeks. She has been able to command nearly the same emotional impact in her appearances as her husband has been able to do in his. And it is scaring a lot of people. I really think they are uncomfortable with the prospect of such an independent thinking First Lady. When they see what she does, I believe it brings back the image of Hillary Clinton in the White House, working on policy (for good or bad) alongside her husband as opposed to waiting in the wings for her cue.

 

So I ask, is that a legitimate concern? While we will eventually vote for a president, it’s still a package deal. There will be a spouse that will have unfettered access to the most powerful individual in the world. Should we make certain that it is someone who knows her place, or someone much more strong-willed who could potentially be right in the mix of things. (This includes the Clintons. There isn’t anyone who could convince me that Bill will be focusing on the presidential china.) Should this be a legitimate concern with Michelle?…

 

…a repeat of history…

 

…another Obama for president in 2024…?