On my mind: Michelle Obama

I’m not typically one to editorialize publically on political matters, but the historic presumptive nomination of Barack Obama is such a sizable event in our world that I can’t quite help myself from wanting to express my thoughts. For those who may not have seen it, the New York Times published a pretty interesting article on Michelle Obama and her role in her husband’s presidential bid this week (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/18/us/politics/18michelle.html?fta=y). Much was made in this piece (and elsewhere) of M.O.’s statement, “For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country.” (This said in light of the new hope, in the form of her husband, that has been sweeping the country.) I’d like to ask a stupid question: What was so egregious about that statement? Has there been in Michelle Obama’s lifetime so very many reasons to be proud of her country, particularly with regard to race issues? I don’t think so. And I don’t get what was so wrong with her saying so. If there’s something I’m missing, please, someone, enlighten me. This seems to me like a classic press-driven over-reaction to a statement born clearly of deep-seated frustration supplanted by the prospect of better times to come. Is the combination of realism, honesty and optimism an admixture we should be tamping down in public life? I for one appreciate Michelle Obama’s courage in saying what she feels and not white-washing (words chosen deliberately) her message. This country has already seen too many pandering politicians. While it is not Michelle who is running for office but her husband, I do not believe she should be muzzled for speaking her truth. Perhaps if Hillary Clinton had shown more honesty and less pandering in her bid for the Democratic nomination the outcome might have been different. Of course, we’ll never know.

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