The First Lady and Inspiration

In the title of her New York Times op-ed column last Saturday, Maureen Dowd asked "Should Michelle Cover Up?" She was referring to, well, Michelle Obama's biceps and the shallow, ridiculous criticisms she has received from some prominent Republicans for, of all things, showing a little skin. Seems Republicans never learn the really important lessons. Their so-called "Conservative" agenda of the past was revealed to be but a cheap and cynical political ploy, a plot to dupe aproximately half the population of the United States into believing they were the party of virtue. Bill Bennet, indeed! (Mark Twain's "[t]here is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress." comes immediately to mind). But Republicans particularly haven't yet learned that a major ground shift really occurred last November and it's finally a brand new day in America. "These are serious times and we need serious..." But, no, we shall not belabor; now we shall sweep. And leave the shallow-dwellers (whose political relevancy is deep under water) for Ms. Dowd to skewer with her mighty pen.

Here's Maureen Dowd:

"Michelle Obama, like her husband, is hugely popular with American voters, an inspiring woman who's likely to make a profound impact on America's self-conception. Volunteering, visiting schools, traveling to government agencies to help remoralize employees, raising her adorable daughters; she's an incredible asset to Obama at a perilous time."

"During the campaign, there was talk in the Obama ranks that Michelle should stop wearing sleeveless dresses, because her muscles, combined with her potent personality, made her daunting. She ignored that talk, thank heavens. I love the designer-to-J. Crew glamour. Combined with her workaday visits to soup kitchens, inner-city schools and meetings with military families, Michelle’s flair is our depression’s answer to Ginger Rogers gliding around in feathers and lamé."

"As blue chips turn into penny stocks, Wall Street seems less like a symbol of America’s macho capitalism and more like that famous Jane Austen character Mrs. Bennet, a flibbertigibbet always anxious about getting richer and her “poor nerves.” The president tried to urge Americans to man-up and buy stocks. In a Times interview on Friday, he further advised us not to “suddenly stuff money” in our mattresses."

"Let’s face it: The only bracing symbol of American strength right now is the image of Michelle Obama’s sculpted biceps. Her husband urges bold action, but it is Michelle who looks as though she could easily wind up and punch out Rush Limbaugh, Bernie Madoff and all the corporate creeps who ripped off America. Her arms, and her complete confidence in her skin, are a reminder that Americans can do anything if they put their minds to it...Michelle has soared every day, expanding the job to show us what can be accomplished by a generous spirit, a confident nature and a well-disciplined body."

Inspiration.

We have to start with facts on the ground: perfection, unfortunately, does not exist. But I would say that now, amidst our uncertainty and hardship - and a very new president determined to sweep things very clean - we have a perfect opportunity to correct the ills of the past eight years - very serious ills. True story: A Brit friend told me recently, "Only in America can one endure paying 50% of one's income in all the varied taxes, yet somehow still allow Republicans to convince taxpayers they don't deserve healthcare. Imagine that! And from a government these taxpayers, theoretically, run." Ouch!

Yet, while we sweep we shall not belabor. Not now, with Inspiration in the wings. Inspiration is not a slightful thing: it has moved nations, and will again. Not too long ago, the U.S. mobilized the scientific community in a massive effort that landed men on the moon. Our takeaway shall not just be our satellite subscription options. Not this time. This time real, enduring changes will come. Just when we most need them. Perhaps the United States of America will lead the world again.

Inspiration. J.I.T.