Well put. Anne, you are lovely.

My father's best friend is an Episcopal priest who was very close to the Johnsons. When I was young, my family was invited to join him, staying in a guest house at the LBJ ranch. I remember my parents lecturing my little sister and I on behavior and manners the whole 5 hour drive out to the hill country. We were to spend the night in the guest house, and meet Mrs. Johnson the next morning in the big house for breakfast. My mother made my sister and I sleep in pink sponge rollers (miserable) and wake early to dress in church clothes and good shoes. I was as nervous as I can remember ever being at ten. When we got to the house for breakfast, Ladybird answered the door herself, in her bathrobe! Instead of being served, SHE made US pancakes! After preparing for what I imagined a proper audience with a queen, it felt like visiting my grandmother. There was a great silver saddle on a stand in the living room that I was fascinated with. My Dad caught me touching it and told me to leave it alone. Ladybird overheard and insisted he lift me up on it so I could try it out. It was a gift from Spain and noone ever got any use out of it!That morning is one of my most favorite childhood memories. Mrs. Johnson was so kind, and fun, and so gracious to let a strange family into her home and treat us like kin. It wasn't until I was much older that I realized the significance of having a photograph in my living room of Ladybird Johnson, in her bathrobe, sandwiched on her couch between my sister and I, in our Sunday best.

Thank you, Anne, for such a lovely piece. I haven't been this moved by an article in a long time. It made me miss Molly so much. You are both treasures.

I read Salon daily for the wit, wisdom, and insight I don't find in so many other media outlets. I am grateful for the humor as well as the thoughtful journalism. This morning, I saw the article on Michelle Obama's backside and, for a moment, thought someone was joking. You actually wasted space on the first lady-elect's ass? Not only that, but I also find it upsetting for another reason. The Obamas are stepping into the most high profile position in the world. They will all be put under a microscope for everything from their behavior to choices in clothing. I am surprised Salon would jump on the tabloid bandwagon and start in with a headline on Mrs. Obama's rear.

get rid of Thrace96's comment? Actually, I am seriously considering cancelling my own premium membership after reading this:

I have loved Erin Aubry Kaplan's writing since before I joined Salon, and I'm proud of this piece. If having a black president and first lady is going to narrow what we talk about, wow, that would be sad. But I promise it won't -- at least not on Salon.-- Joan Walsh

Um...isn't the degrading focus on her backside narrow enough?

Baron Kimball...excellent. I agree completely. This whole business has shown Salon to be something other than what I thought. Very disappointing.