Letters posted here are associated with the following Salon Premium Member:
Published Letters: 656
Editor's Choice: 23
Bill Clinton is a man. He's an adult. He's also a two-term president.
It's time he learns to deal with this. At least we can't be charged with sexism this time.
Look every time we had a problem with Hillary Clinton we were told to butt out because we were men and could not understand.
Bill Clinton is not a woman. He's a man. Therefore I don't want to hear any such complaints this time. As all of you have told us everything must be viewed through a gender prism, that's precisely what we're doing this time. Butt out.
It's time for Bill to grow up and deal with this. Also, interestingly, as many will remember I pointed out to Hillary supporters how all of the sins Barack has supposedly committed they never manage to hold against Bill. They denied this to the hilt, and assured me they were furious at him and the next time he was unable to behave as a mature adult or held back her progress in any way they would call him (Bill Clinton) on it.
Not surprisingly they haven't. Many of them are on here right now defending him.
But, this time, no. We're not listening to any bullshit excuses from Bill Clinton. He is going to have to ante up, and deal with this as an adult. Now. Not later. Surely sexism can't be the problem this time. So what is it? Other than Bill being a sore loser?
Are you sure we're being hyper-sensitive? Wouldn't common sense alone tell you black women might face racism and sexism?
As I'm not a black woman I wouldn't know. But many black women have posted on here (how to put this right) taking issue with some of the entitled attitudes of some white women. This, to me, only backs it up.
Why in the world would any of you think they DIDN'T face a double-edged sword?
So let's say Hillary Clinton is a victim of sexism (which she clearly is.) If there are sexists and racists, common sense alone would tell you Michelle Obama would be the victim of sexism AND racism. Why some on here insist on fighting that so hard is beyond me.
She's black and she's a woman. Hence she gets it from both sides. To deny that is folly. Now if you want to argue about how monsterous sexism v. racism is: a) that's stupid and b) it's a waste of time. But rest assure Michelle Obama gets both. Hillary Clinton and other white women do not. Deal with it.
Here for once Joan and I are in complete agreement. The anger, obsession and hatred of Michelle Obama is complete crap.
We've had controversial and opinionated First Ladies who have said the wrong the thing at the wrong time (or in Michelle's case usually the right thing at the wrong time) before. Barbara Bush for one often says things the rest of us find odd. The country pretty much just shrugs it off. Hillary Clinton was not exactly meek in the position. Nancy Reagan did some odd things from consulting astrologers to declaring war on drugs.
The only difference I see between them and Michelle? She's black. I know everyone's sick of hearing that, too bad. I honestly don't see any other difference. The way people are acting you would think she's the only potential First Lady to speak her mind, even when it's not always rainbows and butterflies.
As for her being proud of her country for the first time in her life. A couple of things: 1.) She said REALLY proud, not proud, there's a difference, and 2.) you have to look at when she was born.
1964. After the assassination of John F. Kennedy Jr. No offense but, politically speaking, when was the last time young people were REALLY involved in a campaign and people were THIS interested in the direction of the country since then. I've heard, a thousand times from people of all ages, how this is the most important election of their lifetime. So given that she obviously thinks the country is embracing positive change, why in the world would she not be REALLY proud for the first time in her life.
And she's not the only one to feel this way. Ted Sorenson, JFK's speechwriter, Carolyn Kennedy and many others have talked about how Barack Obama has been the first candidate to bring them hope since the death of Kennedy. Many people are encouraged and (yes we know you hate it) even inspired by a brand new generation coming out to vote for the first time since JFK, a chance to re-open real diplomacy again since Kennedy's death, and regaining our standing in the world. I understand everyone doesn't view Obama through this prism. But why in the world would his wife not? And why in God's name would EVERYONE not be as angry as Michelle Obama after 8 years of George W. Bush? I say don't change a thing, Michelle. Keep telling it like it is. Someone's got to.
Apparently no one else around here remembers a little article entitled "Obama boys." Where she basically jumped on all men of all races anywhere between the ages of 18-40 for supporting Obama.
And having the gall to tell her their reasons why. Then not mindlessly agreeing to her reasons for supporting Clinton like they were some type of mindless robots. Apparently her male friends need have no independent opinions of their own or passion behind those opinions. As for her female friends who supported Obama? Well she gave them a pass.
If any writer here is anti-Obama supporters it's gotta be Traister. Hearing people jump on her now for somehow being too generous to Obama supporters or as big of a jerk as Obama himself is hilarious.