Among a tumultuous week surronded by rising Mississipi waters, the death of journalist-extraordinaire Tim Russert and a tragically fatal car accident resulting in the death of several members of the Haitian group called "Barikad Crew", a hero managed to emerge for me. As I try to take lessons from all events around me, however bleak and senseless they may seem: Tim Russert's honesty and class has inspired me to stay earnest in what I do; the Barikad Krew to conitinue to hold the arts dear; and the flooding to stay my ass out the midwest! (sorry). Michelle Obama, my namesake, has managed to reinforce many things in me as I watch this woman fight forces that are truly uncomfortable with such a powerful black woman.I don't understand how her image needs to be softened. Granted, the political campaign is her husband's and not her own, muting her voice, personality and all around strength will not have a positive effect. There are women across the country who yearn to feel the acknowledgement of a woman's capability to govern and govern well. Without a female candidate, Michelle Obama is the next best thing; an intelligent woman who can have an influence on her husband's leadership. All in all, the accusations against Michelle are petty and typical of a political campaign; I only hope that a country with such deplorable leadership for the past eight years can look past such menial complaints over qualified individuals. She may talk about hard-hitting topics such as race; is that a crime? The true crime is NOT questioning. How can an intellectual mind accept all the history and past of one's country without questioning. That is the only way we can avoid repeating mistakes and come to a healthy and realistic picture of where the country stands today. In a nutshell- Michelle's opinions may be seen as caustic at times, I don't disagree- I simply believe she is justified.
RIP Tim Russert RIP the members of the Barikad Crew and Godspeed to the Obamas
