Michelle Obama to the rescue
Michelle Obama just weighed in following Donald Trump’s shameful attack on teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg after she committed the apparent crime of being named Time’s Person of the Year for 2019. Although Obama’s specific intent was to lend support to Thunberg, her early-morning tweet succeeded in conveying a far more powerful message. In just a few sentences, Obama reminded us what it is like to have a First Lady who has a caring heart, an independent mind, and a legacy of integrity.
Obama tweeted: “.@GretaThunberg, don’t let anyone dim your light. Like the girls I’ve met in Vietnam and all over the world, you have so much to offer us all. Ignore the doubters and know that millions of people are cheering you on.” Although she did not bother mentioning Trump, Obama’s tweet was aimed at dowsing the hate that the petty cretin breathed upon the world yesterday morning. Upon learning of Time’s choice, Trump tweeted, in a jealous rage: “So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!”
One prominent figure who has not tweeted about this is Melania Trump, who in May 2018 launched “Be Best,” an initiative to combat cyberbullying and promote children’s wellbeing. Given Melania’s supposed passion for helping children thrive and professed commitment to ridding the world of bullies, one might expect her to at least work hard behind the scenes to convince her husband to “Be Best,” in accordance with her awkwardly titled initiative. But there are no indications that Melania has ever attempted this nor that she cares. Instead, as her flawed initiative drags on, it grows more ironic as Trump proves his harassment knows no bounds and he cements his place as the world’s proudest bully.
Replacing Donald Trump is an urgent matter, but the United States also sorely needs a new First Lady (or Gentleman) whose words are unfailingly credible and whose bold and sincere actions inspire millions of people. America deserves more than Melania’s toxic mix of hypocrisy and indifference.
Ron Leshnower is a lawyer and the author of several books, including President Trump’s Month