By Tanya Wilson
360You
Enough is enough! I am mad as heck at the recent comments by Rush Limbaugh regarding Michelle Obama’s recent trip with her daughters to Vail Colorado. His comments around her meal selection were insidiously laced with lies and venom. To suggest that she lacks focus on health and wellness because she had a meal that included short ribs is outrageous. Limbaugh claimed that the First Lady was not practicing what she preached by ordering “ribs.” He suggested that she wanted everyone else to eat fruits and berries in her plight against childhood obesity, while she dined on a 1500 calorie portion of ribs. The chef and owner of the restaurant where the First Lady and her girls dined confirmed that the selection was considered a healthy option which included kale with a calorie count closer to 450.
The slanderous rant did not stop at “ribs,” but went on to include disparaging remarks about her body shape and size. Limbaugh was quoted as saying “our First Lady does not project the image of a woman you might see on the cover of the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated.” He topped off the venomous rant by suggesting that she would not make the Alex Rodriguez date list.
Rush Limbaugh’s comments reek of much more than colorful commentary, but an underlining stereotypical belief system.
It is not uncommon for a radio host, comedian or the like; to take shots at public figures, but the subject matter both in verbal commentary, as well as, in cartoons and caricatures, when dealing with President and First Lady Obama, feel pointed at the jugular.
My anger over these comments is only topped by my shock in the lack of response from the public. Dr. Laura lost a radio spot, Imus was suspended, both as a result of distasteful comments. Why should Limbaugh be allowed to stay?
Have we allowed ourselves to accept the subliminal messages of racism? Yes, its politics and you have to have thick skin; Former President George W. Bush certainly had too as he never really shook the references to his assumed lack of intelligence. But when the attacks are linked to things with racial undertones, it’s out of bounds for me.
This thing really had me riled up this week; truthfully, I was insulted at a level that I have not come face to face with in a long time. But I remembered that my fight was most powerful on my knees as I reflected on Proverbs 6: 12-19 which includes the six things the Lord hates and 7 that He despises, to include a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. My prayer as we head into the race of 2012 is that we commit to returning to civility and respect for the highest office in the land.
Read more columns by Tanya Wilson, an inspirational speaker based in Charlotte. Find her on Facebook.
Encouragement is a priceless gift.
