On Wednesday Sashia Obama, 13 years old, and Malia Obama, 16, accompanied their dad to a White House "turkey pardoning" ceremony, an old tradition, in the White House. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/26/obama-turkey-pardon_n_6227650.html
On Saturday the Communications Director for Republican Congressman Stephen Fincher of Tennessee wrote on her Facebook account an open letter to Sashia and Malia. Wrote Elizabeth Lauten:
Dear Sashia and Malia:
I get you're both in those awful teen years, but you're a part of the First Family, try showing a little class. At least respect the part you play. Then again your mother and father don't respect their positions very much, or the nation for that matter. So I'm guessing you're coming up a little short in the "good role model" department. Nevertheless, stretch yourself. Rise to the occasion. Act like being in the White House matters to you. Dress like you deserve respect, not a spot in a bar. And certainly don't make faces during televised events.
That is the meanest, snarkiest thing I ever read!
I saw this yesterday and it just made me sick to my stomach, I couldn't read about it until just now. After the bird hit the air pump Lauten deleted the post. She later posted an apology:
I reacted to an article and quickly judged the two young ladies in a way that I would never have wanted to be judged myself as a teenager. After many hours of prayer, talking to my parents and re-reading my words online, I can see more clearly how hurtful my words were. Please know that these judgmental feelings truly have no place in my heart. Furthermore, I'd like to apologize to all of those who I have hurt and offended with my words, and pledge to learn and grow (and I assure you I have) from this experience.
She "reacted," that was her reaction, her true feelings. It was only after the outrage poured in and "after many hours of prayer," etc. that she realized that her true feelings were mean, that she is mean.
Elizabeth Lauten's open letter is consistent with the way Republicans have treated Barack Obama and his family since he became president: with disrespect, disdain, contempt. No pardon here for Elizabeth Lauten. She should be fired; she won't be because her boss feels the same way.
On Saturday the Communications Director for Republican Congressman Stephen Fincher of Tennessee wrote on her Facebook account an open letter to Sashia and Malia. Wrote Elizabeth Lauten:
Dear Sashia and Malia:
I get you're both in those awful teen years, but you're a part of the First Family, try showing a little class. At least respect the part you play. Then again your mother and father don't respect their positions very much, or the nation for that matter. So I'm guessing you're coming up a little short in the "good role model" department. Nevertheless, stretch yourself. Rise to the occasion. Act like being in the White House matters to you. Dress like you deserve respect, not a spot in a bar. And certainly don't make faces during televised events.
That is the meanest, snarkiest thing I ever read!
I saw this yesterday and it just made me sick to my stomach, I couldn't read about it until just now. After the bird hit the air pump Lauten deleted the post. She later posted an apology:
I reacted to an article and quickly judged the two young ladies in a way that I would never have wanted to be judged myself as a teenager. After many hours of prayer, talking to my parents and re-reading my words online, I can see more clearly how hurtful my words were. Please know that these judgmental feelings truly have no place in my heart. Furthermore, I'd like to apologize to all of those who I have hurt and offended with my words, and pledge to learn and grow (and I assure you I have) from this experience.
She "reacted," that was her reaction, her true feelings. It was only after the outrage poured in and "after many hours of prayer," etc. that she realized that her true feelings were mean, that she is mean.
Elizabeth Lauten's open letter is consistent with the way Republicans have treated Barack Obama and his family since he became president: with disrespect, disdain, contempt. No pardon here for Elizabeth Lauten. She should be fired; she won't be because her boss feels the same way.
