(This is another in the
series exploring the personal characteristics of the current residents of the
White House. How do they behave? What are their values? What’s important to
them?)
It is no secret that Barack and Michelle adore celebrities. Michelle is
notably “celebrity struck.” Her beaming
Oscar appearance was proof of that.
The White House cancelled all
visitor tours to the White House blaming the need to save money because of the
budget sequester. However, the First
Couple’s series of personal White House concerts managed to survive the budget squeeze. Barack and Michelle will host a star-studded
roster of music legends April 9 for another glitzy installment in the “In
Performance at the White House” concert series.
The series reflects the huge egos
of the W.H occupants by billing the event as “the nation’s highest honor for
popular song.” In other words, there is
no greater honor than being allowed to sing privately for Barack and Michelle.
Another example was the White House social event held to honor
the principals in the new film, “42,” celebrating the career of Jackie
Robinson. The Weekly Standard noted Michelle’s
comments to that audience. Michelle opened her little
talk by saying, “this is your house, too.” Those in the audience must have been
thinking: “My dear, this is our house. You are being allowed to stay here temporarily.”
But, to Michelle only celebrity guests
like those in this assembly (the White House calls it a workshop) are invited
to “her house.” It’s the school kids from Iowa who must be kept
out. After all, they are not
celebrities.
Then, an obviously excited Michelle
commented to the celebrity group:
“I
want to thank Harrison Ford — I’ve wanted to say that for a while.
(Laughter.) Harrison Ford. So you think you trip because I’m
here? I’m tripping out — (laughter) — because he’s here. And look
at this stage — Mr. Harrison Ford, Chadwick Boseman — he’s as cute as he was in
the movie. (Laughter.) Just admit it. (Applause.)
Outstanding — as well as Brian Helgeland, who is here as well. You’re
going to hear from them,” she said. “
Sadly, those are the thoughts and words of the First Lady of
the United States? Harrison Ford must
have been totally embarrassed by such slobbering adoration more likely to come
from mindless teenagers swooning over Justin Bieber.
In my opinion, praise for Hollywood celebrities should go no
further than acknowledging their level of professional skill. Beyond that, they are no more important or noteworthy
than the Iowa school kids denied a White House visit.
What a pair we have allowed to stay in our White House! I suppose there is no hope of a White House “Workshop”
on Syria, North Korea, Iran, the deficit, unemployment, or the economy? Celebrity
contact accompanied by adolescent praise take precedent over those issues.
Completely disgusting!
