Opinion: Why is Palin chiding first lady’s child obesity plan?
Publisher’s note: The following editorial is from the Jan. 3, 2011, Las Vegas Sun.
Sarah Palin, the former Republican vice presidential candidate, never misses an opportunity to take a potshot at President Barack Obama. Because Palin is weighing a run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, partisan attacks against the Democratic administration’s policies are to be expected. And although Palin typically ends up making a fool of herself when she tries to take on the president, she nonetheless really topped herself recently when she mocked first lady Michelle Obama’s popular anti-obesity campaign.
On a recent episode of her television reality show, “Sarah Palin’s Alaska,” Palin had this to say while on a camping trip: “Where are the s’mores ingredients? This is in honor of Michelle Obama, who said the other day we should not have dessert.”
It’s not the first time Palin has sought to ridicule the first lady’s anti-obesity campaign, and it’s not clear exactly what Palin was referring to on the reality show, but news accounts said that Obama recently said, “The problem is when things get out of balance, when dessert is practically a food group.” For months, many Republicans and conservatives have walked on eggshells, fearful of criticizing Palin. But apparently, even for them, there are only so many Palin inanities they can take.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who has struggled with his weight and is believed to be eyeing a run for the GOP presidential nomination, was the first Republican of note to criticize Palin’s remarks. “Michelle Obama’s not trying to tell people what to eat or trying to force the government’s desires on people, but she’s stating the obvious: That we do have an obesity crisis in this country,” he told a radio host. “The first lady’s campaign is on target. It’s not saying that you can’t or should never eat a dessert.”
Something that should be at the heart of every conservative, liberal, or moderate American voter, is the distrust of government. This shouldn’t change simply because we happen to like, or dislike, the person sitting in the White House. Classical liberals used to stand for civil liberties and other individual rights. The government, whether in the form of former Governor Huckabee or First Lady Michelle Obama, has no business telling anyone how they should eat. It is NOT the government’s responsibility to intrude in any area of our lives: not by suggestion or demand. It is only when we yield much of our lives to government’s “care,” that we begin to defend government’s prodding. Former Governor Palin is speaking what Americans are thinking. GET OUT OF OUR LIVES. Is it okay for First Lady Obama to encourage kids to eat healthily through the podium she’s been given? Absolutely. Should she use government funds or initiate laws to do so? Absolutely not. Liberals and conservatives unite. Do not defend, what you would not defend, if you did not stand, with the person sitting in the Oval Office. And yes, the First Lady is, by extension, a part of the government. Remember: She is free to speak out but not to use government funds or mandates to reach her goals. The chorus is growing. Join us. http://www.facebook.com/defendpalin.
Why does Palin garner news coverage? She’s just after the money. She even quit her job serving the public. Has DWTS clouded the American mind?
Maybe Palin’s garners press and TV coverage because she is very good looking, well spoken, and most of all, she is conservative and the lamestream media is scared to death of her. The above editoral embarrasses the author and the Las Vegas Darkness (Sun.)
Fatso’s know they are fat but they don’t want the emotional pain that goes along with denying oneself food for solace.
All to many individuals sit all day, stuff their puffy faces, and live in a world of self-deception.
Who wants to struggle to overcome habits and compulsions, when there is a pill or operation that can solve their self-created dilemma. There must be a painless way to resolve all our problems without effort or self-discipline.
Big brother can do it?
All the above is true to one extent or the other. However, our tax dollars spent on breakfasts and lunches for kids should go for fresh produce, when possible, and other types of healthy foods. Schools are for teaching, and what better place to teach and create habits of healthy eating, than at the table? We should care about investing in the future of these kids, especially those on poverty programs, to teach them healthy living! Many of them do not come from homes where healthy living is practiced. Continuing on french fries, chips, candy and pizza can be detrimental to their futures. Michele is absolutely on the right path. She is not even changing the program or THAT the money is spent, just how the money is spent. It is beyond me that anyone would criticize this. We will have a much better “return on our investment” if we invest more wisely!
This is just another case of politics as usual. Potshots, veiled slander, gossip and innuendo seem to be the order of the day.
I am a card-carrying, ultra-conservative, right-wing Republican and I have absolutely no intention of voting for Sarah Palin for any office. She has gone the way of Ross Perot by jumping ship at a critical time. Can we rely on her to stay the course as President? I don’t think we can take the chance.
(Sorry, I got a little off subject)
Why should what First Lady Obama say about our children eating habit be such a problem with any, and that includes Mama Grizzley. You people need to get a life and leave First Lady Obama alone. Just look around and see how our children are getting out of shape, and as they grow old will be more out of shape. Some one needs to tell them, but not First Lady Obama, right.