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The Obama Watch

Michelle’s Mostly Laudable Crusade

By on 3.1.13 @ 6:09AM

Two cheers for her appeal to individuals and private organizations to live, eat, and act in a healthier way.

(Page 2 of 2)

She’s right. There, I said it. In fact, she’s right about most of what she says on this issue, and these changes should be cheered (though I have no way to judge how much change her group was actually a catalyst for):

Over the past few years, through Let’s Move!…we’ve seen teachers bringing physical education back into schools. We’ve seen mayors building safe spaces where children can play, faith leaders educating their congregations about healthy eating, and parents preparing healthier meals and snacks for their kids.

But eventually, her nannyism shines through: “And we’ve seen Republicans and Democrats working together in Congress to pass groundbreaking legislation to improve school lunches.”

Another thing: Does Mrs. Obama really need to soak taxpayers for the cost of promoting her pet project? If the administration can shake $500,000 out of individual donors to get repeated access to the president, can’t Michelle raise some tax-deductible donations from charity-minded Americans who want to support her cause and meet the “First Lady”?

Scanning through my pocket copy of the Constitution, I have yet to find authority for Congress or any other part of the federal government to be involved with “improving school lunches.” Perhaps certain legislation is “groundbreaking” because (much) earlier Congresses recognized limits on federal authority.

Perhaps certain legislation is “groundbreaking” in much the same way that an incautious construction crew, in breaking ground for a new project, accidentally breaks a sewer line. Actually, the latter is much better than the former since the sewer lines are always repaired whereas the intrusiveness and expense of the Nanny State are rarely undone.

Speaking of malodorous politics, a long-time believer in government-as-co-parent such as Michelle Obama will have an occasional (or even frequent) bout of nannyist intellectual flatulence. But most often, at least outside of the stifling realm of King Michael Bloomberg, Slayer of the Big Gulp, the odor is soon carried away in whatever fresh breeze of liberty the country has left.

So let’s focus on the good stuff, shall we? Mrs. Obama’s encouraging greater parental involvement and responsibility in our children’s daily lives, right down to making better meals and doing more physical activity, is a welcome respite from a government that otherwise seems to believe that children are by default wards of the state, with parents generously given certain visitation rights.

Most of the first lady’s epistle is a welcome appeal to individuals and private organizations to live, eat, and act in a healthier way. As long as those she is trying to influence see her as an activist with a passion for a particular cause rather than as an implied threat from the federal government, Michelle Obama should be applauded for these efforts, though my appreciation would be far greater if she stopped sticking taxpayers with the tab.

Photo: UPI

Page:   12

About the Author

Ross Kaminsky is a self-employed trader and investor and is a senior fellow of the Heartland Institute. He is the host of The Ross Kaminsky Show on Denver’s NewsRadio 850 KOA at 11 AM on most Sundays. You can reach Ross by e-mail at rossputin(at)rossputin(dot)com.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (146) |

Kitty | 3.1.13 @ 6:24AM

Michelle Obama should keep her nose out of other people's business. And TAS should leave the Obama accolades for the MSM. What a way to spoil Friday :-[

Aristocat| 3.1.13 @ 7:04AM

See Michele Malkin's take on Mrs. Obama and her crashing the Oscars...
Is there no relief anywhere from these tiresome people?
Everything in WalMart is made in China, so shopping there is a big boost to the Chinese miliary, #1 in the world.

chuck| 3.1.13 @ 7:48AM

And as soon as her ass is smaller than Rhode Island, I might start listening to her about eating and exercising!

Von Mises Jr| 3.1.13 @ 8:54AM

Did you see the size of her thighs and back? I think she got some deer antler spray from Ray Lewis.
Every time I see her I think of "Deuce Bigalow, Male Gigolo" and the two HUGE women that pay Deuce as their man-whore.

Alan| 3.1.13 @ 10:12AM

The female wookie is a big'un, for sho!

loulou| 3.1.13 @ 12:41PM

She looks like Bunifa with that ridiculous wig on. On the other hand, it does hide more of her face.

TLP| 3.1.13 @ 2:23PM

Contest at Wednesday's "Life of Pi".

Let's go loulou.

Kingofthenet| 3.1.13 @ 2:20PM

Chuck, she is in far better shape, then whatever Butterball you call a wife, will ever be in.

TLP| 3.1.13 @ 2:25PM

You're the perfect Lib, Kingofthenuts.

Ya know that?

HYPOCRITE.

Solo| 3.2.13 @ 4:58PM

Speaking of "Butterball"...I wonder how many turkeys Moochelle gobbled up over the Holidays to get that fat ass and those thunder thighs?

That is...when she isn't busy stuffing her huge gaping pie hole full of Kobe Beef and caviar while she jets around the world on yet another extravagant vacation (with huge entourage in tow) all on the taxpayer's dime.

Meanwhile...America's children -- 1 in 5 of whom is now living in poverty here in the Obama economy--is having that pathetic collection of Public Education propaganda apparatchiks rifling through their little lunch boxes searching for snack contraband so as to comply with Moochelle's "Let 'em eat arrugula" policy.

It's a picture so sick and twisted that Lady Liberty herself is now on suicide watch.

Gawd! Will 2016 never get here?

gene| 3.1.13 @ 12:20PM

Let her tend to her own back yard and her family. When she gets her husband to stop sneaking smokes and stay home at night, maybe then she can tell others what to do.

Von Mises Jr| 3.2.13 @ 9:54AM

That's one big back yard to tend to!!!

AlanAnti-RoveCheneyBrooks | 3.1.13 @ 9:08PM

"Allow me to start with a caveat: I’m no fan of Michelle Obama. She’s a statist, or more specifically a nanny-statist, who supports her husband’s econo-moronic policies"

Kingofthenet, this is directed at you: if the outcome is the destruction of the GOP before they can run-- and elect-- another turkey, then more power to Obama's policies, whatever they are. Down with the GOP!

Edward White| 3.1.13 @ 7:07AM

I commend Ms. Obama for her efforts to control our nation's obesity problem.

But I urge our government to take action against food companies who are adding dangerous levels of sodium to foods they make available on our grocery store shelves.

Sodium, through hypertension, is a major contributor to death, disability, health disparities, and costs attributable to cardiovascular diseases .

Now the usual chorus of Obama/government haters will condemn Ms. Obama's anti-obesity crusade and my suggestion on limiting sodium in foods.

I'm afraid you will find few open minds on this site, Mr. Kaminsky. Instead, you will encounter lots of shrill voices and angry words. So many of the posters--knee-jerk Obama and government haters-- will never take the time to reflect seriously on any important issue.

And the level of sugar and sodium in our foods is indeed an important public health issue that needs immediate attention. Kudos to Ms. Obama for urging people to eat sensibly so they can live healthier and happier lives.

chuck| 3.1.13 @ 7:45AM

Yo, Eddie,

If you don't like what is in processed food, don't eat it. Buy fresh, and prepare it yourself.

We don't need the nanny state to do more, we need them to do less.

Grow up, and learn how to take care of yourself.

TLP| 3.1.13 @ 7:49AM

That's Anna K from Flucke U.

Tarrington| 3.1.13 @ 7:56AM

It's refreshing to read a voice as calm and sane as Edward White's. Would be that he post on here more often.

You're right about the sodium levels, Edward. As my wife and I both have high blood pressure, it's almost impossible to buy prepackaged foods. Even so-called "low sodium" items sometimes contain too much sodium. I, too, would like more government control in the food industry. High sodium levels are killing us.

chuck| 3.1.13 @ 7:58AM

And all of Anna K's students are here too.

TLP| 3.1.13 @ 8:17AM

The Gang's all here.

chuck| 3.1.13 @ 8:00AM

Good Lord! Isn't there anything that you DON'T want the government to do for you?

GROW UP, AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! READ THE DAMNED LABELS, AND IF YOU DON'T LIKE WHAT'S IN IT, DON'T BUY IT!

MarkJeff| 3.1.13 @ 9:53AM

Thanks, Chuck. I cannot stand it when so-called conservatives pick a single issue, like sodium levels in processed food, and start whining for government to help. I too have high blood pressure (genetic), take my meds, and make food MYSELF. Thanks again.

Tom Kyba| 3.1.13 @ 12:38PM

Da comrade!

Guimo| 3.1.13 @ 10:42AM

When I am in charge, all U.S. citizens will be required to (1) own a firearm, (2) drink 2 beers every night before dinner, (3) cut the seatbelts out of their cars, (4) throw away their bicycle helmets, and (5) allow smokers in their place of business.

JP| 3.1.13 @ 9:20AM

"I commend Ms. Obama for her efforts to control our nation's obesity problem."

Therein lies the conciet- that one person can "control" the "health" for the entire nation.

What I find amazing concerning the health nazis is that they totally ignore an even large problem than fatties. Sexuallly transmitted diseases cost this nation tens of billions of dollars in health care cots. AIDS treatment alone can run up to $100,000 a year per AIDS victim. All in favor of stigmatizing sodomy and hooking up raise your right hand.

And since she is so interested in children's health, the First Lady may wish to read the CDC's reports on STDs amongst 11-18 year olds. More teens suffer from STDs than being fat. Children are now having sex as early as 10. And our experts do nothing but encourage such behavior. And we're not just talking about inner city minorities.

I guess everyone picks their own poison. But, it is hypocrisy to go on a crusdade against being a lard-butt, while ignoring the fact this we are now a nation where Pirapus is King.

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.13 @ 9:38AM

Ed,

First, let me say that I am an Obama hater, and that I dislike and distrust government -- might not go as far as "hate" on that score.

As for levels of sugar and sodium, my response is the same as the point I was trying to make in the article: whatever people want to do based on their own judgment and freely-made decisions, even if influenced by public opinion but NOT by threats from government, is fine.

If you don't want sugar and salt, then eat boring food. It's up to you.

But one point I want to make very strongly: Items which any one person can control for himself, such as sugar intake, are NOT "public health." They are private health, even if repeated among many people, and they are none of the government's business.

TLP| 3.1.13 @ 10:47AM

He's not "Ed".

He's Anna Kuntt from Fluck U.

Tom Kyba| 3.1.13 @ 12:44PM

Soory Ross, but that's not the only point. The sodium scare is just that. It's simply the flavor(no pun intended) of the month. Just like the evils of red meat, trans-fats etc. There is more snake oil in the realms of the environment and health than all the organic markets combined.

Kingofthenet| 3.1.13 @ 2:23PM

Your kidding right? You think studies for the last 50 years ALL showing those things in excessive quantities are bad for you are being tampered with?

TLP| 3.1.13 @ 2:32PM

EVERYBODY knows that everything in excess is bad for them.

Too much Water is bad for you.

That's none of this Skank's business.

In the words of the POS BILLIONAIRE Widow Chaser Secretary of State: John F-ing Kerry - who had his $15,000,000 Yacht built in New Zealand, and Docks it in Rhode Island, instead of the State he lives in, because he doesn't want to PAY THE TAXES - "In America, everybody has the right to be Stupid".

Some people - YOU - tend to abuse that Right, every time they post a comment.

George S| 3.1.13 @ 11:23AM

NATIONS do not have problems. People do.

Not all people are obese, therefore it is not a national problem. It is a personal problem that can only be cured with discipline (huh??).

Has it occurred to you that salts and nitrates and other chemical engineering marvels are what keeps food production high and the prices down? What if food had a shelf life of only a couple of days... would that make food cheaper or more expensive?

And if the food prices climb because of the bad stuff removed, what do we say to the poor? Hey, it's better than being fat. (Was that the national anthem of Biafra?)

Being concerned about the dereliction of civics by others got us ObamaCare. We need a breather, man.

Stan Redmond| 3.1.13 @ 12:36PM

We DO need the government to enforce food production more than it has. Obesity must be destroyed by government forces. There is only ONE single fat person in the entire nation of North Korea, Kim Jong Un. Obviously their food policies are working. The full force of gevernment must be used to make sure everyone gets what the dear leader says we should have. Too much sodium in food? Fine, take it all out. Too many kosher muslims don't want pork so pork must be removed from store shelves. Peanuts allergies require all peanuts removed from the market. Lactose must e removed to protect the lactose intollerant. Gluten free foods to replace all gluten un-free. People can not be trusted to make the right decisions for themselves and the government has to step in. Thank God for people like Mayor Bloomberg who finally had the courage to stand up to 17 oz. soda pop cups and salt. They were stacking bodies up on the streets of New York like cordwood from "Big Gulp" overdoses.

Arnie| 3.1.13 @ 7:10AM

Uh Oh Ross. You just complimented one of the Obamas. You may have signed your own death warrant. Prepare to feel the wrath of the GOP base.

TLP| 3.1.13 @ 8:16AM

You mean like - Bob Woodward, and the all out Onslaught he's getting from the Unbiased Media, for daring to point out The Emperor's lack of Clothing and his LYING MOUTH?

Is that the Wrath you're talking about?

The Left has come together, locking arms to Eviscerate yesterday's Liberal Icon. From the usual Suspects at the Shows with No Ratings? To the HIV Positive Andrew Sulluvan, up in P-Town, who's always got something up his @ss, anyway. Maybe that's why he's HIV Positive?

"He's Old." "He's Senile." "He's Confused, and he just wants one more day in the Spotlight."

They did that to someone else, not too long ago, who dared Speak The Truth about The One with 3 Names, and No Paper Trail. The One who's been on this Earth for 51 Years, yet no-one remembers him. No friends. No old Girlfriends. There were those two guys at the Harvard Review who said that he asked them for Sex. But they seem to have Disappeared. Just like the people who made it out of Benghazi, and anyone who was involved with Running Guns to Mexican Drug Cartels, did. They all just DISAPPEARED.

The only people who claim to remember him, are the ones in the Chicago Gay Scene. They remember him, like it was yesterday.

But, don't take my word for it. Google: Barack Obama Gay Bathhouse Story. Or, just ask DRed. He's seen it.

Google it.

JP| 3.1.13 @ 9:25AM

Why would I be mad at Ross? Everyone is entitled to their own opinion

Tom Kyba| 3.1.13 @ 12:48PM

Dude, I just saw you on you tube. Of course, in your video Arnie The Sleeping, snoring pig, you sounded a lot more intelligent.

Appleby| 3.1.13 @ 7:16AM

Edward, there is a difference between nagging people relentlessly to do what YOU believe is best for them, and insisting on draconian laws forcing people to eat what YOU think is best for them, or else. The men and women of Desperate Sincerity are perfectly willing to burn the village in order to save it; and if you won't force your children to eat what Nanny wants them to eat, the next step is to label "sugary drinks" and "fatty foods" as child abuse and encouraging the neighbours to rat each other out so Nanny can take your kids and put them in mandatory Fat Farms where Work will Make Them Free. If you think that's hyperbole, just keep pretending Mrs. Obama would have any influence at all if she wasn't the wife of Dear Leader.

TLP| 3.1.13 @ 7:47AM

Allow me to start with a Caveat: Have you been taking your Wife's Estrogen Pills? Or, has that incident with that naked Sri Lankan Man (The one that was sitting on your chest, in the tent) caused something between your legs to Fall Off? (And I don't mean your Hand)

Has your Wife been picking out your "Outfits"? Has she got you calling your Shirts - "Tops" and your Pants - "Slacks"? Are you wearing your Loafers, with no socks on? Did your Accountant tell you that: "You'd better resign yourself to Prison Food"?

I'm no fan of Adolph Hitler, but you gotta give him Credit for all the New Roads he's built. The Trains run on time. He's building Vacation Camps all over Eastern Europe just for Jewsish People to use. People are Laughing and Singing, again. And he's even started a Youth Camp for Kids.

Crime is down. (Who doesn't like that?) He's dipped his toe into the Fashion World with a New Design - just for our Jewish Friends - with a beautiful yellow Star of David on the sleeve, and I understand that there's to be a Window Painting Contest, on all of the Jewish Storefront Windows. It'll be Nov 9 and 10 and it will be all over the Country. They're calling it Kristallnacht. It sounds wonderful.

I love the VW Beetle. I love the Rallies.

Did you know that he was a Vegatarian, Tea Totaling Dog Owner, who stresses Physical Fitness, as well as Classical Music, Art, and the Cinema?

It's true.

Ya gotta tip your hat.

chuck| 3.1.13 @ 7:51AM

Sounds like paradise! Can't wait for the "rest of the story".

7-08| 3.1.13 @ 8:44AM

Penny loafers without socks were once a fashion statement - but now I am so manly I even wear socks with sandals.

Louis Jenkins| 3.1.13 @ 8:53AM

Being a vegetarian in Germany must be tough. I knew old Adolph was such, but it seems everything on the menu is sausage and potatoes, or potatoes and sausage. And don't forget the beer. Very German.

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.13 @ 9:27AM

TLP,

No estrogen, no Sri Lankan man, and no loafers!

I really don't like Michelle Obama, but she's not Hitler.

In the meantime, it will do the left some good to read their heroine lauding Walmart and private enterprise.

You misspelled vegetarian.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 3.1.13 @ 9:45AM

"I really don't like Michelle Obama, but she's not Hitler."

While we all know TLP is capable of defending his own remarks, because we all know how much accuracy (particularly with regard to analogies and metaphors) is valued at TAS, I feel I must inject an attempt to correct the record.

I don't believe he is comparing Michelle to Hitler.

I think it would be more accurate to say he is comparing her to Eva Braun.

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.13 @ 9:50AM

I stand corrected.

I can't say I know enough about Braun to know whether she tried to use her relationship with Hitler to influence society, but it wouldn't surprise me.

That said, even under this president, we're fairly sure that the penalty for not listening to Michelle is not death.

TLP| 3.1.13 @ 11:12AM

(You mispelled vegetarian. That was a good one.)

"She's not Hitler." Don't you mean: Not yet.

I used the Hitler analogy just to prove that anyone - even you - can find good things to say about Anyone, without having to go to too much trouble.

Hirohito loved his Country. ( I like him better than Homobama, already) Timothy McVei served in the Military. John Wilkes Booth was a wonderful Thespian. And, Josef Mengele once helped a little Jewish Girl up onto a Medical Table. (I know. Once he got her there, he began peeling her like an Apple. That's not the point)

This Woman is All In. She's devout in the Religion of Power, and Subjugation. Her and her Husband seek to Rule by Decree. And, in many instances, they already have. Just look at any School Hot Lunch, or the Stories about Government Inspectors confiscating 9 year old's Bag Lunches.

Mrs. Obama loves her kids, and sends them to Private School. She DOESN'T love the Poor Children in the Inner Cities, or she wouldn't have stood by while her champion of the Downtrodden Husband, ELIMINATED the School Vouchers for the Poor Children in D.C.

She's got 4 Years to get worse.

Methinks, you underestimate her.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 3.1.13 @ 9:33AM

Don't forget, Der Fuehrer discouraged smoking.

Sjccoach| 3.1.13 @ 8:01AM

Once again the CINO speaks. What people eat or drink is not in the purview of the first lady. I'm sure you're a big fan of Mayor Bloomberg. It is time you grew up. People are responsible for themselves.

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.13 @ 9:44AM

First, SJ, I never claim to be a conservative.

Second, what people eat or drink is not in her purview in the sense of control, but is in hers or anyone else's in the sense of concern. There is a huge difference.

I can't stand Mayor Bloomberg because he doesn't understand the difference.

He and other nanny-staters think that concern + power = the right to impose control.

If he or Michelle want to talk about what they think people should do, they are free to, and to the extent that they're encouraging good behavior I don't mind it (though I wish it were less frequent.)

The problem comes when this gets tied in with government power because, I completely agree with you, people are responsible for themselves and should be free to make their own decisions.

Kingofthenet| 3.1.13 @ 2:27PM

What Bloomberg did was FORCE ALL people Adults and Children alike to conform to his ideas, very Undemocratic. The First Lady is just advocating for a healthy lifestyle and touting it's benefits, nothing wrong with that.

TLP| 3.1.13 @ 2:36PM

Maybe you can explain why her Ass is so big.

loulou| 3.1.13 @ 3:45PM

Genetics.

Kingofthenet| 3.1.13 @ 5:30PM

Yup, she is just a big strong gal, I doubt she could lose those 'assets' no matter what she did.

The Only Good Democrat| 3.1.13 @ 7:29PM

If she would just give up the massive quantities of junk food she could make a dent in the pudgy butt.

Arnie| 3.1.13 @ 8:32AM

Ross, see what I mean?

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.13 @ 9:52AM

Dont' worry about me, Arnie. I knew what I was getting into when I wrote the piece.

It was sorta funny...I wrote this yesterday afternoon. Then yesterday evening while I was doing a segment on the Kudlow show about my article yesterday (Stocks Support Sequester), Kudlow talked positively about Mrs. Obama's op-ed.

It's not a sign of weakness to have something not terrible to say about the enemy once a year.

Arnie| 3.1.13 @ 10:19AM

:-)

TLP| 3.1.13 @ 11:15AM

That's the best comment Shitferbrains ever wrote.

Drunken Sailor| 3.1.13 @ 10:22AM

So what your saying is even a broken clock is right twice a day?

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.13 @ 10:52AM

Depends if I'm the clock or if Obama is the clock.

TLP| 3.1.13 @ 11:17AM

You spelled "C*ck" wrong.

Twice.

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.13 @ 1:40PM

Now that really made me laugh out loud.

Moe Blotz| 3.1.13 @ 11:58AM

Youse are all assuming Michelle wrote the article in question because it has her name attached. I suggest that Ms. Grievance did not actually write the article, but merely approved the text and lent her name to it.

Tom Kyba| 3.1.13 @ 12:49PM

Suckup.

Stephie| 3.1.13 @ 8:47AM

What Ms obama should be doing along with this good eating push, is to address the GMO situation but I can guarantee you that that won't be talked about because the CEO of Monsanto is now a part of this administration. Monsanto is genetically engineering our food supply with little to no research showing that it is safe for human consumption over time. And congress voted against food companies having to label foods if they GMO. I'm all for helping with the obesity problem, (see our Walmart on a payday Saturday) but the GMO issue is important too.

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.13 @ 9:28AM

GMOs are a huge benefit for humanity. The only way the GMO "issue" is important is when people without a clue say that lowering the cost of feeding the world is a problem.

Stephie| 3.1.13 @ 2:55PM

Then use the GMO foods in nations that have starving people. For this country, mandate the growers and manufacturers label their products.
Is that too much to ask ?

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.13 @ 3:24PM

Yes. Do you even really know what GMO is/means?

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.13 @ 3:26PM

http://www.rationaloptimist.co.....crops.aspx

Job| 3.1.13 @ 11:54AM

Stephie I'm clueless too. I also think GMO's suck but gotta admit I'm basing that on a couple of documentaries and the taste of the produce in the store vs the kind that came out of my grandmas garden and her neighbors field as well as off the farm in Coxsackie NY and the stuff in the store now.

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.13 @ 1:40PM

Probably the same sort of video as Gasland, i.e. lies to support anti-everything leftist propaganda.

The Only Good Democrat| 3.1.13 @ 8:56AM

Michelle's fight against childhood obesity is all behind her now.

Stan Redmond| 3.1.13 @ 12:41PM

There's a joke in that statement somewhere.

Louis Jenkins| 3.1.13 @ 8:57AM

I just as soon return to eating my pork rinds, drinking my sundrops, or mellow yellows, and eating bacon than subscribe to Muchelle's way of eating. Isn't she lovely? With her hair fashioned after an early sixties model? When she drops some poundage in the aft section of her torso maybe I'll pay attention. Until then the half breed orieo cookie lover can take a hike.

TLP| 3.1.13 @ 11:18AM

Contest at Life of Pi, from Wed.

Moe Blotz| 3.1.13 @ 12:01PM

Oy Louis, the hair is a wighat, not her real stuff.

Stephie| 3.1.13 @ 2:57PM

Or it could be a weave :-)

Moe Blotz| 3.1.13 @ 5:20PM

Either/or the hair is not what Michelle grew from her own follicles.

Bob Grant| 3.1.13 @ 9:11AM

"An important question is whether the first lady’s project “Let’s Move!” is perceived by those she is trying to influence as a representing a well-meaning (if sometimes overbearing) pro-child activist group or as an arm of the government."

----

Come on Ross! We've seen this couple for FOUR + years now! You have to ask the question? Really?

You, I, my 12 year old kid, my Labrador know the answer to this question.

Stop trying to appear "fair minded" with these people. That ship should have sailed years ago!

Bob Grant| 3.1.13 @ 9:16AM

And, actually, I don't believe it really matters how those people she's trying to influence view her motivations.

Stephie| 3.1.13 @ 2:59PM

Anyone who stands behind Planned Parenthood as firmly as the obamas do, is NOT pro-child.

deehra| 3.1.13 @ 9:25AM

Since money was taken from the foodstamp program to fund her pop culture program, which has utterly failed in the schools, maybe it's time for her to sit down and shut up.
The real purpose of the program thus far, seems to be to pay for her flights around the country, where she spends a little time jumping around for photo ops, and the rest pushing O policies or seeing Broadway shows. This was particularly obvious during the campaign.
If she really wanted to make a difference, she should start a movement to ban junk food from the food stamps program, but that would insult everyone from welfare moms to agribusiness, thus, will never happen.
I can't believe Mr. Kaminsky is so naive.

Job| 3.1.13 @ 11:56AM

"If she really wanted to make a difference, she should start a movement to ban junk food from the food stamps program"

Go D Go

Job| 3.1.13 @ 11:57AM

nothing like the smell of hypocracy in the morning.

loulou| 3.1.13 @ 3:48PM

You're right! What's wrong with powdered milk, powdered eggs and surplus cheese?

Job| 3.1.13 @ 5:18PM

credit card food stamp can buy coca cola, coco puffs, candy and other food crack.

Stan Redmond| 3.1.13 @ 12:43PM

If she REALLY wanted to help she would have her marxist husband resign and take his marxist politburo with him and let the American people be free again. Imagine if people were making mone again and the economy improved without government interference. Oh wait. I'm still asleep

MarkJeff| 3.1.13 @ 9:38AM

Yawn, Russ. So Michelle does, like, a single perceived-as-correct thing (and I still don't trust her.) She doesn't deserve one bit of praise because all the other wrong things she does is the true Michelle, the true leftist. I don't give my political enemies a single break, not one! I really don't know why you feel that you have to. These tyrants need to be defeated, not stroked. Not once, not ever!

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.13 @ 9:48AM

So many of you are missing my key point -- which probably means I didn't make it very well.

We've just seen an Obama praise Walmart and praise a non-governmental incentive system on private enterprise, i.e. capitalism.

It's not that I'm praising Mrs. Obama's particular nannyist tendencies. It's that the person who is probably the single most popular leftist in the country just wrote a nearly capitalist op-ed. I doubt she understood that's what she was doing, but it's still a good thing.

Bob Grant| 3.1.13 @ 9:55AM

Ross,

Perhaps you should wait and see what Walmart will get, or hopes to get, in return for their "cooperation".

Anytime a Statist praises private enterprise, Crony Capitalism is lurking somewhere close by.

Come on. We get your point. We just disagree!

Drunken Sailor| 3.1.13 @ 10:28AM

What do you mean wait and see. Her Wal-mart praise was payback for campaign donations.

Sam, the son of another billionaire, S. Robson Walton, has clearly stepped outside his family’s political sphere. He’s on the board of the Environmental Defense Fund, a non-profit dedicated to environmental protection. And while he gave $30,000 to Obama’s cause in 2008, this ten-fold increase raised the stakes. Sam’s giving now equals his most generous relatives on the right.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/br.....re-family/

Bob Grant| 3.1.13 @ 11:10AM

Great article. Thanks for the link.

It is yet another example of how this works. And the more large corporations such as Walmart cave out of "self preservation", the more pressure is placed on similar large corporations to do the same...and the dominoes fall. It's eerily similar to what the states are going through in their resistance to obamacare.

For another, but smaller, example, read the government's involvement in the opening of a Whole Foods Market in Midtown Detroit; the pressure on WFM to open stores in "food deserts"; the federal government's involvement; etc. It's disgusting! Basically, they're being pressured to open up non-profitable store to keep the feds off their backs. As though the fine people of Detroit have been yearning for fresh prawns and arugula all these years. Yea, that'll cure what ails 'em.

TLP| 3.1.13 @ 11:32AM

That's right.

This guy gives them Million$, and he gets an Attaboy.

They give Hollywood Million$, and Fat Ass gets on the Oscars.

Same with GM, GE, Google, the Unions, Facebook, and whichever Millionaire and Billionaire is willing to Lube Up and Bend Over for Bathhouse Boy.

Just ask Warren Buffet, who just keeps rolling his trains along the tracks, hauling all of that Canadian Crude that's NOT getting here in a Pipeline.

This would be funny, if this was Bolivia.

Then again..............

Maybe it is.

MarkJeff| 3.1.13 @ 10:02AM

And, respectfully Russ, my point has been that she knows EXACTLYwhat she's doing...she doing something that is PERCEIVED as right. She's stroking her enemy (capitalism) and those who cherish it (YOU), because that's where they derive their cash from, through taxation, through confiscation if she could, to fool us at the ballot box. She is a political adversary and should be called out for what she's actually doing: trying to fool you. And the AS running this peice with its headline praising her plays right into her hands. Even I can see that!

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.13 @ 10:55AM

Murk,
(Since you keep writing my name as Russ)
The bottom line is that she wrote a piece praising Walmart. That's going to make it much harder for unions to attack Walmart. That's a good thing.

She wrote a piece explaining how normal incentives can influence private corporations. That's something that most Michelle Obama fans probably don't understand.

She's not fooling me about anything. And my article was not a raging positive endorsement of her. It was a narrowly-tailored semi-appreciation of certain aspects of one of her projects.

In the meantime, I think she just really hurt the left with that article.

Bob Grant| 3.1.13 @ 11:15AM

"In the meantime, I think she just really hurt the left with that article."

Respectfully, I don't know how you can arrive at that conclusion.

Kitty | 3.1.13 @ 12:14PM

Trust me, Ross, I do get it. But your column still praises her. Can't you leave that for the MSM? After all, they are the White House stenographers.

Denver Todd| 3.1.13 @ 9:59AM

Encouraging a child to get up and move is nice, but there are bigger policie that might be more effective at increasing healthy lifestyles. How about allowing families to keep more of their earned income through lower taxation. Maybe encouraging marriage so that kids don't live in quasi-families. But the ultimate child killer is abortion, and I am sure that the Democrates will still laud that as the best way to assure that a child doesn't gain weight.

Departing from gravitas, I am doing low carb, have totally eliminated fast food and sugar from my diet, lost at least 15 pounds, and it is anything but boring. It is very instructive how much sugar is in food. There is almost as much sugar in orange juice as there is in Coca Cola, but we still think that the former is part of a healthy lifetsyle; it isn't. If you want to eat healthier, you have to look at where your carbs are coming from.

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.13 @ 10:56AM

I remember the first time I saw how much sugar is in a can of my favorite soda (Mountain Dew.) It's something like 44 grams. Unbelievable.

I haven't eaten a fast food burger in a month. It's killing me.

Job| 3.1.13 @ 12:04PM

good one DT:

"How about allowing families to keep more of their earned income through lower taxation."

Eating healthy is expensive, seldom are there coupons for dairy, produce, or unprocessed food.

Denver Todd| 3.1.13 @ 4:08PM

I was buying almot all of my lunches and a few of my dinners every week, but there is no way that I think that eating out is any cheaper than making meals at home. And I save a lot of time considering that cooking ahead precludes a 1.5 hour trip out for dinner.

My point above about finding more important issues than childhood obesity is, well, an important issue. Of all the issues that flotus could pick, why that one? On another blog that I read, the writer said that liberals choose their issues out of guilt for the bloodshed of abortion. On one side of the scale is death in the womb, and on the other side is all the good intentions of the liberals, and Michelle is in the middle yelling up to God that she did good things on earth and deserves to go to heaven.

Job| 3.1.13 @ 5:02PM

hmm interesting take on the guilt thing.

1ConservativeUSA| 3.1.13 @ 10:11AM

Don't be fooled again.

Michelle Obama is using the same strategy her fraudster husband used to gain acceptance in to American hearts.

Barack Obama sounded like a great American patriot and statesman in his 2004 speech at the Democratic National Convention. Now we know he lied in that speech and has disdain for every concept in it.

His speech, as disingenuous as it was, worked though, as it soothed the masses and propelled Obama into national prominence.

The real Obamas share the same leftist playbook. Don't be fooled again, or it's shame on you.

OregonBuzz| 3.1.13 @ 10:21AM

Let's all get together and have a Moochelle love fest!
What drivel.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 3.1.13 @ 10:28AM

I'll bring the pepperoni pizza with extra cheese and high calorie beer...

Drunken Sailor| 3.1.13 @ 11:09AM

Don't forget the garlic butter dipping sauce. I'll bring hot wings and blue cheese dip. Fed the celery to our rabbits.

Bob Grant| 3.1.13 @ 11:16AM

Apparently, Mooch like fries...in large quantities.

George S| 3.1.13 @ 11:11AM

Who determines what products are beneficial to society:

a) The People's Representatives?

If the people elect those representatives to speak for them, why would the representatives outlaw the non-beneficial foods with the consent of the governed? The governed wouldn't have bought those foods in the first place had they agreed with such a policy.

b) The People's Representatives?

If the people's representatives go against the wishes of the people, they are rulers and not representatives. No need for a constitution and no need for a nation of laws in a nation of men.

You see, you cannot have it both ways. What is imposed upon as good and noble is the lifeblood of tyranny.

Job| 3.1.13 @ 12:50PM

"If the people's representatives go against the wishes of the people, they are rulers and not representatives."

Good one

fmm| 3.1.13 @ 12:08PM

If Walmart is doing good as you suggest, it is because it is good business and not the results of any government actions. You should know better than to suggest this.

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.13 @ 1:42PM

that's the question. it is too common for businesses to do things that really aren't good business because they're afraid of the government.

lost| 3.1.13 @ 12:28PM

Is it just me but doesn't her hair cut make it look like she is wearing a darth vader helmet?

Moe Blotz| 3.1.13 @ 1:34PM

It is a wig hat, real hair lays flatter on one's head.

Dave Williams| 3.1.13 @ 12:38PM

Nice try, Ross. But putting lipstick on a statist Wookie blimp doesn't change the fact that she's a statist Wookie blimp! Yes, OF COURSE people should eat more good food than junk, and in smaller portions....but are we really so far down the tubes that we need GUBMINT to SUPERVISE that???? I hope not. Moochelle can get her fat butt OUT of my life, and KEEP it there.

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.13 @ 1:43PM

She is a statist Wookie blimp! But her op-ed is mostly good, and mostly good for our side that she wrote it.

For cryin' out loud, I started the article by saying I don't like her!

But that op-ed was a pleasant surprise.

Job| 3.1.13 @ 5:07PM

love is never having to say you're sorry Ross you own this spanking you're receiving and you're getting credit for building it too.

sotto voce| 3.1.13 @ 7:00PM

Ross, do you really believe she wrote it? If so, you're very trusting.

markenoff| 3.1.13 @ 1:40PM

Michelle Obama is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 3.1.13 @ 2:05PM

You wrote that many times the other day, and now many are getting furloughed.

One can only hope Michelle gets a similar treatment.

Stephie| 3.1.13 @ 3:08PM

No, it's her partner who we want fuloughed!
And can someone please tell me what a "wookie" is?

Bob Grant| 3.1.13 @ 3:25PM

The hairy Star Wars creature(s). Personally, I don't like the comparison. Wookies are endearing.

Stephie| 3.1.13 @ 4:10PM

Ahhh....I don't like that comparison either Bob. That beast was sweet and he didn't talk :-)

Thank you ~

Kingofthenet| 3.1.13 @ 2:32PM

Michelle would outrun, outlift, and outsmart and outlast 99% of Conservative women, and that INCLUDES Horseface Ann, Sourpus Michelle Malkin, all the the other 'pretty' ones.

Bob Grant| 3.1.13 @ 2:43PM

Ivy League degrees notwithstanding, I've seen ZERO evidence of anything beyond average intelligence from this woman.

I'll concede your other points, what with her upper body strength and rather...um...extended boootay!

loulou| 3.1.13 @ 3:50PM

Average at best.

gene| 3.1.13 @ 3:58PM

Stop insulting the First Lady.
Many people in our society have what is known as a "Buffalo Butt". That is no reason to insult her. On behalf of all the Buffalo Butts in this world, I think an apology from some in this chain should be extended to the First Lady.

Bob Grant| 3.1.13 @ 4:47PM

I was only conceding points to Queenie. He said she could out lift certain conservative women and I gave examples to back up his statement. Her...rather large posterior...would provide the foundation to win a Clean an Jerk contest against Ann Coulter.

Perhaps that is the first time I've tossed The Mooch a compliment. Queenie should be thankful.

Kingofthenet| 3.1.13 @ 5:28PM

I wouldn't mind carving myself a piece of that fine A myself.

gene| 3.1.13 @ 5:32PM

Looks like The First Buffalo Butt is not going to get an apology.

Let's rumble| 3.1.13 @ 4:39PM

Have you lost your mind? Take a look at her azzzz. Her husband is a chain smoker. Words are cheap, very cheap, in that family.

Kingofthenet| 3.1.13 @ 5:41PM

I like big butts and I can not lie
You other brothers can't deny
That when a girl walks in with an itty bitty waist
And a round thing in your face
You get sprung
Wanna pull up tough
Cuz you notice that butt was stuffed
Deep in the jeans she's wearing
I'm hooked and I can't stop staring
Oh, baby I wanna get with ya
And take your picture

Bob Grant| 3.1.13 @ 5:58PM

The enjoy! More powa to ya.

Give me da Beanpole Dames!

JP| 3.1.13 @ 6:37PM

Baby got Back occurred to me this morning. But I decided against posting the lyrics in order to keep some level of decorum.

I have to say the video was hilarious.

Bob Grant| 3.1.13 @ 7:19PM

Actually, I posted the lyrics to the Spinal Tap song Big Bottom here a few months ago but in my defense it was after hours and at one of TLP's analogy games; a place where decorum is a foreign word.

Lean and Healthy and Smart| 3.1.13 @ 5:44PM

Mr. Kaminsky,

How can you stand to read the insane reactions to your article by so many vile, brain-dead posters? Stupidity beyond belief.

They make me ashamed, ashamed to call myself a conservative.

The responses to your article are so hateful and idiotic that they make me sick.

Sick to my stomach. This is the last time I click on American Spectator for conservative news. From now on it's National Review.

Bob Grant| 3.1.13 @ 6:03PM

I smell troll.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 3.1.13 @ 10:06PM

...an e-mail address from emory.edu, to be sure...

chuck| 3.1.13 @ 8:09PM

Adios, bitch!

sotto voce| 3.1.13 @ 6:54PM

You hope Walmart is not being bullied? Walmart is America's largest employer (after the federal government...ponder THAT for a moment) and they have a union target on their back. Submitting to Obama's bullies is the only hope they have to remain non-union. To that end, Walmart heirs donated to Obama's PAC and Walmart may succumb to Obama's attempt to make them a partner in his gun-control push. Supporting Mrs. Obama's food fetish is just another way for Walmart to deflect liberal attacks on their successful business model. Healthy food choices may be good, but that doesn't excuse the federal government using coercion to force a private corporation into complying with the Administration's policies. The ends do not justify the means.

homme nike air max BW | 3.2.13 @ 12:20AM

for a free society, makes a case for why employers, in addition to parents, should voluntarily take actions designed to lessen America’s collective girth: http://www.shoxinfr.com/nike-shox-r5-c-10.html

derfel cadarn| 3.2.13 @ 2:30PM

BS !!! Laughable would be closer to the mark. It is not and never will be the governments business to tell the People what they can eat. Also remember that this harpy was NOT elected to anything, she is even less then her husband is if that could be possible. Mind your own damn business!

Oldefarte| 3.3.13 @ 3:24PM

Nah.......no doubt Bo gets very nervous when she, her husband and his mother-in-law are seated at the dinner table!!!!!!!!!

hrgfue | 3.3.13 @ 10:38PM

thank you for your New post on that site.which is the best blog for us.we are enjoy it and will show them to everyone.

woodsman1st| 3.4.13 @ 11:28AM

The Michelle that goes around dictating what and how we eat is still the same broad that takes all these super expensive vacations on our dime; we pay for them! But that doesnt stop her from spending literally MILLIONS OF OUR DOLARS so she and her kids, AND THEIR FRIENDS can spend millions of our dollars to go on vacations you and I can only dream about.
This is the same woman, the 1st SASQUATCH, who was never proud of America until her radical Socialist hubby was made president!
This is the same women who uttered that contempuous remark while our flag was passing by: "ALL THIS FOR A DAMMM FLAG?"
This is still the same woman who was FORCED to relinquish her License to practice law to prevent legal action from being taken against her for illegal actions; (OH yes, and Obama was FORCED to turn in his license to practice law also.
The above is why I so disdainfully call her the "FIRST SASQUATCH".
She has a proven history of being a confirmed America Hater.
So the author of this article commends her for doing one thing right? BIG DEAL!
One good deed does NOT make up for a lifetime of doing wrong to my country; nor does it make up for her proven hatred hatred of my country.
The 1st Sasquatch can bite the big one; she is a disgrace to America and shames our country with her every act and her every word!

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