As happens every year, the president publicly “pardoned” a turkey for Thanksgiving. Two worried turkeys, Mac and Cheese, were escorted to the event. Cheese was officially pardoned. Understudy Mac was on hand in case something went wrong.

President Obama’s children, Malia and Sasha Obama, were present during the event, the 6th one they have been forced to/allowed to attend. They looked on quietly, smiled from time to time at their father’s jokes and mock-pompous delivery, and at other points looked bored. I watched 6 minutes of it, and at times I looked bored myself, even though I am interested in turkeys.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h-7nxkCm1g
Then a mean person posted some ugly remarks about Malia and Sasha on Facebook. Coincidence that this person is Republican?

Elizabeth Lauten is head of communications for Tennessee congressman Stephen Fincher. She posted:

Dear Sasha 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 at a bar. And certainly don’t make faces during televised, public events.

In other words, she publicly attacks and mocks children. Who never ran for office.

I’ll summarize:

“Dear” Sasha and Malia, you’re an awful age; you have no class; your parents are horrible, practically traitors; you make your parents look bad; they dress you funny; you look like boozy slut wannabes; you’re rude (not like me).

That’s not classy. A lot of people noticed how vicious it was. Also stupid. Trying to slut-shame a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old in normal clothes by saying they look like barflies? Complaining because among the still photos she was able to find one in which both teenagers look bored? Ranting about insufficient respect shown at a turkey pardon ceremony?

 

It was just an excuse to attack their parents. But it was a particularly stupid move from a communications director.

The reaction must have clued Lauten in. Later in the day she deleted the slambook-style post, and posted an apology. Which she sent to ABC in case they missed it:

I wanted to take a moment and apologize for a post I made on Facebook earlier today, judging Sasha and Malia Obama at the annual White House turkey pardoning ceremony.

When I first posted on Facebook 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.

It’s not a good apology. She does say she’s sorry. She excuses herself by saying she reacted quickly – but then it took hours of prayer and consultation with her parents to see why her remarks were hurtful. She does acknowledge they were hurtful. But then she goes to the old that’s-not-the-real-me-my-heart-is-pure defense. As Snarly so truly tweeted, “Those ‘judgmental feelings’ DO have a place in her heart bc SHE SHARED THEM.”

Since she addressed her first post to the Obama kids, she ought to have addressed them in her apology also. Instead she only apologizes to a wider audience.

She does pledge to do better. Later in the day she made her page private. Oh, way to go, Comm Director Lauten.

There’s been speculation about whether Lauten will be fired. I bet she’s never been stupid enough to criticize her boss’s kids the same way.

I did a quick search, but was unable to find an image of her employer, Rep. Fincher, with a turkey, at least with a turkey of the bird kind. I did find a picture of the Fincher family at a rally. Click here to see it.

The kids look bored, but they’re there for their father. I say that’s enough. They’re informally dressed, but so what?

It’s not like anyone thinks they’re trying to get into a bar.