Do Not Come For The Obama Girls

Sasha and Malia Obama are the epitome of class at all times. They have been since their Dad was first elected to office in 2008. It is easy to tell that the First Daughters have been raised correctly by two involved and caring parents. They have been thrust onto the national stage since President Obama began his run for presidency. The fact that the First Family is Black has made me especially happy for the last 6 years. I, like most Black people, feel protective over the girls. We've watched them grow and mature into beautiful teenagers. So, imagine my utter disgust when  a woman by the name of Elizabeth Lauten posted the most disrespectful and crude rant on her Facebook page Thanksgiving day. It is also pertinent to acknowledge that Lauten is the Communications Director for Tennessee Rep. Stephen Fincher, who by the way is a Republican. Lauten's Twitter handle is @dcgopgirl. Her post reads:

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.

My immediate reaction to this ridiculousness was one of disbelief. Children are off-limits. So, taking swipes at them are things that low-brow,  uncouth, ignorant people do. Elizabeth Lauten, I am talking directly to you. People on Twitter and Tumblr are calling for her to be fired and she should be. I'm not even posting her non "apology."  The one it took her hours to post. The one she claimed came about after prayer and discussions with her parents and not because she knew she was wrong. None of us accept that faux-pology. She never even mentioned Sasha and Malia's name. Lauten does not come across as apologetic instead it seems her faux-pology was issued after her post went viral. I do not know why people seem to forget that this is 2014 and the era of social media. Once Lauten hit enter on the egregious Facebook post, it went viral. And, the backlash was swift and negative. It became a trending topic on Twitter under the hashtag #ElizabethLauten and #FireElizabethLauten. I hope the President makes a statement on this issue. One should incur the wrath of the President and First Lady for disrespecting their girls and their parenting skills. To those of you who truly believe we live in a post-racial America, I have a bridge to sell you. This entire thing reeks of racism, classism, and ignorance which to me, is basically all the Republican party stands for. This was uncalled for and heads should roll behind it. I guess Elizabeth Lauten learned that one simply does not come for the Obama girls without getting a severe and quick backlash. Which is the way it should be. 

ETA: Elizabeth Lauten is being asked to resign. Karma always wins. You can read about it here.