Filed under: News
Some conservatives have tried to link the Obamas' vacation spending to the national debt and taxpayer dollars. When it comes to Michelle Obama and her travel habits, an extra $100,000 in security costs are meaningless when compared with a $10 trillion deficit -- or the $700 billion in tax breaks Republicans want to give to the rich. In addition, it has been established that the Obamas paid for all their personal expenses, and that the lavish hotel was recommended by the Secret Service because it could be more easily protected. To top it all off, Michelle went on this trip to comfort a friend who was mourning the death of her father. Michelle was attacked for spending her own money to help a friend.
Why is this?
For starters, the attacks seem to represent politics at its finest. The Republican Party has been very good at attacking the Democrats on even the tiniest issues, and the attacks work quite well when mobilizing their base. But have the Obamas also earned the ire of many Republicans because they "don't know their place"?
In workplaces across America, many African Americans are extremely conscious about what they drive to work, where they live and what they wear. Much of the anxiety is due to their concerns that white co-workers may become jealous or resentful of blacks who have more than some whites think African Americans should have. "I told the new young black man at my law firm to keep his nice car in the garage because if they see you driving that Mercedes, you'll never get a promotion," said a prominent DC attorney, who doesn't wish to be identified, when discussing this phenomenon.
It's difficult to decipher the possible racial double standards of the Republicans, but the attacks on Michelle sound like racially-motivated jealously indeed. It's rare that commentators have taken a similar position against white leaders who live the exact same lifestyle as the Obamas. Also, the attacks on Michelle Obama are similar to Republican attacks on RNC chairman Michael Steele, who was also criticized for living too lavishly.
The president and his family are the leaders of America, and with that position comes the need for them to travel around the world. They are also millionaires who have earned every penny of their wealth. Michelle clearly has the right to take a vacation at her own expense. So, the Republicans are misguided on this one. Conservatives don't seem to like it when black people live large, even if they deserve it -- and they are using this racist tactic to distract Americans from the real economic issues affecting their lives.
Lawrence Watkins is the Founder of Great Black Speakers. He is also the owner of speakers' bureaus dedicated to Hispanic speakers and Christian motivational speakers. His book, "Frame Your Future: 8 Principles to Effectively Focus on the Future and Not Dwell in the Past", will be released in August 2010. If you would like Lawrence's articles delivered directly to your email, please click here.