Monday, December 01, 2014

Quick Hits: Volume CIV

The mainstream media couldn't be bothered with recently unearthed video footage of MIT professor Jonathan Gruber admitting to hoodwinking Americans while crafting Obamacare five years ago. But a Congressional Staffer criticizing the "first children" on her personal Facebook page? OUTRAGEOUS!!!

A Congressional communications director resigned today after making disparaging comments about Sasha and Malia Obama on Facebook, ABC News has learned.

Elizabeth Lauten, the communications director for Rep. Stephen Fincher, R-Tenn., last week criticized the girls' demeanor during the annual White House turkey pardoning ceremony, writing on Facebook: "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."

Lauten was widely criticized across social media for her comments. She then deleted her original post and wrote an apology on Facebook that she sent to ABC News.

"After many hours of prayer, talking to my parents, and re-reading my words online I can see more clearly just how hurtful my words were," Lauten wrote. "I'd like to apologize to all of those who I have hurt and offended with my words, and I pledge to learn and grow (and I assure you I have)from this experience."

In a phone call, Lauten choked through tears as she told ABC News that she had resigned Monday morning. She refused to discuss the circumstances surrounding her resignation, instead pointing to her Facebook apology as her comment on the incident.

Before I say another word, I wanna get on record that I believe it is utterly inappropriate to criticize the minor children (the Obama daughters are both under age 18) of the President (any President for that matter). Regardless of what their parents do for a living, kids should be allowed to be kids.

With all that said, I'm utterly amused by the faux outrage expressed by so many leftists. Let's face it: this provides a nice diversion from news events (like a white Bosnian immigrant being beaten to death in St. Louis by minorities) which don't quite fit the lefty template.


- My Congresswoman, Michele Bachmann, is mere days away from wrapping up her fourth (and final) term in the U.S. House. As such, Rep, Bachmann recently took to Buzzfeed and compiled 16 Things I’ll Miss About Being In Congress: Macklemore, MSNBC, and Minnesota. A look back at 8 years in Congress

It is so great!

My personal favorite was #6:


6. MSNBC’s even-handed reporting


MSNBC's even-handed reporting





The list is equally self-deprecating, poignant and fun, further proof that the vitriolic verbal attacks levied towards Bachmann were the proverbial water off a duck's back.


- The St. Louis Rams have been at the epicenter of two of the more high profile news stories in 2014. Last May they drafted LB Michael Sam, the first openly gay football player to be signed by an NFL team. Then this past Sunday, a handful of Rams players decided to convey a pregame demonstration in regards to the incident in nearby Ferguson, MO.

Prior to Sunday’s game versus the Oakland Raiders, several members of the St. Louis Rams offense came out during pregame introductions with their hands up as they entered the field at the Edward Jones Dome.

Wide receivers Stedman Bailey, Tavon Austin, Chris Givens and Kenny Britt and tight end Jared Cook all took the field displaying the gesture, which mimics the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” stance that has become a frequent image among protesters since the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown by police officer Darren Wilson in nearby Ferguson, Mo. in August.

What's ironic and downright sad is if Brown had done that very thing ("Hands Up, Don't Shoot"), he'd be alive today.

But I digress.

The NFL has chosen not to fine the players and a Rams executive may or may not have issued an apology to an agitated St. Louis Police Department.

Personally, I was not the least bit offended by what the Rams players did on Sunday. However, I did find it a little odd they chose to pay homage to a petty thief. Your mileage may vary.

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