By Rita Cook
Texas Metro News
https://www.texasmetronews.com
I was asked to explore the comments last week about Michelle Obama being called a man by UFC fighter Josh Hokit and President Donald Trump not making a statement.
I had not heard this happened, so I dug into it.
My first thought before I knew anything about the incident was “If you can’t say something nice, say nothing,” and humans have certainly forgot that wise advice in the modern world of social media, mainstream media, and human interaction.
It is a good thing we are not back in the 1800s when you could challenge someone to a duel. My guess is there would certainly be a plethora of duels if they were legal.
The last duel was also a political issue in September 1859 between U.S. Senator David C. Broderick and former California Supreme Court Justice David S. Terry. The fatal shootout stemmed from a bitter political divide over slavery. Following Broderick’s death, public outcry effectively ended legal and gentlemanly dueling in America.
The bottom line here is that whether a person believes Michelle Obama is a man or not, it is not anyone’s business and people with any dignity would walk away from such a conversation and not open their mouth while visiting the White House.
I investigated why Hokit felt making such an asinine statement on the White House lawn when he should have been touting his victory seemed to be necessary and he said it was a “compliment” to her work ethic and to exercise his right to free speech.
He also admitted it was a political jab since “a certain side pokes at another side” without outrage, he felt it was the perfect time to take a jab back and that he was testing free speech.
The perfect time on the White House lawn during America’s 250th anniversary?
The Obamas have made no comment on the incident, but sport’s figures and political commentators have made plenty.
Who has not made comment is Trump, in fact he has completely ignored the controversy.
And let us face it, silence is an answer.
More embarrassing is that this happened at Trump’s residence – a symbol of the United States of
America and that means ALL America and its political parties.
Due to the fact Trump is the president of the United States and it happened on the South Lawn of the White House I believe someone should have advised him to defend the sanctity of the White House and the official event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Critics like Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy who voted for Trump said regardless of personal political feelings about the Obamas, allowing a guest to shout a derogatory smear at a former First Lady on federal ground demands immediate condemnation.
There is also this thing called standard decency and presidential precedent, and analysts believe standard presidential decorum requires a sitting president to protect the dignity of the office and that includes the families of past presidents.
Instead, it is noted Trump, seated in the front row, appeared to show a half-smile following the comment. While it is not for me or anyone to judge a half-smile since that lowers those judging to the level of his not responding, but the United States needs to come together with respect on behalf of the dignity of this country and silence is an answer – often an ugly one.
Rita Cook is a world traveler and writer/editor who specializes in writing on travel, auto, crime and politics. A correspondent for Texas Metro News, she has published 11 books and has also produced low-budget films.
