Should Michelle Obama Visit Haiti?
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I think attacking childhood obesity is a fine goal for Michelle Obama, Jess—but unlike Givhan, I also think there’s something to be said for the First Lady being many things to many people. Today, for instance, she’s reportedly cutting a public-service announcement asking Americans to donate to earthquake-devastated Haiti. Raising awareness about international issues and tragedies in particular is certainly something the First Lady ought to consider well within her bailiwick (think of Hillary Clinton’s tenure) and sometimes, in these instances, publicity can be almost as useful as policy, or at least help to drive it. But is a PSA enough? Should the First Lady stand up alongside her husband’s pledges for aid and board a plane to Haiti?
Noreen Malone is DoubleX's copy editor. She is a native of Cleveland and a graduate of Georgetown University.
Comments
a big debate
By: Jeorge I | Thu, 01/21/2010 - 03:59
The Rush Limbaugh Haiti comments calls the attention of politicians. To be particular, President Obama is the one that he's trying to point regarding tax fund for Haiti relief. Constructive and legitimate criticism should never be stifled, neither should free speech, but basically saying that the government already has aid funding in the form of taxes means that the government should essentially be giving aid for the Haiti earthquake that amount to little more than a couple payday loans, which just isn't ample enough to help patch up the damage. You know, in times of great crisis and strife, if you don't have a real, legitimate and constructive kernel to offer, you probably ought to keep your mouth shut. That applies to Rush Limbaugh probably more than ever before, in the wake of the Rush Limbaugh Haiti comments.
And do what, exactly?
By: jerseygirl | Thu, 01/14/2010 - 20:55
Unless she has some kind of expertise in disaster relief, she should not go. With all the strain on resources right now, the Haitians and those responders providing aid hardly need to worry about the logistics of accommodating Mrs. Obama. Seriously, what exactly would she do, other than get in the way?
If you feel she could bring some needed attention to the conditions of many Haitians, which were pretty deplorable long before this disaster and will be even more deplorable going forward, she should visit a few months from now. Then the attention she brings will be welcomed.
donations
By: syncmaster | Thu, 01/14/2010 - 15:31
The added publicity of a visit should definitely result in a spike in donations so I say its a good idea
Earthquake and donation opportunities already well-publicized
By: Kit-Kat | Thu, 01/14/2010 - 14:44
Mrs. Obama should visit Haiti if, and only if, that visit does not interfere with bringing in supplies and emergency personnel or the provision of humanitarian aid to the survivors. For example, the airport is needed now to allow planes carrying doctors, medical supplies, and food to land. Would her visit require the runway to be cleared for any significant length of time? If the visit hinders, in any way, the necessary efforts, it should be put off.