Eye on the Ball(s)

I was sent an article about Cindy McCain the other day, an internet piece without an author or source. It talked at great length about all of Cindy's accomplishments and that she shouldn't be dismissed as a trophy wife. At the outset, the author wrote: "It turns out that she is a character as she is or has been a race car driver and is also a pilot. She flies John around the country to his rallies. After hearing that about her and reading this I now have a lot of respect for her."

Oh who are we kidding. We were ecstatic about Jackie Kennedy, a smart, educated, poised, lovely, wealthy trophy wife. Fashion and hair styles changed world-wide because of her. We all wanted to BE Jackie. Nancy Reagan, too, was adored for being a beautiful non-political, loving and devoted mother and wife, philanthropic by nature. We still compare every other First Lady to them.

Truth is, America talks out of both sides of its mouth. We don't celebrate strong women that push to achieve. Oh at first, maybe, because it makes us feel culturally advanced. But as the novelty fades, we accuse them of overstepping their bounds and exerting undue influence over their husbands for the very same qualities we hailed. Eleanor Roosevelt, honored for her intelligence and devotion, became the object of ridicule during her husband's second term when he/we needed her most. She was accused of having too much influence over matters of state. Imagine that.

I endured the Clinton years. I watched Bill and Hillary handle some rough terrain and assessed their character like everyone else. Hillary's strength as a woman is not my objection, but letting Bill back in the White House IS. Neither of them represent my values or the ones I want my nation to emulate, so why would I explore her stand on education and Iraq? They had their shot: nobody gets a do-over.

But this whole Cindy McCain thing has me baffled. Yes, Cindy let her integrity shine through privilege in order to enrich the world through philanthropic outreach and support. But this isn't about her, it's about John and Barak. I want to know what's in their satchels because rhetoric is cheap and plentiful. Let's see some action frames of our guys modeling integrity, hopefulness, strong values, grit, patriotism and balls of steel. As they say in the movies ... Show Me The Money.