Animal House?

Michael Ramirez Copyright 2009

My only problem with the above cartoon is that it's too restrictive. How about, "Beneath the dignity of the Office of the President, not only during an economic crisis, but EVER!"

I admit some disappointment when one of the first photos of President Obama on duty had him at his desk in the Oval Office sans jacket. After Bill Clinton's eight years of soiling the carpet in the most powerful office in the free world, George Bush never removed his suit coat in that room. He did so out of respect for those who had gone before. He did so out of respect for the job that he held. Symbolic? Yes. But symbolism speaks volumes.

It seems the new administration's idea of change you can believe in, apart from economic catastrophe, is a 24-7 frat party atmosphere. Howzabout a bi-partisan Super Bowl party (not that Arlen Specter qualifies for either adjective)? Who you got in your Baracket? I'm particularly hurt that in stooping to NCAA publicity, he didn't pick the Frozen Four.

What say we pull a page out of the junior high school playbook and pitch at least one barb at the former administration in every single speech, much like a fifteen-year old tart sucking up to her new BFF by explaining her old BFF is a hormone-enraged idiot.

Leno? LENO?!? How many international leaders would love an audience with the President of the United States of America, and after a whopping two months in office, our President takes a seat in the chair warmed by whatever celubutard is hocking their current movie/book/athletic endeavor? Abasement. Desecration. Cigar, anyone?

Then we have Robert Gibbs, the White House Press Secretary, and Joe Biden, the Vice President, who feel it necessary to do stand-up comedy anytime the microphone gets near them? Kind of twisted, though that VP Biden not only cuts up on the former President and Vice President, he dogs his own boss! What a card, huh?

"In case you missed it, Keith, BO and JB are normal people!" Yeah, yeah, I know it. But when normal people are fortunate enough to find themselves in extraordinary situations, do they rise to the occasion or take the opportunity to wallow and slather in their fifteen minutes of fame (or four years? Or eight years?)? It's not about how they don their trousers; it's about whether they keep them on and where they take them.

Fame. Power. Celebrity. Should they come your way, will you exhibit dignity and restraint? Or will you party like it's 1999+10? Me? I'd prefer to have a man of great gravity in the White House (success or fail) over one who plays to the ratings. It seems somehow pornographic.

After two months, that's my take on the change that we've bought. Here's hoping it gets better from here.