Hope the President does a good job for USA

[redwood66]

It would be unusual for Trump to attend the funeral as other presidents have not attended the funerals of former first ladies either as far back as JFK who attended the funeral of Eleanor Roosevelt. Therefore it is not a slight. It is wholly appropriate however that Melania attend as FLOTUS.

 

[AGBF]

No one said that it was a kind thing for Melania to attend the funeral herself. What was kind was that she used her status and invitation to bring two staffers who felt close to Mrs. Bush and wanted to attend when it's probable they might not have otherwise been able to attend.

All I read was what was posted on Pricescope, no back story about the staff. I took from what was posted that it was kind of Mrs. Trump to attend the funeral with the staffers. If that was not the intent of the posting, then I completely agree that it was kind of her to assist staff members in attending the funeral. I am sorry I posted in error.

AGBF

 

[Bonfire]

Regardless of what anyone thinks about Melania or whether or not you feel she had some agenda or right to be there, it’s protocol for the FLOTUS to attend funerals of past first ladies. Period. And as @redwood66 stated it’s not protocol for the sitting president to attend. The kindness @luv2sparkle was referring to was Melania’s toward the staffers. It was a kind gesture offered in grace.

 

[Rhea]

All I read was what was posted on Pricescope, no back story about the staff. I took from what was posted that it was kind of Mrs. Trump to attend the funeral with the staffers. If that was not the intent of the posting, then I completely agree that it was kind of her to assist staff members in attending the funeral. I am sorry I posted in error.

AGBF

Same here, I've not read the article anywhere else. Just this thread where where you quoted luv2sparkle.

I don't know if this is the best place, but I just read on MSN that Melania took two staffers who had known Barbara Bush with her to the funeral so they could pay their respects. That seems to me such a kind thing to do.

You then bolded the part that implied that Melania was taking staffers who'd known Mrs. B to the funeral was a kind thing to to do, but said "Melania Trump to lend her status or do her kindnesses". Unless I read the above quote by luv2sparkle incorrectly?

I think we're reading the same thing, same quotes, but just not getting the same thing from it maybe? I'm getting that Melania's kindness was in taking staffers to the funeral so that they could lend their respects. Not that the kindness was Melania herself attending the funeral. Did I read luv2sparkle's post incorrectly?

 

[redwood66]

I think @AGBF was misunderstanding what luv said and she has apologized. It seems to be worked out now. No worries Deb and thanks for clarifying .

Though @Bonfire is correct about the protocol.

 

[Rhea]

I think @AGBF was misunderstanding what luv said and she has apologized. It seems to be worked out now.

Though @Bonfire is correct about the protocol.

Didn't see that! Thought I'd maybe read it incorrectly myself. It's so see easy to just draw battle lines when it comes to politics these days and with all the more conservative people responding I thought I'd gotten it wrong...because surely I don't normally agree with a few of you.

 

[Bonfire]

Thinking this is pretty cool. Even for the historical aspect alone. Four former presidents. Doesn’t look awkward or forced smiles.

 

[soxfan]

There have been twitter posts calling out multiple conservatives for being a jerk to Obama for not attending funerals, yada yada..... but defending Trump because they googled whether it was ok. (I wish they could google whether Hillary Clinton was running a sex slave business out of the basement of a pizza restaurant, but I digress.....) For what it's worth, the majority of republicans have become HUGE hypocrites and have bent their backs in support of this piece of shit president.

Moving on...

I have nothing but love for Melania. She didn't ask for this. She probably NEVER envisioned this happening to her and she's putting on her best face and stepping up and out and honoring her duties. I just cannot dislike her. She is doing the best that she can. I think she probably welcomed the break from her reality. I really loved the pictures of her laughing with Barack. He's such a gentleman and I'm sure she felt the ease in their interactions.

 

[redwood66]

All politicians are hypocrites. As are people who think politics is the end all be all of civilization and draw battle lines with which to thwart their fellow man. There is plenty more out there to be interested in IMO.

I like Melania as well. She is beautiful and gracious.

 

[Matata]

Melania's looks are all she brings to the office and about the only thing ever reported about her. She wears her misery like a shroud except for the rare times she smiles when her face is transformed from stony to somewhat human. She has not stepped up to the plate in a role that could offer her opportunity for a trump-less future should she want one, nor has she done anything remarkable or even average in her role as first lady of this nation. She is a dud. I don't care that she didn't want the role. Big girl panties and all that jazz. Her crowning achievement thus far is to make sure that she is perfectly coiffed and resplendent in designer duds where ever she goes. I'm willing to bet that is a requirement of her prenup.

 

[soxfan]

All politicians are hypocrites. As are people who think politics is the end all be all of civilization and draw battle lines with which to thwart their fellow man. There is plenty more out there to be interested in IMO.

Yeah, normally I'd agree with you but this time nope. This isn't politics as usual. Trump is a moron. Have you read his tweets? If you have and you are not worried about the future of this country, I'm literally at a loss for words.

 

[soxfan]

Melania's looks are all she brings to the office and about the only thing ever reported about her. She wears her misery like a shroud except for the rare times she smiles when her face is transformed from stony to somewhat human. She has not stepped up to the plate in a role that could offer her opportunity for a trump-less future should she want one, nor has she done anything remarkable or even average in her role as first lady of this nation. She is a dud. I don't care that she didn't want the role. Big girl panties and all that jazz. Her crowning achievement thus far is to make sure that she is perfectly coiffed and resplendent in designer duds where ever she goes. I'm willing to bet that is a requirement of her prenup.

I get you. I just think that she had NO idea that this idiot would win the presidency. But it certainly has taught us that our country hates black people and women MORE than unqualified men. It's awful....

 

[Matata]

I just think that she had NO idea that this idiot would win the presidency.

Agreed. Neither did half the global population LOL.

 

[redwood66]

Yeah, normally I'd agree with you but this time nope. This isn't politics as usual. Trump is a moron. Have you read his tweets? If you have and you are not worried about the future of this country, I'm literally at a loss for words.

No I am not any more worried about the future of this country than I was before he was elected and it's probably not for the reasons you are. Besides what exactly can you or I do about it now except vote when the time comes? Pound out vitriol on an internet forum? No thanks. I would rather be happy with the life I have and make the best of an irritating situation. And turn the TV off. We never know what someone else's life is like. I always appreciate other points of view though I may not agree with them.

 

[Maria D]

Melania's looks are all she brings to the office and about the only thing ever reported about her. She wears her misery like a shroud except for the rare times she smiles when her face is transformed from stony to somewhat human. She has not stepped up to the plate in a role that could offer her opportunity for a trump-less future should she want one, nor has she done anything remarkable or even average in her role as first lady of this nation. She is a dud. I don't care that she didn't want the role. Big girl panties and all that jazz. Her crowning achievement thus far is to make sure that she is perfectly coiffed and resplendent in designer duds where ever she goes. I'm willing to bet that is a requirement of her prenup.

If she didn't want the role she certainly acted the part of cheerleader quite well. She told Joy Behar her husband was a genius and exactly what the American people needed all the way back in 2011. Oh, and she encouraged the birther BS in this interview as well.

I don't have feelings of love or animosity toward her. FLOTUS is basically a ceremonial position. I honestly don't get all the FLOTUS worship. There are some I have liked (a lot) and some I haven't cared for as people, but I don't think what they do (or wear) is anything of true significance to our country.

 

[Maria D]

Thinking this is pretty cool. Even for the historical aspect alone. Four former presidents. Doesn’t look awkward or forced smiles.

It is a cool picture!

Now let's look at the lack of hosiery on the women. Laura's got bare freckled legs, Michelle and Melania both sport toe cleavage. (Do they not get blisters?) How do you feel this look compares with the legs of Duchess Kate?

 

[Matata]

6 inch Louboutins. Look what an unnatural position her feet are in. Do shoe designers hate women?

 

[redwood66]

6 inch Louboutins. Look what an unnatural position her feet are in. Do shoe designers hate women?

Those are torture devices!

 

[Bonfire]

It is a cool picture!

Now let's look at the lack of hosiery on the women. Laura's got bare freckled legs, Michelle and Melania both sport toe cleavage. (Do they not get blisters?) How do you feel this look compares with the legs of Duchess Kate?

The women’s lack of hosiery wasn’t my focus. I love history. I was impressed by the number of past presidents in one photo for one thing (too bad Jimmy and Rosiland Carter weren’t there). The look af companionship and inclusion between them is cool to see. Reducing it to what the woman were or weren’t wearing is insignificant.

 

[Maria D]

The women’s lack of hosiery wasn’t my focus. I love history. I was impressed by the number of past presidents in one photo for one thing (too bad Jimmy and Rosiland Carter weren’t there). The look af companionship and inclusion between them is cool to see. Reducing it to what the woman were or weren’t wearing is insignificant.

Yes, it truly is insignificant! I'm so sorry to upset you by pointing out the little insignificant detail that I pondered. Would you feel better if I praised the photo for its historical significance? I aim to please:

It is a cool *historically significant* picture!

P.S. Personally, I like the look of pantyhose better than bare legs for formal occasions. Queen Elizabeth, a truly historically significant figure, has a rule about it!

 

[AGBF]

I don't have feelings of love or animosity toward her.

The above was said about Melania Trump. I consider this to be my position as well. I do not think she has done anything for the country, but I also do not blame her for anything. I got miffed when I thought that a post had said that her attending a funeral for Barbara Bush was "a kindness" as if she were Barbara Bush's social superior and Barbara Bush needed her approval. However, usually the emotion Melania evokes in me is pity. When I saw her mistreated by the president at his inauguration, I could have cried. Sometimes I have even felt fear for her and wondered if she is afraid for her life to leave him.

FLOTUS is basically a ceremonial position. I honestly don't get all the FLOTUS worship. There are some I have liked (a lot) and some I haven't cared for as people, but I don't think what they do (or wear) is anything of true significance to our country.

Sometimes it is (Nancy Reagan) and sometimes it isn't (Eleanor Roosevelt). Some First ladies are hostesses; other First Ladies fly on unheated military planes with typewriters as their only luggage to be "the eyes and ears" in war zones of their wheelchair-bound husbands president husbands. "People vary".

Deb/AGBF

 

[soxfan]

6 inch Louboutins. Look what an unnatural position her feet are in. Do shoe designers hate women?

Trump probably insisted she wear them so she could be the tallest.

 

[Calliecake]

Trump probably insisted she wear them so she could be the tallest.

The poor woman must have been in pain all day. The only way a heel that high can ever be remotely comfortable is If there is a small platform, which this shoe definitely doesn’t have.

Melania’s face at Trump’s inauguration when he said something and turned away, made me feel awful for her. She looked like a woman who is verbally abused. Before then I didn’t have much sympathy for her after watching her interviews while Trump was running. I would love to know what her prenup states regarding divorce.

 

[AGBF]

Melania’s face at Trump’s inauguration when he said something and turned away, made me feel awful for her.

That was also the moment to which I alluded above. I am sure it was a moment that many people will recall. It certainly humanized Melania Trump, which is hard to do given the combination of her perfect looks and taciturn nature. If it were not for an occasional glimpse into her inner world one would never see or hear anything but a mute work of art.

 

[Calliecake]

I’m sorry Deb. I missed your post above. I felt exactly like you did when seeing that clip. I wondered what was really going on beneath Melania’s perfect facade.

 

[JPie]

When I see Melania, she reminds me of that saying: when you marry for money, you earn every penny!

 

[nkarma]

All politicians are hypocrites. As are people who think politics is the end all be all of civilization and draw battle lines with which to thwart their fellow man. There is plenty more out there to be interested in IMO.

I like Melania as well. She is beautiful and gracious.

This isn't directed at you Red, but I know you are one of the few Republicans and Trump supporters on PS and it's interesting to hear your perspective as I would assume it's similar to others. Same as how a lot of the liberals sound the same on here.

I just wanted to point out that I have noticed a lot of your responses in this thread seem to be to have at a minimum no expectations or at the worst cruel and terrible expectations of your government representatives. The one I quoted above is they are hypocrites but it's similar to dozens in this thread that you expect politicians to display qualities that are the worst of humanity.

It's such a change from a Republican party that prided themselves on family values and representing the best of humanity. I have no judgement that you feel this way, but I am a little surprised by the speed of the change of attitudes and rush to defend some pretty horrible actions and significant changes to the US democracy with the notion that all politicians are bad and what can you do.

And I do think people should speak up when they see something wrong - collective voices have created a lot of change throughout history. And as minimum it means you didn't erode the nature of what makes you a human by being a silent and compliant observer when people are getting harassed, treated unfairly, or even worse suffering and dying.

 

[Maja]

I jumped in here a few days ago to say how irritated I was by the perception that Barbara Bush, a rich woman who kept her mouth shut and supported her husband and sons to even greater wealth, was being memorialized as a down-to-earth, or feisty, or independent woman, and @AGBF was generous enough to provide thoughtful responses to that. I check back in today and see how much ground you cover in this thread, oooh-weee! A lot!

I'm speaking up, @nkarma, because I do believe people should speak up when they see something wrong, and I'm looking for more people (US citizens, as I am), who think it's wrong that our country is dropping bombs on five or more countries every day. Hundreds to thousands are killed, tens of thousands are wounded, hundreds of thousands are displaced across Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Mali, Niger, Libya, Pakistan--and Americans won't speak out to end that, just as they won't speak out to end the constant stream of American troops heading out to wage war in those countries.

tl;dr -- It's not just elected officials who are hypocrites, preaching an end to gun violence at home while selling arms abroad, it's we the voters who put them there and keep them there.

 

[redwood66]

This isn't directed at you Red, but I know you are one of the few Republicans and Trump supporters on PS and it's interesting to hear your perspective as I would assume it's similar to others. Same as how a lot of the liberals sound the same on here.

I just wanted to point out that I have noticed a lot of your responses in this thread seem to be to have at a minimum no expectations or at the worst cruel and terrible expectations of your government representatives. The one I quoted above is they are hypocrites but it's similar to dozens in this thread that you expect politicians to display qualities that are the worst of humanity.

It's such a change from a Republican party that prided themselves on family values and representing the best of humanity. I have no judgement that you feel this way, but I am a little surprised by the speed of the change of attitudes and rush to defend some pretty horrible actions and significant changes to the US democracy with the notion that all politicians are bad and what can you do.

And I do think people should speak up when they see something wrong - collective voices have created a lot of change throughout history. And as minimum it means you didn't erode the nature of what makes you a human by being a silent and compliant observer when people are getting harassed, treated unfairly, or even worse suffering and dying.

Thanks for your opinion but I wouldn't base it on me for the Republican party as a whole as that would be quite a mistake. I don't care what you do in your own home as long as it does not affect me or my family so family values are what you decide they are for you. You (collective) make your own choices and accept the consequences of them. As far as politicians displaying the worst of humanity they are far from it, because I have seen the worst of humanity. I said they are hypocrites and many are. They can also be self serving. I am not sure what horrible actions I defended so can you point those out?

I am not a Trump supporter and did not vote for him BTW, but I do want some of the things that are on his platform to happen. I don't have much faith in very many politicians at all even those in the party with which I am registered. I believe that the size and scope of the federal government has gone far beyond where it should be (or was intended) and that can be laid at the feet of both R's and D's. There are very few that are actually conservative any longer. Obviously there were far more people who were more disillusioned with politicians than me to elect Donald Trump as our President. I would rather the government do as little as possible and that includes getting involved in conflicts in foreign countries as I have a son serving. My views are far closer to those of Rand Paul than many Republicans. Live and let live, and also the better observance of the constitutional republic that we live in. Government is not the answer for everything and I don't agree with people who think more government can fix society's problems or legislate the human heart. That starts with oneself.

As far as speaking up, one's best opportunity for that is in their local situations as that has the most impact and one which I am very involved. I certainly do not care about the minutia of Melania Trump's facial expressions or the shoes she wears (unless they are especially pretty) or even if Trump had affairs. None of my business, which doesn't mean I condone it. What he DOES as President is what I care about but you won't find me posting non stop complaints about every tweet or stupid comment either. Not in my nature to do it, about anyone. Because it is a waste of time IMO and my well being is better off keeping outrage in check. That does not mean I agree with everything he does, because I don't. Nor did I agree with much that Obama did. Sure he is a nice guy and a wonderful father and husband, and it is great that he is well spoken, but he was not what I wanted in a President. The people chose him and what could I do to change it? I accept the choice that people made. He did plenty to sow discord in the US as Trump is doing now. So it boils down to the fact that I don't have the desire to put much emotion into politics. I definitely don't march or protest, most conservatives don't. None of that means that I don't care or am not watching what politicians do, please don't make that assumption by suggesting that I am a "silent and compliant observer when people are getting harassed, treated unfairly, or even worse suffering and dying." I hope that is not what you are doing because you have no idea what I do IRL when things happen that I can actually do something about. "Speaking up" should be much more than typing opinions or outrage on an internet forum, which was my point in the first place.

So take all that as you will. But don't use me as the standard bearer for R's on PS, probably better to pick someone else. Maybe @Dancing Fire? My government dream would be Rand Paul (or someone similar) as President and a ginormous Tea Party/Libertarian majority in both the House and Senate. With no bailouts for anyone and no friggin' lobbyists of any kind.

Thanks for listening.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Red, thanks for writing my post!...