Obama America's Idol
I’ve only watched a few episodes of American Idol so imagine my shock last Tuesday to see how program has become another prime time PR venue for Obama. I’m Susan Allen, what does this have to do Open Range? Was I the only one who noticed that last Tuesday’s American Idol was a simply a presidential promo? First we had an Obama pep talk, then producers cut to his “Yes We Can” Speech while panning the crowd to reveal contestants in “Yes We Can” t-shirts’ frantically chanting his name. (Made me more edgy than the latest Twilight sequel.) Despite the fact he was hired to work for our country, (catch the word work) not feed an ego by being a regular each week on prime time TV, I couldn’t help but think of the contrast between this president and Teddy Roosevelt. Prior to his presidency Roosevelt had logged hundreds miles in the saddle and branding pen with cowboys and earned their respect. Years latter he explained “As with all other forms of work a man of ordinary power, who nevertheless does not shirk things merely because they are disagreeable or irksome, soon earns his place.” He also said in his autobiography that “I owe more than I can express to the West, which of course means to the men and women I met in the West. And Roosevelt remarked that were it not for his experience in Dakota Territory where he learned to relate to working people, he would not have been elected president. Hardworking, humble, relates to the working class... far cry from a commander and chief who craves adoration and puts down someone for driving a pick-up . I’m Susan Allen
