Wes Clark, Michelle Obama and the right-wing smear machine

Over the past couple of days we have heard the statements made by General Wesley Clark discussed on all the news networks. Clark questioned whether John McCain's armed service background made him qualified to be the president.

The media and fellow politicians have criticized Clark for even bringing up the subject. Barack Obama has distanced himself from the remarks and reiterated his respect for McCain's service to the country.

Military service is seemingly viewed as something so sacred that it is beyond criticism and off limits. Whereas, the character of your spouse does not receive this same kind of respect.

Michelle Obama has been subjected to vicious criticism from the right. She is not the candidate, she is the spouse of a candidate and the far right has torn into her like a dog on raw meat, but not a whimper has come out of the Republicans in her defense. Some things are more sacred than others. Perish the thought of criticizing a war hero, but Obama's wife? That's a whole different ballgame.

We live in the land of political correctness. Some things might be completely right, but you just don't say them. If you do cross the line you are immediately chastised by the press and anyone that resides in their realm.

General Clark crossed the line on Sunday when he questioned whether John McCain's service in the military qualified him to be president. Obama immediately distanced himself from Clark's remarks and the press beat Clark up all day long, but Clark refused to back down.

He did not come out saying "well what I meant to say was this." He did not try to back pedal or give us campaign double talk. He stood by what he said. He also said he was not speaking for the Obama campaign, he was speaking for himself.

Even if you disagree with Clark's premise you have got to respect a man who says what he means and means what he says. In a political year this kind of man is an endangered species.

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