Michelle Obama Was Misquoted, But She's Still Not Proud Enough of America

Some of the criticism of Michelle Obama's latest remarks is going overboard.  She didn't say this is the first time she's been proud of America.  She said it's the first time she's been "really proud":

“What we have learned over this year is that hope is making a comeback. It is making a comeback and let me tell you something, For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. And not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change. I have been desperate to see our country moving in that direction and just not feeling so alone in my frustration and disappointment. I have seen people who are hungry to be unified around some basic common issues. It has made me proud.”

"Really proud" is a little different from proud.  That leaves room for the possibility that Michelle Obama has been a little, teensy bit proud of her country in the past -- just not ready-to-do-handsprings proud.

But I still don't agree with her at all.

I've been "really proud" of America many times. 

I was "really proud" of America when the first man stepped onto the moon.

I was really proud of America when the Berlin wall fell. 

I was really proud of America when I saw an Olympic torch passing through my town. 

I was really proud of America during many shuttle launches, and many shuttle safe returns, and even in the aftermath of shuttle disasters, when leaders like Ronald Reagan reminded us what America and its space program are all about.

I was really proud of America when I attended a citizenship ceremony for our childrens' nanny.

I was reallly proud of America when I saw photos of Iraqis voting, holding their purple ink-stained fingers proudly in the air.

I was really proud of America when I learned what the heroes of Flight 93 had done on September 11, 2001.

I'm proud and happy to say that I've been "really proud" of America again and again and again in my adult life.

I wish Michelle Obama knew that joy.  I'd hate to see any of the keys of power handed to someone who doesn't really appreciate the greatness of America.

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Others writing on Michelle Obama's remarks:  Jonathan V. Last, Ed Morrissey, Michelle Malkin 

Update:  Michelle Obama Expressed Lack of Pride in America at Least TWICE 

Comments

[Keith]

In the immortal (borrowed) words of Barack Obama: "Words matter".

[elixelx]

This must go down as part of President Bush's legacy; the fact that it was during his tenure that Michelle Obama first became "really proud" of her country.
What exactly has POTUS done to deserve this much kudos from the wife of the Hope-Giver?

Seriously though, this is the first shot in the Race War that will mark this election, because, make no mistake, this is a racist remark. America the White takes away hope; America the black brings it back!

[Tom]

Ooh sweet, nationalist porn. There's a lot to be proud of, sure. But there's also a lot to be ashamed of. I love America, but I'm not proud of our country right now. Get ahold of yourselves. Human beings are what matters, not your quasi-religious worship of a flag.