Michelle Obama should be in 2010 Time Magezine - Essay Example

Why Michelle Obama should be one of Time Magazine's Most Influential People There are some who say that Michelle has not done much compared to other First Ladies. Hilary Clinton, for example, when she was First Lady, had a big stage and was sometimes even called the co-president. Michelle has taken on a more subdued role, these critics suggest. In truth, however, Michelle is playing to her strengths. She has no desire to be a jet-setter like Hilary. She wants to improve the lot of American families and she knows she can do a better job of this by staying a little bit beneath the radar.

A lot of the criticism of Michelle comes from people who seek to demonize her husband. It is all politics. They see Michelle as a kind of radical who supported black nationalism in her youth. These caricatures are offensive and do a disservice to American political discourse. Nevertheless, they form part of the background noise that follows Michelle and the Obama administration. There are still those who would use racial issues to divide us, no matter how much Michelle and her husband have risen above these problems and inspired the country.

Michelle has a number of fantastic initiatives to which she dedicates a great deal of time. In recognition of her selfless work on behalf of these cause she should be one of Time Magazine's Most Influential People. One of her biggest accomplishments has been to support military families. America is currently engaged in two wars. One in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. Both of these conflicts take a huge toll on America's fighting men and women. Family members are away for months at a time on active duty, away from their spouses and children.

They are always in harms way; family members are always waiting beside the phone for the dreaded call. Their families need support. This is one of the best things that Michelle does. She promotes and helps military families and helps to ensure that they get the respect that they so richly deserve. She has spent her time at the top working with these families to bring their stories to light and ensure that they are not forgotten in the middle of the news cycle. Michelle is not a camera-hog; she is not seeking attention for herself.

What she wants is a country that recognizes the sacrifices of those who serve in uniform. Her work on behalf of American military families is the best example of this. She knows they form the backbone of the American republic and are also its heart and soul. She also knows that they face a lot of problems and are sometimes ignored by the mainstream press and by the government. It is her plan to reverse these trends. Michelle Obama, in some ways, is an unlikely First Lady. She is clearly a proud and intelligent woman.

Before her husband became president, her career was very important. But she has found a new career now as First Lady and has seized the opportunity with great gusto. Her work on behalf of American military families is truly impressive and is one of the main reasons she should be one of Time Magazine's Most Influential People. She cares about all Americans equally and works hard every day to improve their lives.