A-Opinion: Maureen Dowd's "Should Michelle Cover Up?"

I don't always agree with Maureen Dowd, although she's an enormously clever, informed and intellectual writer.

Maureen's book Are Men Necessary? When Sexes Collide served no real purpose, in my mind. When it comes to men, we agree to disagree.

Her NYTimes column Should Michelle Cover Up? hits all the key points in the growing conversation around Michelle Obama's biceps.

To reiterate, there is NO national outrage over Michelle's bare arms. Bonnie Fuller's Sleevegate is self-serving, eyeball-generating journalism.

In huge numbers, women support our lean, (not) mean, (True Grit girl) fighting machine. Michelle Obama is a Smart Sensuality woman, who feels no conflict over being both intelligent and sexy at the same time. Those arms and her back (I'm driving myself crazy trying to find THAT gorgeous photo) are potent symbols of Michelle's seriously-deep sensuality.

Michelle Obama has woman written all over her physical being.

Michelle Obama applauding POTUS addressing CongressDowd gives us the "take" on Michelle's biceps, down Washington-way.

Maureen says that David Brooks, who I adored just yesterday, says that it's time for Michelle to cover up: " “She’s made her point,” he said. “Now she should put away Thunder and Lightning.”

You're wrong, David. If Michelle covers up, I will be furious.

I laughed, reading that one Republican called Michelle a "babe", in her purple dress, the night her husband addressed Congress.

Excuse me, Michelle Obama is a Babe, a very Smart Sensuality Babe. Babes with brains are the new girls in town . . . as long as they have "heart".

Let's not forget the "heart part", to distinguish us from the Ann Coulters of the world, if you believe that Ann has brains. I'm not sure, because her intellect is so buried in nasty, controversial polemic, that I don't know the real-woman intellect on top of those great legs.

Back to our Yummy Mummy First Lady.

Maureen is now zeroing in for the kill, with laser-edge accuracy: “Washington is sensually avoidant. The wonks here like brains. She should not be known for her physical presence, for one body part.” David brought up the Obamas’ obsession with their workouts. “Sometimes I think half the reason Obama ran for president is so Michelle would have a platform to show off her biceps.”

David, for a really smart guy, I hate to tell you, but I think Michelle is brilliant so far. You also know that if she says a word about policy, the wonks and male bloggers both will be at her throat, as they were over Hillary and health care.

Now the truth seeps out. Dowd sums up: Michelle's muscles, combined with her potent personality, make her "daunting".

In hard times, Michelle Obama IS America's reminder that we can overcome the nation's problems, just as Smart Sensuality women can gain control of their own lives. Does self-discipline actually scare Washington? Especially in women?

Per Maureen, Michelle has soared every day, expanding the job to show us what can be accomplished by a generous spirit, a confident nature and a well-disciplined body.

Amen! Here's to Smart Sensuality women everywhere. May we rule the planet, with our men (and women), of course. Anne

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