Melania Trump: Guilty by Association

 

She was an immigrant to the United States, an independent woman who began her modeling career at five years old, and was a successful model who spoke five languages: Slovene, English, French, Serbian and German. She moved to the US in 1996, and became a permanent resident in 2001 and a US citizen in 2006.

Her name is Melania Trump. And the mainstream media has tried to make her life hell.

It’s hard enough to be the First Lady of the United States: that woman has to assume that she will often be in the spotlight. But when you are married to a president who is despised and criticized, you are a target for everything you say and do. It doesn’t matter if you are a woman, an immigrant, and independent—all qualities that the Left supposedly admires.

You must be destroyed.

Most recently, Melania Trump made a four-day trip to Africa. Most organizations skimmed over the countries she visited, the children she interacted with, the organizations she spoke with, and the goodwill she was spreading.

Instead of highlighting the positive potential outcomes of this trip, the media became obsessed with her clothing, particularly a pith helmet she wore. They labeled this hat a symbol of “colonialism” because it suited their agenda. When I checked on the origin of the pith helmet, however, this is what I found:

The pith helmet, also known as the safari helmet . . . is a lightweight cloth-covered helmet made of sholapith. Pith helmets were often worn by European travelers and explorers, in the varying climates found in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the tropics, but have also been used in many other contexts. They were routinely issued to European military personnel serving overseas in hot climates from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century.

After reading several paragraphs, I saw nothing relating to colonialism. The helmet, however, was placed distinctly in the foreground when there was a pull-away shot in her interview with ABC News.

From her interview with ABC, I saw a beautiful, independent and intelligent woman, who speaks of being true to herself. When asked the hardest part of her role as FLOTUS, she spoke of the lack of privacy and the media’s obsession with her clothes. In spite of the media’s efforts to characterize her as unhappy, she says she is happy and loves her role as First Lady.

Melania Trump is a charming and effective ambassador to the world. The Left is only hurting itself when it tries to annihilate her and garner hatred of her from the people. I wonder if people are envious of her poise, candor and beauty? I am proud to have her represent this country, and hope to see her in other parts of the world.

She is a fine example of an American citizen who loves this country, and a woman who has found her way in the world.

 

Published in Foreign Policy
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  1. Full Size Tabby Member
    Full Size Tabby
    @FullSizeTabby

    Having the First Lady (or other US representatives) go to countries the President considers terrible places is not necessarily inconsistent with the President’s prior characterizations. A reason to interact with such countries is to encourage / cajole / persuade them to become better countries – countries whose population doesn’t feel like they have to try to escape.

    Too many of the people in the US making such a fuss over refugees expend lost of energy telling us what we in the United States must do to welcome refugees, but demonstrate zero interest in working to make the source countries places that don’t produce refugees in the first place.

     

    • #31
  2. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    DonG (View Comment):
    The Belt and Road starts/ends in Africa

    Great comment, @dong. What does this mean, though?

    • #32
  3. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Full Size Tabby (View Comment):
    But, Melania Trump has certainly stepped up to the plate and been remarkably successful at it.

    I wondered about that, too. But in my research, she said in an early interview that she knew that Trump wanted to be President one day and she supported him. But then again, did she really expect it to happen? ;-)

    • #33
  4. KentForrester Inactive
    KentForrester
    @KentForrester

    Kay of MT (View Comment):

    KentForrester (View Comment):
    Susan, I need for you to agree with everything I say.

    @kentforrester this if for you and Bob.

    Obviously doing something wrong, can get it to embed.

    I Think My Dog's a Democrat Bryan Lewis Official Video

    Kay, that’s a cute song.  Really cute. Those two appearances by Hillary, one audio and one video, are pure genius.   It has a beat and you can dance to it. (Anyone recognize that allusion?)

    • #34
  5. Boss Mongo Member
    Boss Mongo
    @BossMongo

    KentForrester (View Comment):
    (Anyone recognize that allusion?)

    @kentforrester, it’s mid-afternoon, here.  I’m well into my cups and too lazy to double check.  But my guess is Robin Williams as Genie in Aladdin.  Still, even if I’m right, that was probably an allusion…

    • #35
  6. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    I was also just thinking that politicians run for office and at some level know they will have to put up with abuse from people, either on their own side or the other. But Melania didn’t run for office–her husband did–and it’s so nasty for them to go after her. Just sayin’ . . .

    • #36
  7. GrannyDude Member
    GrannyDude
    @GrannyDude

    What I like about Melania—other than her extraordinary good looks—is how lightly she wears the First Lady thing.  It’s not an apogee or a stepping stone. It’s not really about her at all, which I think is exactly the attitude that a first lady or first gentleman should have. 

     

    • #37
  8. KentForrester Inactive
    KentForrester
    @KentForrester

    Boss Mongo (View Comment):

    KentForrester (View Comment):
    (Anyone recognize that allusion?)

    @kentforrester, it’s mid-afternoon, here. I’m well into my cups and too lazy to double check. But my guess is Robin Williams as Genie in Aladdin. Still, even if I’m right, that was probably an allusion…

    Boss, you’re probably too young.  It alludes to a portion of Dick Clark’s American Bandstand.  On the “Rate a Record” section,  teenage audience members would say “Well, it’s got a good beat and you can dance to it.  It’s a hit!”   Or words to that effect.  

    It became a kind of standing joke. 

    • #38
  9. DonG Coolidge
    DonG
    @DonG

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    DonG (View Comment):
    The Belt and Road starts/ends in Africa

    Great comment, @dong. What does this mean, though?

    Belt and Road is China’s long-term plan to build supply and sales routes (land and sea) from China -> India -> Pakistan->Saudi Arabia/Israel/Egypt -> Africa/Europe.  Trains, roadways, and deep water ports.  (See wikipedia

    • #39
  10. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    DonG (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    DonG (View Comment):
    The Belt and Road starts/ends in Africa

    Great comment, @dong. What does this mean, though?

    Belt and Road is China’s long-term plan to build supply and sales routes (land and sea) from China -> India -> Pakistan->Saudi Arabia/Israel/Egypt -> Africa/Europe. Trains, roadways, and deep water ports. (See wikipedia)

    Thanks so much! Uh, that doesn’t look so good for us, though. China marches on . . .

    • #40
  11. JustmeinAZ Member
    JustmeinAZ
    @JustmeinAZ

    KentForrester (View Comment):

    Kay of MT (View Comment):

    KentForrester (View Comment):
    Susan, I need for you to agree with everything I say.

    @kentforrester this if for you and Bob.

    Obviously doing something wrong, can get it to embed.

    I Think My Dog's a Democrat Bryan Lewis Official Video

    Kay, that’s a cute song. Really cute. Those two appearances by Hillary, one audio and one video, are pure genius. It has a beat and you can dance to it. (Anyone recognize that allusion?)

    Of course! It’s from American Bandstand. But I guess you have to be of a certain age to recognize it.

    • #41
  12. Kay of MT Inactive
    Kay of MT
    @KayofMT

    JustmeinAZ (View Comment):
    Of course! It’s from American Bandstand. But I guess you have to be of a certain age to recognize it.

    Old! In the 1950s I won every jitterbug contest in my area. With my crinoline poodle skirts and white suede shoes.

    • #42
  13. Boss Mongo Member
    Boss Mongo
    @BossMongo

    Kay of MT (View Comment):
    Old! In the 1950s I won every jitterbug contest in my area.

    I just bet you did, young lady.

    • #43
  14. Simon Templar Member
    Simon Templar
    @

    GrannyDude (View Comment):

    …is how lightly she wears the First Lady thing.

    RicoComment of the Week!

     

     

    • #44
  15. George Townsend Inactive
    George Townsend
    @GeorgeTownsend

    I completely agree. While I have no use for her husband, I find Malania utterly charming, with Love for her new country.

    On yesterday’s Fox News Sunday, Brit Hume said that, with her looks, if she was a Democrat she would be on every glamour magazine in the country, and celebrated from coast to coast. What is with the left that they have to be so vicious towards a woman who has nothing but love for people and a willingness to be helpful?

    • #45
  16. Mate De Inactive
    Mate De
    @MateDe

    The left can’t stand Melania and Ivanka because they are everything they aren’t. Rich, beautiful, intelligent, independent and poised. They are class personified and it drives the left in general, but particularly the feminist left, insane.

    Their hate is pure envy, nothing more. These women have done nothing the deserve the scorn they receive other than having a connection with Trump.

    • #46
  17. I Walton Member
    I Walton
    @IWalton

    Try to imagine most feminists in a pith helmet, or in those heels.  No wonder they hate her.

    • #47
  18. Simon Templar Member
    Simon Templar
    @

    Kay of MT (View Comment):

    JustmeinAZ (View Comment):
    Of course! It’s from American Bandstand. But I guess you have to be of a certain age to recognize it.

    Old! In the 1950s I won every jitterbug contest in my area. With my crinoline poodle skirts and white suede shoes.

    With those gams!?! Of course you did.

    • #48
  19. Nanda Panjandrum Member
    Nanda Panjandrum
    @

    I Walton (View Comment):

    Try to imagine most feminists in a pith helmet, or in those heels. No wonder they hate her.

    Thanks, @iwalton; I can’t unsee that! (shudder)

    • #49
  20. Western Chauvinist Member
    Western Chauvinist
    @WesternChauvinist

    Susan Quinn: I wonder if people are envious of her poise, candor and beauty?

    I don’t. Wonder, that is. The Left is an ideology of envy. They hate excellence in all its forms, up to and including western civilization itself. 

    And think how maddening the contrast is between Michelle and Melania, who is the personification of grace and beauty! They can’t unsee that! I almost feel sorry for them. Nah, just kidding.

    • #50
  21. Kay of MT Inactive
    Kay of MT
    @KayofMT

    Simon Templar (View Comment):
    With those gams!?! Of course you did.

    You are sweet S.T., Kaylett says with tight black hose, I’d still have good looking legs. I remember Martha Graham and even as she aged, still had beautiful legs.

    • #51
  22. Kay of MT Inactive
    Kay of MT
    @KayofMT

    Kay of MT (View Comment):
    I have a friend who lives in Kenya and newly married so will e-mail him and ask. Will get back to you.

    I have as yet no response, maybe he is on his honeymoon. He is actually the son of a friend who lives in France, and we have been friends for 65 years.

    • #52
  23. Suspira Member
    Suspira
    @Suspira

    Doug Watt (View Comment):

    I had a topi when we lived in India for a little over two years. My brothers and I returned from India with British accents, much to the amusement of our third grade classmates. My first bat was a cricket bat, complete with wickets, and a cricket ball. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to shed my white privilege, as well my colonialist past, well not really.

     

     

    My father had a pith helmet just like that. He wore it to all kinds of outdoor activities. I never thought to ask him where he got it.

    • #53
  24. Suspira Member
    Suspira
    @Suspira

    Susan Quinn: In spite of the media’s efforts to characterize her as unhappy, she says she is happy and loves her role as First Lady.

    This is the Left’s message to all women: You’re unhappy, right? No? You should be!

    • #54
  25. She Member
    She
    @She

    GrannyDude (View Comment):

    What I like about Melania—other than her extraordinary good looks—is how lightly she wears the First Lady thing. It’s not an apogee or a stepping stone. It’s not really about her at all, which I think is exactly the attitude that a first lady or first gentleman should have.

     

    I think this is true.  She hasn’t actually been elected to anything, and last time I looked, this Brit didn’t see anything in the Constitution about a “First Lady” position.  But she’s in a place where she can do some good things, and shine a light on, and raise the profile of, some worthy causes, and she’s doing it without any political grandstanding at all.  That’s a refreshing change from the two previous Democrat holders of the title.  (To be fair, I think Laura Bush did a decent job).  It would be nice if the members of the media (both male and female) would support her and focus on her work, instead of acting like a bunch of envious and mean-spirited junior-high schoolers.

    • #55
  26. She Member
    She
    @She

    Suspira (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn: In spite of the media’s efforts to characterize her as unhappy, she says she is happy and loves her role as First Lady.

    This is the Left’s message to all women: You’re unhappy, right? No? You should be!

    I think it’s even worse than that.  I think the message on the Left, particularly from women on the Left, is usually: 

    I’m unhappy and I hate myself.  So you should be unhappy and hate yourself too.  And if you don’t, there’s something wrong with you and I’m going to pursue you relentlessly until you are unhappy and you do hate yourself.  And if you refuse to do both of those things, I’m just going to destroy you.”

     

    • #56
  27. Kay of MT Inactive
    Kay of MT
    @KayofMT

    Kay of MT (View Comment):

    Simon Templar (View Comment):
    With those gams!?! Of course you did.

    You are sweet S.T., Kaylett says with tight black hose, I’d still have good looking legs. I remember Martha Graham Martha Raye and even as she aged, still had beautiful legs.

    I am mistaken ST, it was not Martha Graham my legs were compared with, it was Martha Raye. The Mouth and spent most of her career entertaining the troupes.

    http://1950sunlimited.blogspot.com/2010/01/curves-ahead-martha-raye.html

    • #57
  28. Nanda Panjandrum Member
    Nanda Panjandrum
    @

    This comes to mind: “Puritanism. The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.” ~H. L. Mencken

    • #58
  29. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    You all probably know that polls over the years show that Republicans are happier than Democrats.

    • #59
  30. Eridemus Coolidge
    Eridemus
    @Eridemus

    I saw this not long ago and it has some of what Susan may be looking for (African reactions to Melania’s trip)…but of course leading with a “negative comparison to Michelle.” Since it’s a press organization production, who knows whether it is representative of anything?

    https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-45679133/melania-trump-africa-trip-reaction-from-ghana-kenya-and-egypt

    • #60
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