desertgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,646
Jun 26, 2014 15:58:05 GMT
|
Post by desertgirl on Nov 25, 2020 17:22:32 GMT
WTH is she going to say when she shows off this year's decorations? "Oops?" or "WTF?"
|
|
|
Post by freecharlie on Nov 25, 2020 17:22:43 GMT
So let's say I was FLOTUS and I thought this was a stupid tradition. Do I do a hair flip like Melania? Or do I say, "This is a wonderful tradition. I have decided to put it in the hands of those who can carry it out the best." And then delegate it. This I agree with. I understand the tradition, it just seems so demeaning to delegate it to the first lady regardless of who is president. Jill Biden is a doctor who teaches college classes. Let her do that if she wants. why is it demeaning? Because you personally don't find value in it? Do you think she should also find it demeaning to decorate her own house? When a spouse stands behind their partner in running for president, they know much of what their life will be for the next 4-8 years. This is one of those things. It is a job description type thing, like hosting the egg roll and showing up where you are needed. Don't want to do it? Don't stand by your spouse as they run or delegate the stuff you don't want to do. Melania doesn't want to? Whatever. I bet Jill Biden will enjoy it.
|
|
sueg
Prolific Pea
Posts: 7,999
Location: Munich
Apr 12, 2016 12:51:01 GMT
|
Post by sueg on Nov 25, 2020 17:38:24 GMT
So let's say I was FLOTUS and I thought this was a stupid tradition. Do I do a hair flip like Melania? Or do I say, "This is a wonderful tradition. I have decided to put it in the hands of those who can carry it out the best." And then delegate it. This I agree with. I understand the tradition, it just seems so demeaning to delegate it to the first lady regardless of who is president. Jill Biden is a doctor who teaches college classes. Let her do that if she wants. Michelle Obama was a pretty high powered lawyer before her hubby became president, yet didn’t seem to find it demeaning.
|
|
Dalai Mama
Drama Llama
La Pea Boheme
Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
|
Post by Dalai Mama on Nov 25, 2020 17:43:56 GMT
This I agree with. I understand the tradition, it just seems so demeaning to delegate it to the first lady regardless of who is president. Jill Biden is a doctor who teaches college classes. Let her do that if she wants. why is it demeaning? Because you personally don't find value in it? Do you think she should also find it demeaning to decorate her own house? When a spouse stands behind their partner in running for president, they know much of what their life will be for the next 4-8 years. This is one of those things. It is a job description type thing, like hosting the egg roll and showing up where you are needed. Don't want to do it? Don't stand by your spouse as they run or delegate the stuff you don't want to do. Melania doesn't want to? Whatever. I bet Jill Biden will enjoy it. Jill Biden is already planning on breaking the FLOTUS mould by continuing to work. I applaud that. Look, I'm not saying that it isn't in her best interest to suck it up and do this last thing but I think it's a stupid-assed sexist tradition that needs to go.
|
|
|
Post by papersilly on Nov 25, 2020 18:07:15 GMT
i would be fine if current FLOTUS did nothing. she already effed up the rose garden so best she doesn't touch anything else.
|
|
2020gone
New Member
Posts: 2
Nov 25, 2020 18:13:45 GMT
|
Post by 2020gone on Nov 25, 2020 18:17:57 GMT
Oh I can’t wait to to pull the new First Lady through the mud .. you have no respect for the office... I don’t care who is in there ...
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Nov 25, 2020 18:31:11 GMT
If (general you) you don’t live close enough to come visit for the holidays, it may seem outdated and superfluous to you.
It has become harder and harder to tour the White House since 2001. The White House Holiday self-guided Tours are packed and run from dawn-to-dusk for several weeks. I can’t find the exact number of visitors, but I would guess 10’s of thousands of people enjoy touring and seeing “the people’s house” decked out in its finery. Both times I have toured, there was a local children’s choir performing at the end.
So, if you aren’t able to attend because you don’t live nearby it might seem silly, but many many people DO see and enjoy the White House at the holidays. Everyday people like you and me. It is the one time of the year that the people’s house is open to a large number of regular people.
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Nov 25, 2020 18:40:36 GMT
There have been very educated first ladies before that have done it. I don't think Jill Biden will have a problem with it. Esp since she's already been a VPs wife for 8 yrs, and know what's expected of her. I think Kamala Harris's Dh (sorry can't remember his name) will totally embrace being the very 1st 2nd gentleman. AND if she goes on to maybe be President someday I can totally see him embracing that part of it all.
|
|
|
Post by revirdsuba99 on Nov 25, 2020 18:48:43 GMT
Yes, we need to remember, Doug, the first second gentleman.
|
|
kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,509
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
|
Post by kate on Nov 25, 2020 18:57:02 GMT
Just sittin' here musing about a President Harris... What would be expected of the Jewish First Gentleman regarding the Christmas tree, I wonder?
|
|
inkedup
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,837
Jun 26, 2014 5:00:26 GMT
|
Post by inkedup on Nov 25, 2020 19:26:06 GMT
It is a tradition, but don’t be fooled her actual duties are not overwhelming. She has a team of designers to help her. Her role, along with the designers to come up with a general theme and overall feel of the of the look. They brainstorm ideas, they draw up the sketches. She approves or make changes as she desires. The plans are approved and they get to work making it happen. She is not at Hobby Lobby shopping for ribbons and snowflake ornaments. With the budget and talent she has to draw from, its hardly going to cause her to break a sweat. Melania’s whining about how much work she does is equal to Donald’s complaints about hard he works everyday. In fairness, the only "work" Melania ever signed up for was the work of allowing that disgusting toad to impregnate her so she could ensure her pay day. So I can see how directing a hired staff to decorate for zeee Fucking Christmas is making her feel a little put out. I hate them both. She is a vile, disgusting snake.
|
|
|
Post by freecharlie on Nov 25, 2020 19:28:45 GMT
Just sittin' here musing about a President Harris... What would be expected of the Jewish First Gentleman regarding the Christmas tree, I wonder? maybe he'll add some menorahs or make the colors blue and silver I think he will do a great job if he become FMOTUS...but we need a new acronym then because I'd read that as f-motus and that would not work well
|
|
|
Post by freecharlie on Nov 25, 2020 19:33:38 GMT
As first lady, what do you suppose the security is going to look like for her continuing to teach? How much will that cost? Will her room/office need to be fortified?
I know she taught while second lady, but that is different than first lady AND there weren't as many non-closeted crazies out there.
Logistically it will probably be a nightmare.
And I personally don't think it is a semester tradition and it brings joy to many many people when Covid doesn't keep them from visiting the WH. The decorations and the performances are special.
Of course, I love Christmas and I love holiday decorations and lights and all that. It brings smiles to people's faces and I think that is a worthwhile cause.
|
|
|
Post by gardengoddess on Nov 25, 2020 20:10:40 GMT
Isn't this what this country wants? A FLOTUS with no more responsibility than to decorate the WH for the holidays? I remember having a FLOTUS 25 years ago who did try to use that position for, let's see how another poster said it "There's much more important things to do, because a new FLOTUS position can and will have opinions of the direction of this country" in regards to healthcare and health insurance for the children and citizens of this country and she was nothing but vilified for it and was continued to be vilified for the last quarter century.
How many conservatives bitched, pissed and moaned about at FLOTUS who dared get involved in this nation's child obesity problem?
#BeBest
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Nov 25, 2020 21:03:29 GMT
As first lady, what do you suppose the security is going to look like for her continuing to teach? How much will that cost? Will her room/office need to be fortified? I know she taught while second lady, but that is different than first lady AND there weren't as many non-closeted crazies out there. Logistically it will probably be a nightmare. And I personally don't think it is a semester tradition and it brings joy to many many people when Covid doesn't keep them from visiting the WH. The decorations and the performances are special. Of course, I love Christmas and I love holiday decorations and lights and all that. It brings smiles to people's faces and I think that is a worthwhile cause. My son goes to the college Dr. Biden teaches at - Northern VA Community College (she has been teaching at the Annandale Campus). It is all online right now and for the foreseeable future. 😀 Even when on-campus classes start up again, the college always offers online-only and hybrid model options for most courses. Dr. Biden should be able to teach online for now without security issues. In the future, online or hybrid models may be easier to manage in terms of security until she is no longer FLOTUS.
|
|
|
Post by freecharlie on Nov 25, 2020 21:46:57 GMT
As first lady, what do you suppose the security is going to look like for her continuing to teach? How much will that cost? Will her room/office need to be fortified? I know she taught while second lady, but that is different than first lady AND there weren't as many non-closeted crazies out there. Logistically it will probably be a nightmare. And I personally don't think it is a semester tradition and it brings joy to many many people when Covid doesn't keep them from visiting the WH. The decorations and the performances are special. Of course, I love Christmas and I love holiday decorations and lights and all that. It brings smiles to people's faces and I think that is a worthwhile cause. My son goes to the college Dr. Biden teaches at - Northern VA Community College (she has been teaching at the Annandale Campus). It is all online right now and for the foreseeable future. 😀 Even when on-campus classes start up again, the college always offers online-only and hybrid model options for most courses. Dr. Biden should be able to teach online for now without security issues. In the future, online or hybrid models may be easier to manage in terms of security until she is no longer FLOTUS. I think online would be a great idea. I can't imagine what the process would be for securing her classroom daily and the potential for someone to study something that happened so regularly would be worrisome
|
|
|
Post by paulao on Nov 25, 2020 22:30:00 GMT
Years ago there was an annual special, I think on HGTV, about the decorations at the WH. Volunteers were responsible for a lot of the decorating. I always thought it would be a honor to help put up the Christmas decorations at the WH.
|
|
|
Post by revirdsuba99 on Nov 25, 2020 23:25:23 GMT
As first lady, what do you suppose the security is going to look like for her continuing to teach? How much will that cost? Will her room/office need to be fortified? I know she taught while second lady, but that is different than first lady AND there weren't as many non-closeted crazies out there. Logistically it will probably be a nightmare. And I personally don't think it is a semester tradition and it brings joy to many many people when Covid doesn't keep them from visiting the WH. The decorations and the performances are special. Of course, I love Christmas and I love holiday decorations and lights and all that. It brings smiles to people's faces and I think that is a worthwhile cause. Providing protection for the FLOTUS will cost far less then paying for the dt off spring for all their foolish questionable travels.
|
|
|
Post by Belia on Nov 25, 2020 23:56:24 GMT
Any other first lady for literally any other president, I would 1000% agree with you. Take charge of the holiday decorations or don't- doesn't make any difference to me.
But for THIS first lady.... no fucking way.
1. She hasn't done jack shit in her role as FLOTUS. She can for goddam sure sign off on the decorations and plug in the lights one last time.
2. The entire right / Republicans / conservative wing of the US has been screaming about the "War on Christmas" and how the evil left is stopping people from saying Merry Christmas, etc etc etc for YEARS now. Little did they know, I guess, that the phone call announcing the war on Christmas was really coming from inside the house. Can you imagine what would happen at Fox News if a Democratic first lady refused to decorate for Christmas of all things?!?!?! Can you IMAGINE??? The right would lose their ever-loving minds. Nope. THIS first lady should be decorating for THIS freaking holiday or else my head is going to finally explode once and for all from the hypocracy of it all.
|
|
|
Post by freecharlie on Nov 26, 2020 0:04:35 GMT
As first lady, what do you suppose the security is going to look like for her continuing to teach? How much will that cost? Will her room/office need to be fortified? I know she taught while second lady, but that is different than first lady AND there weren't as many non-closeted crazies out there. Logistically it will probably be a nightmare. And I personally don't think it is a semester tradition and it brings joy to many many people when Covid doesn't keep them from visiting the WH. The decorations and the performances are special. Of course, I love Christmas and I love holiday decorations and lights and all that. It brings smiles to people's faces and I think that is a worthwhile cause. Providing protection for the FLOTUS will cost far less then paying for the dt off spring for all their foolish questionable travels. I'm not doubting that, but I don't think everything should be "well they..." stuff should stand on its own most of the time
|
|
pinklady
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,497
Nov 14, 2016 23:47:03 GMT
|
Post by pinklady on Nov 26, 2020 0:06:04 GMT
Melania doesn’t give a fuck about Christmas decorations.
|
|
|
Post by megop on Nov 26, 2020 0:06:07 GMT
I think carrying on the tradition is perhaps more important now than ever really. Whatever can be done, both large and small, to support a message that the reverence for the institution of our government proceeds no matter what individual holds the office. Say what you will, but traditions should be continued although I will say, they can innovate to become more updated, but I think doing away with them is a mistake. It's about transcending situations toward hope to me.
|
|
|
Post by megop on Nov 26, 2020 0:10:08 GMT
There have been very educated first ladies before that have done it. I don't think Jill Biden will have a problem with it. Esp since she's already been a VPs wife for 8 yrs, and know what's expected of her. I think Kamala Harris's Dh (sorry can't remember his name) will totally embrace being the very 1st 2nd gentleman. AND if she goes on to maybe be President someday I can totally see him embracing that part of it all. Adding to this thought based on my previous post on this thread. This is absolutely where innovation within the tradition could occur. Harris's DH performs the duties, or perhaps they do so in unity. Who knows, but the White House is the house of the people and to me the holiday decorating should continue.
|
|
|
Post by megop on Nov 26, 2020 0:11:50 GMT
If (general you) you don’t live close enough to come visit for the holidays, it may seem outdated and superfluous to you. It has become harder and harder to tour the White House since 2001. The White House Holiday self-guided Tours are packed and run from dawn-to-dusk for several weeks. I can’t find the exact number of visitors, but I would guess 10’s of thousands of people enjoy touring and seeing “the people’s house” decked out in its finery. Both times I have toured, there was a local children’s choir performing at the end. So, if you aren’t able to attend because you don’t live nearby it might seem silly, but many many people DO see and enjoy the White House at the holidays. Everyday people like you and me. It is the one time of the year that the people’s house is open to a large number of regular people. THIS!!!
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Nov 26, 2020 2:36:44 GMT
Adding to this thought based on my previous post on this thread. This is absolutely where innovation within the tradition could occur. Harris's DH performs the duties, or perhaps they do so in unity. Who knows, but the White House is the house of the people and to me the holiday decorating should continue. I actually think the FLOTUS and the VP wife have done a lot of things together in the past. I distinctly remember pic's of Michelle Obama and Jill doing events together.
|
|
AmeliaBloomer
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,842
Location: USA
Jun 26, 2014 5:01:45 GMT
|
Post by AmeliaBloomer on Nov 26, 2020 4:23:03 GMT
Providing protection for the FLOTUS will cost far less then paying for the dt off spring for all their foolish questionable travels. I'm not doubting that, but I don't think everything should be "well they..." stuff should stand on its own most of the time I agree one situation doesn’t always justify another, but I have no objection to a Pres/VP spouse working. It doesn’t sit right with me to expect someone to give up employment because we elected their spouse - just as the kids should not give up the college experience. It’s hard to protect somebody at a college whether they teach there or live there. Just like it’s hard to protect ALL these people daily. Nature of the beast. The unusual thing about the new administration is that both spouses currently work in the DC area. They’re not relocating, so no hand is being forced. I’m curious what Doug Emhoff, who is currently on leave from his law firm, plans to do. I’m pretty sure Bill Clinton, as a First Spouse, would have kept up a lot of his work as a globe-trotting ex-president. He wouldn’t be using his office in Harlem, but he’d probably still be working, with all the attendent risks. I do, however, draw the line at being protected when “working” inside a closed car when you have active COVID and just escaped from the hospital.
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Nov 26, 2020 4:36:58 GMT
I feel fairly certain that most First Ladies in recent years have relied on their staff and a team of decorators to actually do the planning, and then have signed off on the final concept. What’s being asked of Melania is minimal. There have been several specials on HGTV that show how much the staff does for decorating the White House. The First Ladies can get involved as much as they like, but mostly take credit for it even when they don't do a lot. They also have a large number of volunteers who come in and decorate different rooms/trees. I don't think the wives generally do that much.
|
|
TheOtherMeg
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,541
Jun 25, 2014 20:58:14 GMT
|
Post by TheOtherMeg on Nov 26, 2020 8:18:15 GMT
Agreed. If Hilary had won in 2016, would Bill have been expected to carry on this tradition? I think not. I will be irked if the First Gentleman, whomever it turns out to be, decides he's too macho/important to carry on some of the traditional First Spouse jobs. There's nothing inherently feminine about Christmas decorations, or even the Easter Bunny. (And the First Dude should be glad that he won't have to wear the bunny suit, like Spicey did.)
|
|
|
Post by SockMonkey on Nov 26, 2020 14:21:18 GMT
It's kinda patriarchal bullshit, TBH.
There's got to be a better way to deal with this. Of course a staff does all the actual planning and design, but in terms of choosing a theme, etc., I envision a more inclusive way of doing this (family decides together, ask a respected artist, let a team of school kids plan...something).
|
|
|
Post by mollycoddle on Nov 26, 2020 14:37:36 GMT
I think that they should decorate if they want to, or hire out if they don’t. I do think that the WH should be decorated, but who does that is their decision, their option to participate or not. NBD
|
|