Pretend You Are Talking To An Equal, More Clearly, A Man

I never really considered myself a true feminist. I care deeply about issues specific to women, but I just never really fit the mold. I’ve got other issues that I have chosen to champion over the years. I believe that is about to change. After viewing a portion of the 12/2/2009 White House Press Conference between April Ryan and Robert Gibbs, I think I may be moving toward a personal rendition of I Am Woman.

Excuse me? Just calm down and take a deep breath? I tell my son that all of the time? My first thought was, is this some fake Robert Gibbs? He’s the White House Press Secretary for “THE OBAMA!!!”
There have been heated exchanges in the White House briefing room before but I have never seen Gibbsy talk down to one of the members of the WH Press Corps in that manner. He treated her as if she were a petulant child and hasn’t been called to the carpet on his behavior.
Granted the question was a bit ridiculous, she should have focused on the real issue, “Why was Desiree Rodgers walking the press line at a state dinner when she is the White House Social Secretary and her responsibility was as an event planner. There was a security failure at the event and her responsibilities for the evening included making sure there were no failures. Therefore she failed. How does the White House intend to deal with the aforementioned failure?” There April, that is the question you should have asked, perhaps you can ask that instead of some nonsense about Desiree Rodgers outshining the First Lady.
Where are April Ryan’s colleagues in the White House Press Corps? Why do they seem so eerily quiet about blatant sexism? Some stood up for Fox News when the White House made the accurate declaration that Fox News is not a news organization. They screamed and howled saying the White House has no place making those determinations. HOW DARE THEY!!!! Oh Fox News is a “sister news organization” they deserve to be treated as any other news organization. I disagree but whateves man, not my battle for the day.
I sincerely want to know why no one has said, Mr. Gibbs, April Ryan is our colleague and you spoke to her as though she were a child throwing a tantrum, this is wrong. Actually, I believe I know exactly why they have remained irritatingly silent. April Ryan is a woman. Gibbs was simply trying to calm a woman in the throws of a hissy fit. Yes, I realize that determination makes complete sense and is totally rational. Feel free to call me a genius at any time. This is the same White House Press Corps that made a story out of Presidential golf being an all male activity.
So, if no one else will stand up for April Ryan, I will.

Mr. Gibbs,

You were terribly wrong in your treatment of April Ryan. While Ms. Ryan’s question may have been terribly misguided, she had the right to ask the question and be treated with dignity and respect. She did not deserve to be patronized, interrupted and finally told to calm down as if she were a child who has no control over her emotions. Such blatant disrespect should not have a home in the White House during this administration. I am disappointed in your behavior and hope that in the future you will consider rethinking your responses. If you must, excuse her gender for a moment and pretend you are talking to an equal, more clearly, a man.
P.S. A pretty pink tie does not excuse bad behavior.
Respectfully,

Emokidsloveme