This afternoon, First Lady Melania Trump addressed the recent school shooting at Parkland, Florida, before a group of governors’ spouses at the White House. Melania not only expressed support for the students, but called on the gathering of spouses to do better at promoting universal values like kindness and respect.
Here are some of her comments via CNN:
“Before you leave to go back to your wonderful states and territories, I am asking you all to join me today and commit to promoting values such as encouragement, kindness, compassion, and respect in our children. In my role as First Lady I want to nurture and protect the most valuable part of our society and our future: Children. I hope you will all join me in my efforts and ask for your support.”
You can listen to more of her comments below:
First lady Melania Trump, speaking at a White House luncheon for governors’ spouses in her first official public remarks of the year: “Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to all who were affected” by the Florida school shooting https://t.co/aGQ3Ydl87S pic.twitter.com/7rHs3OItJ0
— CNN (@CNN) February 26, 2018
First lady Melania Trump: “I have been heartened to see children across this country using their voices to speak out and try to create change. They’re our future and they deserve a voice.” https://t.co/JGmZLDpO0P pic.twitter.com/mpdNmgJZOj
— CNN (@CNN) February 26, 2018
Now compare Melania’s comments with those of former First Lady Michelle Obama’s. Both congratulated the students on their willingness to speak out for what they believe. But Melania’s comments were a neutral endorsement of student activism. She wasn’t picking a side, but merely encouraging the students.
Michelle Obama, on the other hand, came down firmly on the side of those students calling for more gun control:
I’m in total awe of the extraordinary students in Florida. Like every movement for progress in our history, gun reform will take unyielding courage and endurance. But @barackobama and I believe in you, we’re proud of you, and we’re behind you every step of the way.
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) February 22, 2018
Here’s the thing: not every student involved in the Parkland shooting is espousing the need for more firearm regulation. Some are calling for better mental health assistance for troubled students, others are demanding that the police and their teachers be better equipped to deal with another shooter.
Michelle Obama left those children out in her message – Melania didn’t.
Does this instance prove that Melania Trump is a way better First Lady, and actually wants to bring our country together? Tell us what you think below!
