We spend a lot of time on this site talking about the First Lady’s Joining Forces program. Why? Because it is the central effort by our First Lady and government to not only raise awareness for the support needs of military families, but to help military spouses achieve our number one most coveted thing: a job.
Like we have said before, we are happy that they are making an effort. We are happy that they are trying.
But we think they could try harder. We don’t necessarily want them to do more, but we want what they are already doing to be different.
Maybe we are way off base here. This morning Jacey talked about what she would do with Joining Forces if SHE were First Lady. She said she would, for starters, use her influence to whip the heads of the services into shape on a few spouse job help related items.
(Personal opinion: it’s a darn tootin’ good thing that neither Jacey or myself are First Lady. It would be too much. America wouldn’t be able to handle our unfettered energy. Plus I, for one, have terrible fashion sense. They would make me put on something other than PJ pants as I wandered around the White House. And I would protest because, for crying out loud, the only place in the world you can even wear PJ pants without judgment is at home! You see it just wouldn’t work out).
We want to know what YOU would do with Joining Forces if YOU were First Lady. (Try to look past the PJ pants problem that I mentioned above and focus on the program). Take our little poll below to give your two cents, then check out the results.
About Amy Bushatz
Comments
Just remember… this program didn't even exist before Michelle was the First Lady. At least she and Jill Biden are trying to help military families; but nothing they or the president does is considered good enough by the military. Maybe she should just end the program and let the military take care of their own.
She is worthless the same as obama. I am going to be glued to the TV in november to see them voted out of office. We need leadership not people who think they need to be rockstars.
@ Nancy. The military has ALWAYS taken care of its own. We have no need for people like you who have a narrow and ignorant view of the world and the country we serve.
If I was first lady i would change whoever the heck it is that dresses her!
If it wasn't for Jill Biden, the worst lady of all time wouldn't have a clue about the military, let alone being a military mom. She shouldn't have gotten involved, but since her hubby is up for re-election, she wants to make sure the military votes for him. Also, she is no different than Hillary C. with her hubby. Both Bill and what's his name loath the military, so that's why we're not just drawing down and base closing, our benefits are being taken away.
And this is exactly why I only visit SpouseBuzz a couple times a year now — I used to visit almost daily. It used to be a non-partisan site, with political bashing not allowed. I always find it interesting that many people just assume if you're military or married to the military, you're part of the right wing. Some of us are left-leaning Democrats — whose families also put their lives at risk every day as active-duty military members. AND I have never — whether I vehemently disagreed with a Republican president or not — publicly disrespected the commander in chief or his office.
I'm sorry you feel this is a politically motivated article — it is not. Military families are bipartisan special interest group. That means we are equal opportunity in the realm of questioning and pushing for our agenda. I (the author of the above) would not dream of calling myself politically right leaning. I consider myself solidly middle of the road — trusting of no one with strict allegiances to no party. I'm interested in military families (and that means MY family, too) getting the best deal. If that means questioning Democrats, let's do. Give me a Republican president and I'll give him the same exact treatment.
As military spouses, we should be setting the example of tolerance, non-partisanship, and politics left at the door when we come together for our military support causes. I have been an Army wife for 24 years…. and to my fellow spouses who feel it necessary to share their political beliefs 24-7 (both Left and Right and everything in between) — you need to SO get over yourselves! You think OUR lives can be difficult? Imagine Michelle Obama's life — having to retain some sense of sanity living in a fishbowl with two young daughters to raise. I pray for them everyday — and even though I am not an Obama fan – and am a conservative on most days (ha)… He is our President. He is our spouse's Commander In Chief, and thus holds their lives in his hands at times. The back and forth, petty "I'm a Democrat!" and "I'm a Republican" is undignified, and beneath you not just as a military spouse, but as a woman. What are we women usually best at — not just as women, but as wives and moms? Compromise – Compassion – Consideration – Cooperation. We perform these "virtues" every day in our own families to keep the peace, to keep our worlds turning smoothly – and sometimes until our spouses come home from deployments. We should be exercising those same virtues in public as well. We can do better. We ARE better than petty squabbling. Be respectful, and remember what our spouse's are willing to lay down their lives for: Our Constitution – which, last I remember, encouraged peaceful, constructive dissent for the good of our country. Thank God we have the freedom to do that. Let's focus on what we have in common, instead of what we don't — let's set an example, like our spouse's do as heroes every day. Let's put on our big girl pants, and get along.