First Ladies are often criticized for the causes they choose to promote and Michelle Obama is not immune to that criticism. Someone with a prestigious law degree who left a senior managerial position to be "First Mom" shouldn't be focused on gardening and nutrition, her critics charge. But in her quietly powerful and compassionate way, Obama is making her mark. She inspires other women to act when she says, "As women, we know how to reach out. We know how to support each other. So the question is: How are we going to give back?" Then she gives them a list of things to do. That's what you call using the bully pulpit, whether you are a president or a president's wife.
The three Michelles know this about the gift of power: When you have it, you must use it, wisely and to the common good. You cannot cower in the face of critics. You have to be a presence in the public arena, finding your voice and singing out. Then you face the music when things don't go your way.
Every good tenor knows that much.
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