Unlike many here, I completely agree with those who are upset at First Lady Michelle Obama's appearance on last night's Academy Awards show.
Despite tired old jokes like "Washington is Hollywood for ugly people," the two towns, and the institutions they represent, are entirely different and blurring the lines between them is inappropriate, shameless and degrades the dignity of government and the office of the President.
Never again do I wish to see or hear noble-sounding but ultimately self-serving sentiments like this on the Oscars:
It is the motion picture that shows us all not only how we look and sound but—more important-how we feel. When it achieves its most noble intent, film reveals that people everywhere share common dreams and emotions.
Tonight I applaud all who create, make, distribute, exhibit, and attend movies. I salute the Academy for the influence its work has on the world's most enduring art form.*