Ridiculous Criticism of the President

We don't know whether to laugh or cry over criticisms of the President, voiced in the media, that he's somehow not "showing enough anger" over the oil disaster in the Gulf.

What's he supposed to do?   Fly down to New Orleans and throw a temper tantrum?

As with any other political figure, there's plenty in President Obama's policies, and conduct in certain situations, that invites criticism.   So criticize it.

But why criticize him for his personal deportment?   One of the appealing things about this President is his great personal dignity.   Thank goodness it's well on display as he copes with the oil spill.

I know, I know, the Left was far less principled, and much more vicious, in its attacks on President Bush.   But why sink to their level?

Understand that this has nothing to do with how Obama or his administration have responded to the situation.   That response seems wanting in many respects.   Also, there are political risks in what a President does while a sustained crisis rolls on and on.   Partying with Paul McCartney may open him up to criticism.   On the other hand, Jimmy Carter paid a political price by seeming to be held hostage himself, when he basically holed up in the Oval Office for the duration of the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979 - 80.

It does no good for anybody for the Prez to a stage a photo op holding an oil-soaked pelican and bawling his eyes out.

Once again we observe the strikingly curious Obama Paradox:   given a free ride on so many matters, he is subject to unusually ridiculous criticism on others.