Theresa Santoro

So a few nights ago on what appears to be a media blitz by Barack Obama, I felt while watching 60 minutes that the President broke into near hysterical laughter at the problems of our government.

I posted such on my Facebook page, and someone I have known most of my life took me to task on the use of my words "near hysterical". This friend is not someone I like to go to battle with, because he can win hands down. He is a brilliant mind that is always a few steps ahead in his thinking.

We differ politically, as I am a conservative, and he is a liberal. In this world of turmoil where we are all supposed to come together, and cross party lines to help our fellow man, I feel my comment landed me in a war zone I was not seeking.

Although I lost in this battle of words, my intent was that I had never seen Obama lose his composure to such a degree. Although I stand by my word choice, my friend saw the laughter differently, and held me accountable to my words. He took strong offense to the use of the word "hysterical", and I respect that.

This friend asked me to say something nice about the President, so here goes:

I believe, as does Barack Obama that the success of our children begins in the home. Parents must step up to the plate, and expect more from their children in the way of education. I believe in turning off the television, the video games, the computer games for the sake of family time. I do believe that Mr. Obama wants a bright future for all children.

I have stated before that I am not an Obamanite. Sorry. I am just not. But I do support the office of the President of the United States of America, regardless of who I voted for. I do want our country to succeed. Therefore, by wanting our country to succeed, I actually want he President to succeed.

That being said, it is my right as an American to comment on something I see on television. It is my friends right to disagree. I mean really, I am a mom. If one of my kids went on television in a serious situation, and started laughing, I would admonish them as well. Perhaps Mrs. Obama herself told him that was not his best Presidential moment. Who knows? We all see things differently.

It is a sad state of affairs, when we can't just have a civil debate about our beliefs. Everything is so personal, and so sensitive. My friend pointed out that two months into his presidency, I have not given a fair shake or assessment to the job at hand for Mr. Obama.

Therefore, I have agreed to not make a critical remark about Mr. Obama until January 20, 2010. If however, he does something I like, I will say so.

The Presidency for Barack Obama is newly born and is still so young.

We have to give a fair shake, and a solid curve for learning and making mistakes.

Not a negative word from me for one solid presidential year. This is my solemn vow.

Happy Parenting!