the appalling hypocrisy of all of those crying tears over the kidnapped girls

[ellenrr]

Yes it is an atrocious act, and if I could personally douse the Boko Harum with gasoline and toss a match, I would.
BUT
"An estimated 20.9 million men, women and children are trafficked for commercial sex or forced labor around the world today." *

When have you heard any politician, actress or journalist talk about this?

The sex industry is big business, generating $760 million a year.

The vast majority of people enjoying the fruits of trafficking are wealthy Europeans and Asians.
Which is why the world closes its eyes to this.


*http://www.polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/international-trafficking

[Sheldon Cooper]

1. So, unless you speak out about every single atrocity, you shouldn't speak out about any?

[Violet_Crumble]

3. That's the message coming through loud and clear...

And if anyone has dared to pay attention to the kidnapped Nigerian girls, then they're just big hypocritical fakers shedding crocodile tears. Can't quite get my head around that sort of thought process...

[PotatoChip]

7. Me neither. Wtf?

[JackRiddler]

59. If you're not talking about the industry

of human trafficking, which is the actual problem that affects so many millions of people, but at the same time you are talking narrowly about one particularly horrible crime that happens to justify a possible U.S. military intervention in an area where there are supposed geopolitical "interests" of the U.S., then it's not going to help the real problem.

[Blue_Tires]

94. I see that "logic" frequently

Just like how I was told (on this site, no less) I didn't have the right to be upset over Trayvon Martin without commenting on every single black-on-black shooting on record...

[itsrobert]

2. Learned from the Glenn Greenwald School of attacking the Obamas?

It appears.

[msanthrope]

35. Well, Glenn never called them pieces of shit, used-car salesmen....nt

[krawhitham]

60. not in public

[Voice for Peace]

4. "appalling hypocrisy" - good grief

[XRubicon]

5. Got it. Only you care.

[Violet_Crumble]

8. It's a dirty job but someone's got to do it...

She cares a lot!

[H2O Man]

6. Gracious.

This is a fine example of the danger posed by taking shortcuts to rational thought.

[Squinch]

14. I think this has careened off the exit ramp of that route.

[pinboy3niner]

25. And crashed and burned in a fiery explosion. nt

[lamp_shade]

9. Good morning to you too Sunshine.

[maddezmom]

10. Guess you missed this

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/04/10/working-together-combat-human-trafficking

-snip-

The President called on everyone to step up the fight against trafficking. And we have. Since last year, we have renewed sanctions on some of the worst perpetrators of human trafficking. We have released for public comment the Victims Services Strategic Action Plan. We have partnered with organizations and groups that help women and children escape their abusers. And we have expanded our interagency task force to include enforcement partners such as the FBI and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, along with many other Federal agencies.

Now, we are seeing the fruits of our labor. More nations around the world are passing and enforcing anti-trafficking laws. Here in the United States, we are charging a record number of predators with human trafficking violations. We are joining together with faith-based and neighborhood organizations to maximize resources and outcomes.

And we’re particularly excited about the cutting-edge technology that’s being developed to end trafficking.

At yesterday’s forum, we highlighted new technology that is being used to help victims, connect them to services, and expose traffickers. We saw exciting demonstrations of some of these tools focused on reaching victims where they are – online and on their phones -- including the Polaris Project’s new texting capability for their National Human Trafficking Hotline, a new victim outreach tool from FAIR Girls, and Thorn’s new technology-based tool that helps law enforcement better identify child sex trafficking victims in online environments.

[Tanuki]

16. And this, from 2012:

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/msr_er/archive/2012/10/11/efforts-to-combat-human-trafficking-honored-at-white-house.aspx

[trafficking] “…ought to concern every person, because it’s a debasement of our common humanity. It ought to concern every community, because it tears at the social fabric. It ought to concern every business, because it distorts markets. It ought to concern every nation, because it endangers public health and fuels violence and organized crime. I’m talking about the injustice, the outrage, of human trafficking, which must be called by its true name—modern slavery.”

As part of his announcement, the president outlined several initiatives that his administration will undertake in the fight against human trafficking. These actions include providing new tools and training to help law enforcement and other government agencies identify and assist the victims of human trafficking, and increased social services and legal assistance for these victims. The announcement also directed the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons to develop the first-ever federal strategic action plan to strengthen services for trafficking victims.

For my part, I’ve been active in the efforts of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Council on Women and Girls, serving on two committees and leading a third. As a group, we’ve brought together victims’ advocates, law enforcement leaders, technology companies, and researchers to brainstorm on three key issues: (1) how to share information more effectively with law enforcement; (2) how to harness the power of the Internet to reach victims; and (3) how to best provide victims of child sex trafficking with the help they need. "

[maddezmom]

31. Hopefully the OP will take the time to read the links

But somehow I doubt it....just manufactured outrage, IMO.

[surrealAmerican]

11. Let me get this straight:

It is now "hypocrisy" to speak out about a crisis when other problems exist?

By that reasoning, wouldn't it be hypocrisy to speak out about human trafficking without speaking out about the crushing poverty that is a root cause of human trafficking?

The word hypocrisy is misused here. It would be hypocrisy if Michelle Obama was somehow involved in kidnapping and spoke against the Boko Harum kidnapping, but she isn't.

[SidDithers]

12. ...

Sid

[MohRokTah]

18. The ODS on DU is worse than it is on wingnut sites. eom

[treestar]

22. You got that right! nt

[snot]

13. ellenrr, I'm with you.

None of us want to minimize what's happened to these girls; and I find it hard to believe that anyone who suggests otherwise is speaking in good faith.

But these girls are the tip of the iceberg w.r.t. what's happening around the world, on a regular basis. Only our lack of imagination can account for, without excusing, our failure to raise just as great an outcry for them, every day.

By all means, we should continue to push for help for these particular girls; but that should not be the end of it.

[ellenrr]

103. yes - nt

[Squinch]

15. Yes. Michelle Obama should have ended global human trafficking long ago.

[MohRokTah]

17. This is the most disgusting attack I've ever read on this site.

This site has ODS.

[Inkfreak]

28. "This site has ODS."

No it doesn't. Unless you define the whole site by a few posters.

[spanone]

19. unrec

[lamp_shade]

20. "Hit and Run"

[treestar]

21. Why not just be glad it has come to the fore then?

There are millions of problems in the world, some of which you don't know about. When you find out about them and condemn them, can we call you a hypocrite too?

In fact to follow your logic, we have to diss anyone who is mentioning those girls now.

What is wrong with caring about those girls?

[JaneyVee]

23. I don't think you understand what hypocrisy means

Hypocrisy would be her railing against sex trafficking while engaging in it.

[Starry Messenger]

24. X(

AUTOMATED MESSAGE: Results of your alert
On Sat May 10, 2014, 12:39 PM you sent an alert on the following post:

the appalling hypocrisy of Michelle Obama
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024934372

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

YOUR COMMENTS

Damn, skippy! Offensive and over the top.

JURY RESULTS

A randomly-selected Jury of DU members completed their review of this alert at Sat May 10, 2014, 12:49 PM, and voted 3-4 to LEAVE IT ALONE.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: Agree with alerter!
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: This issue is worthy of discussion. It appears that some people may need to review what exactly is the meaning of "hypocrisy", but it is better to discuss this than to hide the post. Surreal American posted an excellent response further down on this thread. I suggest the person who flagged this post should read on and learn something about hypocrisy.
Juror #4 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: According to this poster Michelle Obama is a hypocrite, does not feel genuine emotions about terrorised girls and does not feel disgust at more everyday human trafficking. Could Admin please review this persons posting privileges.
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: It's an opinion...and from the other posts below, it might be an ill-informed opinion, but it isn't over-the-top, hurtful or disruptive.
Juror #7 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given

Thank you.

[msanthrope]

37. You can alert on jury results, fyi. nt

[Hekate]

101. Obviously I got here after the OP took out Michelle Obama's name. My God, what ails some people?!

Actually I have read/heard any number of people in the public eye (such as politicians and actresses) speaking out about human trafficking in recent years.

[OKNancy]

26. manufactured outrage and hyperbole

Posts like this are what make DU so frustrating to read at times.

[maddezmom]

30. Very frustrating

[MADem]

27. I nominate this thread for doozy of the day....and I don't mean DUzy, either.

This is just an absurd construct.

Unless Michelle Obama stands up and gripes about EVERY issue, she isn't allowed to stand up and talk about a bunch of vicious, brutalizing nuts kidnapping HUNDREDS of girls from their SCHOOL at once fell swoop.

OK. That makes a lot of sense....only no, it makes no sense at all.

The link is fine--the rather noxious and toxic narrative leading up to it, not so fine. In fact, this post is insulting on a number of levels. The thread starter has google, and can see for him or herself how many public figures have spoken out about the issue of human trafficking. Further, the link provided in the original post talks about the legislative initiatives in individual states--who passes legislation? Flying monkeys? Why no--POLITICIANS pass legislation, so they are, apparently, involved in this issue, at least to the point where they pass LAWS to combat trafficking.



It's times like this I wish we had a downvote capability.

[msanthrope]

39. I nominate it for the Wallace Shawn award for Misuse of the English Language--

Hypocrisy??

[Inkfreak]

29. Oh, please...what nonsense.

[Whisp]

32. oh good gawdly grief! wtf!

[BainsBane]

33. Hillary Clinton addressed it

while Secretary of State.

I am one who believes far more attention needs to be paid to modern-day slavery. That, however, does not make the First Lady a hypocrite for caring about the Nigerian girls.

[JoePhilly]

50. First thing I thought of when I saw the OP.

Strange that the OP cares so much but didn't know that.

[alcibiades_mystery]

34. Even the most ignorant and frenzied Obama haters know that this admin has been vigorous in

combating human trafficking, which is why they're all avoiding your laughable thread. Generally speaking, you'd get a few dozen "Amens" from the ODS chorus (which is no doubt what you were expecting), but your premise is so dumb and outside the facts that you couldn't even hit that easy target.

A pathetic effort.

[saltpoint]

55. .

[Dr. Strange]

86. saltpoint!

Where the hell have you been? Long time no see!

[saltpoint]

102. Fond tidings, good Doctor.

Been here and there mostly. Good to bump into you.

[Cha]

105. Make that a double.. which

is what I had to take when I saw your post.



saltpoint~

[saltpoint]

108. Hey there, Cha.

It's been a while. Hope you're thriving out there in this weird world.

Good to see ya.

[Blue_In_AK]

110. Oh, THERE you are!

I thought you were MIA. in fact, I mentioned your name in that thread about who do we miss and why.

Well, I'm very happy to know that you're still around.

[saltpoint]

111. Howdy, there right back. All good

wishes. It's a volatile landscape out there. Very good to know you're still kicking around in cyberspace on the interweb tubes.

[greatauntoftriplets]

36. I'd say that this represents a new low.

Except that was achieved in March. This is close.

[KittyWampus]

38. President Obama's Speech On Human Trafficking. Just because you don't pay attention

doesn't mean things don't happen.

http://www.americanbar.org/publications/judges_journal/2013/winter/president_obamas_speech_on_human_trafficking.html

[bigtree]

44. .

[Vattel]

40. This post is as unfair to Michelle Obama as the stupid "Greenwald is an asshole

because he didn't first tweet about the victims of the kidnapping" post was unfair to Greenwald.

[KittyWampus]

43. Greenwald used the abduction as a reason to take a swipe at US interventionism. He is an asshole.

Using the abduction of young girls as a reason to take a cheap swipe at US interventionism is disgusting.

Our country has enough instances of interventionism that we can argue over without using the abduction of a large group of young girls as yet another instance.

[Vattel]

54. He was advising against military intervention in response to the kidnapping?

Do you see the connection?

[gollygee]

41. Yes, I've heard lots of people talk about sex trafficking

Including the Obamas.

http://www.polarisproject.org/media-center/news-and-press/press-releases/665-president-obama-makes-historic-commitment-to-fight-human-trafficking-

[edhopper]

42. Not hypocrisy

but racist.
It's only because the perpetrators are big, dark black men.
I hate it when privileged white Americans only see a problem when a scary minority is invovled.

[Le Taz Hot]

45. Hit & Run Flame bait.

Just FYI.

[etherealtruth]

46. How , exactly does this make Michelle Obama a hypocrite?

To be clear, likening Mrs. Obama's statements against Boko Haram's kidnapping of Nigerian girls to crocodile tears and hypocrisy is asinine.


http://www.state.gov/j/tip/response/usg/
The President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking (PITF) is a cabinet-level entity created by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) to coordinate federal efforts to combat trafficking in persons. The PITF meets annually and is chaired by the Secretary of State. On March 15, 2012, President Obama issued a statement on the meeting of the PITF. He called on his cabinet to strengthen federal efforts to combat human trafficking and to expand partnerships with civil society and the private sector.

http://humantraffickingexists.tumblr.com/post/4025139254/top-10-celebrities-fighting-human-trafficking
What happens when you combine sex, violence, human rights, and the chance to pose with adorable minority children? Celebrity activists! Like most social justice causes, human trafficking has a number of celebrity activists embracing the cause and lending their fame and fortune to the fight for freedom. Here are some of the most active ....

Obviously, not nearly enough is being done, but linking this somehow to Michelle Obama and hypocrisy is dishonest and stupid

[pinboy3niner]

47. Sometimes self-delete is the better part of valor. nt

[handmade34]

56. ^

[geek tragedy]

48. ODS extends to anyone with that last name, apparently. Idiotic post. nt

[MineralMan]

49. What is truly appalling is the complete lack of logic

in your screed against Michelle Obama.

[saltpoint]

51. Seconded. eom

[saltpoint]

52. Incredibly idiotic post. eom

[GreenPartyVoter]

53. Sorry, I can't get on board with this post. As a mother of girls, I am sure this particular

crisis resonates with Mrs. Obama, but that doesn't mean she doesn't care about any of the other atrocities that have occurred.

[handmade34]

57. "appalling" post! unrec

[Brigid]

58. Skinner, could we have the Unrec button back, please?

[Amaril]

85. +1,000,000!! (n/t)

[notadmblnd]

61. At some point in life, one learns to pick their battles

There are hundreds if not thousands of horrible injustices in life and it's humanly impossible for one person to advocate for the end to each and every one.

[Rowdyboy]

62. Hit and run flame-bait posts like this shit is why "unrec" is badly needed

[maddezmom]

65. Yup n/t

[pinboy3niner]

71. The poster might have a shred of credibility if she at least stuck around to participate

Talk about hypocrisy.

[The_Commonist]

63. So, can you tell us specifically what you have done about this issue?

Other than going to a website or two and maybe signing a few on-line petitions?

What have you done, and what can I do today to end human trafficking?
Have you quit your job in order to go up against the Russian mob, have you shuttered any of the Bangkok whorehouses, how many Bangladeshi "guest workers" have you "liberated" in Dubai?

Please give us the details of your actions, so we can emulate you, and work towards solving this only problem in the world that matters. Thanks in advance!

[denbot]

64. Over the top bullshit

Asinine post.

[MineralMan]

67. I've been wondering when someone would post

that photoshop job. I saw it posted by a right-winger on FB this morning. I see that you have taken the bait.

Great Job, Brownie!

[mcar]

68. But but there's no such thing as ODS

here on DU. Just some simple policy disagreements. Honest and for true.

[sheshe2]

96. WTF is wrong with people here, MM?

Jacks post was disgusting. When you have nothing, then beat up on Flotus! This place is becoming unbearable with Obama hate!

[MineralMan]

99. I agree. I'm disgusted with bogus attacks on the

Obamas.

[Mz Pip]

69. Croc tears???

There has been quite a lot of attention given to sex trafficking. This particular case is getting so much attention because of the method of the kidnapping high profile statements of the perpetrators.

Criticizing Michelle Obama for taking a public stand on this atrocity is disingenuous. One can argue that "Bring Back Our Girls" can refer to more than just those kidnapped in Nigeria by Boko Harum.

[sarisataka]

70. absolutely.

In fact Mrs Obama should put on a hair shirt and live as a hermit for not personally ending the world's sex trafficking

[Arugula Latte]

72. WTF?

[LadyHawkAZ]

73. The appalling hypocrisy of Malala Yousafzai

because if you can't save 'em all, you shouldn't save any!



for the impaired

[Puglover]

74. Had you not been specific to FLOTUS

and applied the same standard initially to pretty much everyone this OP could have risen to mega stupid.

As it is, it's simple hit and run flamebait.

Fail.

[Drunken Irishman]

75. Michelle Obama is just the WORST, amirite?

[Recursion]

76. Srsly?

When have you heard any politician, actress or journalist talk about this?

Other than a Superbowl ad, several celebrity PSAs, and... oh, right, Mrs. Obama's own speeches about it?

[johnp3907]

77. History's greatest monster:

<a href="http://imgur.com/LsnT874"><img src="" title="Hosted by imgur.com"/></a>



Just to be safe:

[Autumn]

78. There is no hypocrisy by Michelle Obama on this.

She has every right to voice her opinion on this event. As to all the others crying croc tears over these girls, maybe people are just unaware of the stats you posted.
You took a very good event worth discussing and poisoned it by mentioning Michelle Obama and pissing off everyone because all they see is that you dissed her. You should delete this or edit out that part.

[Tarheel_Dem]

79. Your poutrage wouldn't be because both the victims & the 1st Lady are black, would it?

[rhett o rick]

80. The mistake you made was mentioning Michelle Obama. Most of the posters here

wouldnt have bothered responding otherwise. This is a serious problem and your mention of the first lady derailed it.

[WinkyDink]

107. Speak for yourself or STHU. I responded and didn't even SEE the MO comment.

[Autumn]

81. Yes, it was an appalling act. A very eye opening link.

Thanks for the edit and for posting this.

[FSogol]

82. Unrec. How about if we all hold our breath until Skinner gives us back the unrec button?

[BainsBane]

83. The original version was even worse

It targeted Michelle Obama as the hypocrite.

[NCTraveler]

84. Derp moment. You just had one. nt.

[Katashi_itto]

87. Unrec...whatever

[PragmaticLiberal]

88. Actually, I have heard this being discussed.

A State Dept. representative was talking about this very issue last week on MSNBC.

[stevenleser]

89. Thou hast disrupted... poorly.

The only think you have done here besides ineffectual disruption, is to showcase your own ignorance of the facts.

As many posters have said, the administration has been taking human trafficking very seriously.

[lame54]

90. You're right...

We should just shut our mouths and turn our backs because that is the best thing for the -"An estimated 20.9 million men, women and children are trafficked for commercial sex or forced labor around the world today."

Thanks for bringing common sense back

[Wait Wut]

91. Hi, ellenrr...

You've been raked over the coals enough for this post. I'm going to do my best to be less accusatory and try to explain the positives of all those tears.

Every cause needs a 'poster child' to draw attention. It may sound really horrible, but these young women have become just that. Not that everyone doesn't really care about each and every single one of those terrified women. Working with child abuse/neglect prevention and other very worthy causes has taught me that. Post a long diatribe on the horrors of child abuse and then post a picture of an abused child with just a few words and see which receives more attention. Humanity is beautiful, but also very visual and a little shallow. Let's not forget one more thing about these young women...they were trying to get an education. Along with human trafficking, young girls and boys are refused an education for many reasons. Women, more often.

While we hope for their safe return, this is your opportunity to bring attention to human trafficking and the freedom of education for young women in countries like Nigeria. Maybe you can help save their little sisters or the daughters they may have someday. In the meantime, let that media light shine it's brightest on each of their faces...

...and bring our girls home.

[Autumn]

92. Hey Wait Wut

Beautiful post, beautiful.

[Wait Wut]

100. Thank you, Autumn.

[Whisp]

93. This sick post still here?

jesus, jury and SOP lets this stand? wtf.

such standards!

[La Lioness Priyanka]

95. actually i have heard MANY MANY people talk about human trafficing

1. law and order SVU

2. michelle obama

there is a tumblr list about celebs supporting action against human trafficing

http://humantraffickingexists.tumblr.com/post/4025139254/top-10-celebrities-fighting-human-trafficking


http://act.mtv.com/posts/top-celebs-fighting-modern-day-slavery/

[sheshe2]

97. What is appalling is your OP!

Shame on you!

[txwhitedove]

98. Good grief. If this right now is what it takes to wake the average person up to human trafficking

and sex slavery, then FFS rejoice!!! It's about damn time.

[ellenrr]

104. wow, this post is the "lowest of the low" huh? some flattery...

[WinkyDink]

106. There is no "hypocrisy." And for another thing, the world has, in some measure, taken note:

The Ricky Martin Foundation, e.g.
http://www.rickymartinfoundation.org/en/

We have been privileged to partner with groups such as UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, The Protection Project at Johns Hopkins University, the University of Puerto Rico, Save the Children, RTL Foundation, The InterAmerican Development Bank, The Trafficking In Persons Office, SAP, Doral Bank and Microsoft.

We joined forces with the InterAmerican Development Bank and the International Organization for Migration to launch Call and Live, the first regional campaign to combat human trafficking in the Americas. Lives were saved. We received thousands of phone calls through our hot line and were able to help launch hundreds of investigations in five countries.

Unfortunately, atrocities committed against children have reached epidemic proportions on the Internet. To prevent these crimes, we launched Navega Protegido.org, an online bilingual child safety website, that provides tools to protect children from pornography and sexual exploitation.

More recently, we published “Human Trafficking in Puerto Rico: An Invisible Challenge” in alliance with the University of Puerto Rico and The Protection Project. The pioneering investigation documents that too many minors in Puerto Rico are at risk of becoming exploited as sex slaves, as slave labor or used in pornography.

[NuclearDem]

109. How do you know people active about the Boko Haram kidnappings

aren't also concerned about the epidemic of human trafficking?

[Ken Burch]

112. Why do you assume that those who speak out about the girls don't care about that?

Do you really see it as "either/or"?

At least it's progress that the media cares about kidnapped girls who aren't white and blonde for once(other than Nancy Grace, of course, who won't give this story two minutes because Natalee Freaking Holloway isn't involved).