The Oxford Dictionary defines “statesman” as a respected political figure. How does one get respect? In the traditional Protestant ethos, it would deem that respect is earned through hard work, experience and tolerance.

Stepford ladies rarely get involved in politics, much less the discussion of anything related to political matters. Sure, we encourage charity bakeoffs to support our local representatives on the campaign trail, but the business of running a country should belong within the oak walls of the men’s club.

Etiquette and gracious living is the touchstone of every Stepford wife. Not only does she exercise decorous behavior towards neighbors and strangers, she feels a special sense of community when she sees civility practiced by others. The male domain of etiquette is chivalry, which Oxford defines as “courteous behaviour, especially that of a man towards women.”

We at Stepford breathe a collective sigh whenever we think of the loss of social qualities and a higher standard of excellence in the halcyon days of the past: time was taken to prepare a delicious meal; setting a perfect table was art, and maintaining a neat sparkling home radiating of warmth and welcome was the reward of every wife. Machines were made better, books were written with care, and neighbors looked out for each other. We looked up to our leaders and trusted these statesmen to run the country.

So you can imagine how unsettled we were when White House press secretary Robert Gibbs recently took to ribbing Sarah Palin’s old-fashion scribbled reminders on her palm. To make jest of an opposing party on your own time is one thing, but to stand in the White House press room, a servant to the public, paid for by tax dollars, and to use that time to bully a non-office holding citizen when the country is in great economic trouble and at war, disappointed us. It just seems rather small-hearted. Behavior that didn’t belong to what we would consider a statesman.

Here is an interesting article we stumbled upon: Gerard Alexander: Why are liberals so condescending? (Washington Post)

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