Nice strawman. I did not say that she didn't have the right to speak. Just like the Dixie Chicks, Laura has a right to speak but she should realize that their are CONSEQUENCES.
Laura was not elected, but by her being the president's wife, the press does care what she has to say and it is linked to us by proxy. Terresa Heinz didn't know when to keep her mouth shut and it very possibly could have cost her husband the election.
And in the case of getting involved in policy, Laura should have no more input than anyone else. I guess you were in favor of Jimmy Carter looking to Amy for foreign policy advice too.
If Laura wants to be an activist then she should give up the privileges that her position as wife of the president gives her. We didn't elect a monarchy - her bullhorn shouldn't be any louder than anyone else's.
"The first lady has no business commenting on public policy"
Garbage. And who said there were not to be consequences? I didn't argue that. Of course there will. Sheesh.
I did not put forth a "strawman" as you put it because you clearly said Laura Bush had NO RIGHT to speak about policy.
Laura Bush speaks almost every day on issues including the War, and Education. I'm sure you have no problem with those. But when it's an issue you disagree with her on, she has "NO RIGHT to speak on public policy".
And now you're equating Bush seeking advice from his wife to Carter seeking advice from a child? You got problems.