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So by now you’ve seen, heard or been texted about the cover of the New Yorker depicting Michelle and Barack Obama as militant, terroristic, and unpatriotic. At the risk of furrowing many of your brows as I already have my coworker and close friend, I’m just going to say it: I’m not offended. Rather than go on and on, I’ll sum up my reasons in a few points so we can get straight to your comments:

1. It is time for a daring and fair conversation about the hysteria and lies surrounding Obama and his family and associations.

The New Yorker

2. The cover is PURE satire. In my head anyone who reads anything other than Enquirer or watches Jerry Springer exclusively would pick up on the fact that is it over the top and on purpose. Those who inform themselves about candidates already have the information. And, those who don’t might actually pick this up thinking they’ll find support of their views only to realize they are mistaken.

3. The New Yorker doesn’t make these kinds of gaffes. They knew what they were doing and it’s not in their best interests to be racist or offensive. It is in their best interests to be provocative and tell the truth, even satirically.

Now, I could be being very naive. Sometimes I forget everyone doesn’t read the NYTimes, seek alternative and objective news or media, or particulalry care to be informed. Most Americans are too busy working and making sure their families are taken care of. I am concerned that those who believe these things about Obama and Michelle may not take the time to actually read the article. They can just wave it around in ignorance saying “I told you so.” But, I like to think this cover will saturate bloggers, radio and news reports for the next few days and will force a lot of people to talk about the facts and to me that is a good thing. What do you think?