Late last month, President Obama pardoned a turkey as part of a long-lived tradition dating back to some of the earliest post World War Presidents. During this live broadcast he airily remarked, “…I am sure this will be the most talked about executive action of this month.”

Mr. Obama was not completely wrong–but not for the reason he might have expected.

Shortly thereafter, Tennessee Republican Stephen Fincher’s aide, Elizabeth Laurent, wrote on Facebook what she felt needed to be said about the so-called “poor behavior” of the President’s two daughters, Sasha and Malia, during the ceremony.

“Dear Sasha and Malia, I get you’re both in those awful teen years, but you’re a part of the First Family, try showing a little class. At least respect the part you play. Then again your mother and father don’t respect their positions very much, or the nation for that matter, so I’m guessing you’re coming up a little short in the ‘good role model’ department. Nevertheless, stretch yourself. Rise to the occasion. Act like being in the White House matters to you. Dress like you deserve respect, not a spot at a bar. And certainly don’t make faces during public events.”

     But those words came at a cost. Laurent was repeatedly attacked for what was seen as a misdirected and harmful censure directed toward the girls and took away from the Thanksgiving spirit.  In fact, even now, people are discussing how the First Family should “remain off limits” and not be a portrayed as easy object of derision for those who dislike the policies of the Oval Office. Laurent was eventually driven to apologizing and resigning, making her final words reflect how she ‘“…quickly judged the two young ladies.”’