A Doghouse Made Out of Veal: Too Much Gravy?

I recognize that First Family members are pop idols worthy of an Annie Leibovitz portrait, and as an aside, I'm glad to see Leibovitz get the high profile job.

(The superstar Vanity Fair photographer reportedly has serious debt and, in a recession, taking on smaller jobs helps loosen up the economy.) However, though the Obamas are obliged to build good will, and are well-advised to extend their brand, I'd suggest that they avoid seeming carelessly privileged.

Michelle Obama has done wonders for raising social consciousness for responsible eating with her efforts to launch a White House garden and her support of a farmer's market near home, but she lost the high road a bit when, as PD's Lynn Sweet reported this weekend, the Obamas' dog, Bo, got a "doghouse cake made out of veal" for his birthday earlier this month.

I can hardly object to my Pennsylvania Avenue neighbors spoiling their dog when I continually indulge my own canine, Jack, far out of proportion to his contribution to the household. I do wonder however, what compelled Mrs. Obama to joke about the puppy party with Jay Leno.

As our colleague Mary Winter reminds us, the consumption of beef is bad for the environment, and speeds global warming (which, incidentally, has not abated simply because fewer people are persuaded of its peril). Veal is expensive, elitist and, many believe, the product of unethically slaughtered cattle. I'm not suggesting poor Bo eat cans of Caldicott Farms, nor am I saying Michelle shouldn't demonstrate her graceful humor on primetime television. But if she's going to feed her Portuguese water dog newborn calf, would it kill her to keep it quiet?