The fist bump

Tue, June 10, 2008 - 10:43 AM

Tue, June 10, 2008 - 10:43 AM

Dear elected officials throughout the country,

In the name of all that is good and holy, please stop this fist pound epidemic before one of you is injured.

Last week, the Obamas used the fist pound on stage as they celebrated his capturing the Democratic nomination for president. It seemed to be a spontaneous moment of joy and celebration between the couple.



The gesture has been around for about a decade now. But we all know that spending so much time inside the Beltway can lead to delusions that you are cool. I know what you’re thinking: if Obama looked hip with a fist bump maybe I can too!

But no, dear politicians, you won’t.

If you had never seen a fist pound before Tuesday night’s Obama speech, don’t start now.

If you had to look up what a fist pound was, don’t start using it now.

If you had to ask your grandchild or young staffer to demonstrate, please abstain from using it.

If you need further evidence, just look here.

And Obama himself needs to be more judicious with his use of the pound. North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley looked quite uncomfortable when Obama gave him a pound.



In closing, it’s time to retire the fist pound before a politician is punched in the face. On second thought …

Sincerely,

Amy Dominello
Founder, Stop the Political Fist Pound Now