Here’s some questions the first lady might want to answer

When political bigwigs come to Las Vegas, photographers are treated like kings because it's all about the pictures. Reporters and columnists are serfs and lackeys, seldom given the chance to ask questions but permitted to listen to the speech ... from the back.

When Michelle Obama visited Las Vegas, things were no different. I complained about the local media's lack of access to her and asked readers what they would have liked to ask or say to the first lady given the chance. Then I waited for responses, especially because her June 1 trip had a dual purpose. Shocker. She's against childhood obesity and for U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Surprisingly, almost half the responses were positive or civil. Many of the questions were edgy but were legitimate queries that the first lady could have readily answered.

Monterey Brookman, married to a physician, wrote, "I would say: Please help me understand why you/President Obama want socialized medicine when people/patients from every country in the world that has it, choose to come here for health care?"

Michael Kreps, a retired federal employee, would ask "what she hopes to accomplish and how she was going to implement plans to reduce childhood obesity in this country."

Kreps continued: "It is a great cause for a first lady, but not to dampen her spirit, I do not think much will come out of it."

The www.letsmove.gov website shows the implementation plan.

Terry Ostlund wrote: "My question to the first lady would be, explain to me why there was nothing about this country that you could be proud of until your husband was given the Democrat nomination to run for president?"

Marilee Fillion wrote: "I would ask Michelle how much this photo opportunity cost us taxpayers?"

Several women thought Obama was not dressed appropriately for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Minnie-Mary Mistretta, a freelance fashion consultant, wrote: "I would ask her to let me dress her for one week. Fashion icon she is not, no matter what the media says. Many of her dresses make her look thicker than she is."

Fans of the first lady took a gentler approach.

Diane Shaul expressed her pride in the first lady and called the Obamas "the light in our lives." She wrote: "Thank you, Michelle. No wonder the Queen of England wanted to put her arm around you. I feel the same way every time I see you."

Sheila DeSimone wrote: "I would like to ask Mrs. Obama if she was surprised to find such a beautiful place as Red Rock Canyon so close to Las Vegas and then I would ask her if she would like to go for a hike with me on one of the amazing trails in the park."

Jackie Lawson wrote: "I would just say to Mrs. Obama how gracious I think she is in the way she handles herself in all types of situations and to apologize for those that criticize her or the president on a constant basis. They should be given a chance to complete their missions before the constant, sometimes bizarre complaints."

Jerry Fink (not the media guy) complained because she ate at Sensi in Bellagio when she was here. (I would have complained if she'd eaten at Fatburger.)

Bob Glover would ask her to use her influence so the Pentagon will resume Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts. "This program is not accepting new participants, due in part to the overwhelming response of military wives when it began."

I'm not including anonymous comments posted online.

I'm going to forward this column to her press office. Let's hope for answers.

Jane Ann Morrison's column appears Monday, Thursday and Saturday. E-mail her at Jane@reviewjournal.com or call 702- 383-0275. She also blogs at lvrj.com/blogs/morrison.