Party foul

Nodding their heads like yeah, a Washington, D.C., couple desiring to become reality-show celebrities talked their way into a White House state dinner last Tuesday, working their way through the not-so-impenetrable layers of the presidential security detail, ultimately snapping pictures with Vice President Joe Biden and Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

Michaele and Tareq Salahi, the attention-craving D.C. socialites who hope to score a spot on Bravo’s upcoming reality show, “Real Housewives of Washington D.C.,” revealed major security flaws at the White House.

Uninvited guests should not be able to finagle their way into a room filled with government elites including Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Obama himself.

The Secret Service didn’t even learn of the incident until the following morning, when the couple posted pictures of themselves at the gala on their Facebook page.
Many have pointed to the security deficiencies highlighted by the Salahi publicity stunt, which is troubling to say the least.

But what’s just as frightening is the extent to which individuals will go to seek publicity and attention.

Earlier this month, Time magazine reported on the desire for a momentary flash of fame an attention in a piece titled “Balloon Boy’s Lesson: The New American Dream.”
In October, Balloon Boy’s parents surprised us by showing the extent to which one couple would go to find themselves in the national spotlight. And now, the Salahi couple has shown us that lack of discretion and good taste is not unique to a family with a large, silver balloon.

Apparently, the Salahis felt that exposing security loopholes at the White House and risking federal charges was worth temporary fame.

America, we have a problem.

In response to the Salahis’ breach, Republican Rep. Peter King has called for a Congressional investigation into White House security. However, it seems like Mr. King, too, may have been bitten by the fame monster. While a Congressional investigation makes great national headlines, the best solution for this crisis is most likely an internal, comprehensive evaluation and restructuring of Secret Service policy.

As much as we fame-starved Americans might hate to admit it, sometimes it’s better to do things quietly and privately.

Everything’s not a reality show. There are some people who do serious business – like defending the president’s life.