OP-ED Two Columnists Weigh in on Sarah Palin

[FarmerJohn]

These two columns appeared in my local paper today. Cal Thomas has the firmest conservative credentials, Kathleen Parker is also a widely-read conservative columnist.

FJ

(Parker's column now available; this post edited to add.... The Title of the print edition in my local newspaper is "On Sarah, or hating your cake and eating it too".

Palin's cover wasn't blown

By Kathleen Parker
Sunday, November 22, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. In town to give a talk on civility, I was surrounded by women who wondered what I thought of Sarah Palin's Newsweek cover.

"Why aren't women coming to her defense?" they asked.

"Why are the media being so rough on Sarah?"

Having been enjoying a self-imposed moratorium on all things Palin, declining numerous interviews to discuss her latest self-promotional tour, I was surprised by the questions. My thoughts lately have drifted toward the sense that, though Palin is very much a celebrity, she's no longer running for public office, at least officially. Ergo, radar gets a rest.

As for her book . . . right after I finish "Ulysses."

But the questions -- and the passion with which they were proffered -- intrigued me. Are the media treating her unfairly? Are they "bashing" Palin, as her supporters describe any criticism? Was the Newsweek cover sexist?

Call me a guy but give me a break. Sarah Palin is the luckiest woman on the planet.

Hats off to the girl from Wasilla who, slightly more than a year ago, was virtually unknown and is now on the cover of Newsweek, hawking a book for which she was paid a few million dollars, drawing huge crowds and getting the kind of free publicity most celebrities have to jump on Oprah's couch to get.

Oh, and yes, she got to sit on Oprah's set as well. And we're supposed to defend/feel sorry for/protect Sarah from . . . what? Wild success, popularity and riches? You must be joking.

I don't doubt the sincerity of those who feel compelled to defend Palin. Women, especially, feel personally diminished when a female candidate is treated unfairly. Some of the commentary aimed at Palin during the presidential campaign was clearly over the top -- vile and vicious in some cases -- though I would challenge the common assertion that noting her lack of familiarity with national policies and issues constitutes "bashing."

Vile and vicious is standard fare for anyone in the public eye these days. That's no justification for it, ever, but Palin's experience, if higher-profile than most, is not unique. Hence the acute interest in civility.

Palin, meanwhile, is no one's dummy when it comes to political strategy. She knows exactly how to animate her base, and demonizing the media is the most powerful quill in her quiver. That is, by picking fights with the media, she mobilizes her fans against a monolithic enemy -- "them" -- while getting "them" to give her more ink and airtime.

It's a plan, and it works. Americans, however much they may protest to the contrary, have a soft spot for damsels in distress, no matter how faux the foe.

So, Palin doesn't like her Newsweek cover. It's sexist. It's out of context. If you've somehow missed it, the photo shows Palin in black shorts, a red, long-sleeved top and running shoes. She has one elbow propped on the back of a chair draped in an American flag and is clutching two BlackBerrys in her hand. She is smiling.

Originally taken for Runner's World magazine to go with a profile of the former governor, an avid runner, the picture couldn't be any more flattering or wholesomely all-American if Norman Rockwell had painted it. In a word, the photo is fantastic.

It is perhaps sexy, depending on the beholder's eyes, but it couldn't be construed as sexual. Sexist? Would we show a man similarly posed? Only if he positioned himself that way -- and looked as good. We've seen dozens of far-less flattering photos of George W. Bush in various athletic pursuits. And who can forget the photo of Barack Obama striding shirtless through the Hawaiian surf?

Yet, Palin called Newsweek's selection of the photo "unfortunate." On her Facebook page, she wrote, "When it comes to Sarah Palin, this 'news' magazine has relished focusing on the irrelevant rather than the relevant. . . .

"The out-of-context Newsweek approach is sexist and oh-so-expected by now. If anyone can learn anything from it: It shows why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, gender or color of skin. The media will do anything to draw attention -- even if out of context."

Point taken. Indeed, if anyone can learn anything from this, it shows that one shouldn't judge a book -- or a candidate -- by its cover.

Radar off.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...T2009112303221

Palin and the Future of Conservatism

I'm sure I would like Sarah Palin if I got the chance to meet her. We share many things in common. She is still married to her first spouse, as am I. She has a Down syndrome son. I have a brother with Down syndrome. We share the same faith and we both like the outdoors. She is conservative on economic and social issues, and so am I.

In her new book, "Going Rogue," Palin complains about her running mate's handlers, whom she says kept her from being herself. I have similar complaints. Those handlers also kept me from interviewing her. The handlers are long gone, of course, but still I cannot get close to her.

I could either play the victim, or move on. I choose to move on. But before I do, the Palin phenomenon -- for that is what it is because her celebrity flows singularly from John McCain's choice of her as a running mate -- offers an opportunity for conservatives to choose their path to the future. Will it be a path of the angry and disenfranchised outsider, or will it be something of substance that produces triumphs in both politics and policy?

The victim thing is getting old. Conservatives have a significant presence in virtually every venue they like to denounce. That includes government (though not this one) and especially the media. Talk radio rules and the rulers are conservatives. Fox News Channel dominates the ratings. The conservative presence in academia lags, but there are universities that do not revise American history and mock religious values. Movies? There are some with solid conservative principles, such as Sandra Bullock's latest film, "The Blind Side." Will conservatives go see it, or are they more comfortable denouncing "Hollywood"? How about reinforcements for those conservatives already "making it" in the mainstream media?

In her interview with Oprah Winfrey, the queen of talk asked the queen of politics about the famous Katie Couric interview. I thought Couric gave her ample opportunity to reveal herself and to let viewers see if there was substance behind Palin's attractive exterior. Couric legitimately tried to find out what shapes Palin's worldview and what she reads. Palin couldn't name a single publication. Oprah gave her another chance, but she never followed up to ask about books or a newspaper from which she gets information, ideas and inspiration.

It is true that conservatives are often asked questions that are never asked of liberals and in ways that seem condescending and superficial. But that is an opportunity to give an answer that can skewer the questioner while making the point you wish to make.

Do I wish Palin had more intellectual depth like Jeane Kirkpatrick, Ronald Reagan's United Nations U.S. ambassador? Of course. But that can be developed if she gets serious about it. Because of her notoriety she can surely command the best and the brightest tutors.

Still, if she is as bad as her detractors say, why are they wasting so much time dumping on her? One might think they would be cheering the prospect of her becoming the 2012 GOP presidential nominee, thus guaranteeing in their mind a second term for President Obama.

Victimization plays well with the conservative base and that's a problem. If conservatives don't rise from the muck of feeling excluded, disrespected, ignored and mocked, they will continue to suffer all of these things. There is nothing like proving the worth of your ideas to put the mockers in their place. Victimization can raise money, sell books and get one face time on TV, but it doesn't advance the ball.

Sarah Palin is a force the Republican establishment must reckon with. She has energized a sizable portion of the GOP base. If the party ignores that base and nominates another candidate in 2012 who is part of the inside-the-beltway crowd, it could lose. And that would be a double tragedy -- for the GOP and the country -- as President Obama keeps giving Republicans issues that make a conservative agenda far more attractive than the hard-left one he is attempting to impose on the country.

Palin's optimism is refreshing. If she can sharpen her intellect, in three years she won't be mocked; she will be feared.

http://townhall.com/columnists/CalTh...rvatism?page=1

[Vector]

I agree with almost everything Cal Thomas says here except this:


"If she can sharpen her intellect, in three years she won't be mocked; she will be feared."

News flash Cal (et. al.)
...she is already feared. Note the all-out attacks on her, about everything, by and from the left.

[ShyGirl]

She is definitely feared by the big government bunch on both sides and there is no problem with her intellect!

[fruit loop]

NOBODY is afraid of Sarah Palin. She has no chance of being president, and should go back to governor.

She can't think on her feet, and, while her "she's a small-town girl" may be appealing to some, unfortunately she has the running a small town skills that don't translate to running a country.

She does herself in whenever she opens her mouth. Let her have her fifteen minutes. It's gonna wear thin long before four years are up.

[ShyGirl]

So 0bama can think on his feet as long as he has his teleprompter! Yeah, right!
Small town? State of Alaska!!!!!

[Ender]

Originally Posted by ShyGirl

She is definitely feared by the big government bunch on both sides and there is no problem with her intellect!

I do not believe she is feared- I believe she is being used to keep everyone's eye off of the ball.

[fruit loop]

There is nothing wrong with using a teleprompter. It's the electronic equivalent of a written speech.....which is what ALL the presidents used. Unless you think Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address off the top of his head?

Speakers at the highest levels use a number of tools for public appearances - teleprompters, speeches entirely written out, notecards.

It's a RARE individual who memorizes everything in advance...and a president just doesn't have the time.

[nanna]

I don't fear Palin, nor do I think she's terribly significant, except in a People Magazine sense.

I'm still trying to figure out where the original source material of all these folks who supposedly fear, revile, abominate, rape or otherwise molest Palin might be.

A Google seach on those terms might lead to some interesting results.

Personally, aside from her denigration of our American flag as a prop, I don't much care.


nanna/not a cute kind of person

[FarmerJohn]

Originally Posted by fruit loop

NOBODY is afraid of Sarah Palin. She has no chance of being president, and should go back to governor.

FL, I don't think she could get elected governor again, even had she not quit. Her resignation well before the end of her first term (she would have been eligible to run for a second had she not resigned) probably took that into account.

States with open primaries may find Democrats crossing over in a kind of reverse "operation chaos" in the hopes of helping her be the GOP nominee.

FJ

[johnnymac]

Originally Posted by fruit loop

NOBODY is afraid of Sarah Palin. She has no chance of being president, and should go back to governor.

She can't think on her feet, and, while her "she's a small-town girl" may be appealing to some, unfortunately she has the running a small town skills that don't translate to running a country.

She does herself in whenever she opens her mouth. Let her have her fifteen minutes. It's gonna wear thin long before four years are up.

But for some reason or another, the main stream media is obsessed with her. Palin would have faded back to Alaska and gone about her business, but the Times and Newsweeks of the world followed her back and sent dozens of reporters on the trail of finding anything that was in the closet. Why?
Palin did not win the election. Why?

I thought she was a nothing-nobody? Why the eleven reporters fact checking her book? That alone generated even more press for the woman they hated so much. Why?

For some reason or another, the media can't drop it. They can't leave well enough alone and report on a real news story like more non-transparentcy at the WH or all those global warming scam emails. But they have time to obsess about Sarah Palin. Or give the tenth round of "fifteen minutes of fame" to Levi whats his name. Why?

I don't think Palin will run for President. But I do think she will be something else in the long run. And the media is the one who is fueling the fire and creating the cult of personality. Why?

[Fred]

If Katie Couric didn't ask such GOTCHA questions like "What news publications do you read?" this wouldn't be an issue.

I mean, seriously, what kind of screwed up question is that? It was designed to be confusing and trip her up. I'll bet not one person here can name a single news publication they read!

[johnnymac]

Originally Posted by Fred

If Katie Couric didn't ask such GOTCHA questions like "What news publications do you read?" this wouldn't be an issue.

I mean, seriously, what kind of screwed up question is that? It was designed to be confusing and trip her up. I'll bet not one person here can name a single news publication they read!

Ha ha. Trick question. "I read TB2K!" says johnnymac. "All the news that's fit to rant about!".

[fruit loop]

I'll bet not one person here can name a single news publication they read!

Time magazine
Newsweek magazine
USA Today
CNN.com
MSNBC.com
The Daily Mirror (London, England)
Sports Illustrated
US News and World Report

[Conrad Nimikos]

I read what ever is in the doc's or dentists office and for when I need a good laugh I wait for fl to post. Then I either laugh or


118

[dissimulo]

Originally Posted by Fred

If Katie Couric didn't ask such GOTCHA questions like "What news publications do you read?" this wouldn't be an issue.

Apparently you missed it, Fred. She reads ALL of them. You can't expect someone to remember the name of a particular news source when they spend every day keeping up with thousands of them. Liberal.

[fruit loop]

Conrad, honey, you really need to get over your obsession with me. We've been through this before.....you can't have me.

[Laurane]

"Still, if she is as bad as her detractors say, why are they wasting so much time dumping on her? One might think they would be cheering the prospect of her becoming the 2012 GOP presidential nominee, thus guaranteeing in their mind a second term for President Obama."

Why are they wasting time on her indeed?........I guess she sells magazines and papers.

From Fruitloop's list of publications, it is possible to see where the liberal mindset comes from. And the "Daily Mirror"???? yer kiddin'.....right!!

[BigBadBossyDog]

She lost me in the 3rd paragraph:

I could either play the victim, or move on. I choose to move on.

I don't know who this author is, nor do I care. But clearly, she hasn't moved on. She's still babbling.

Edited to add: Never mind. I see the article I reference was the one written by Cal. I always kinda liked Cal. He's pushing the envelope, though.

[Bad Hand]

FL when Obama's teleprompter goes down he not only can't think on his feet he can't put 2 words together without a whole bunch ummmmms and ahhhhhhhhs. when Palin's teleprompter went down nobody noticed because she can think on her feet and talk at the same time unlike Obama.

What has Obama ever done other than run for office NOTHING. He has never run a company, been a Mayor or a Governor, he has no accomplishments other than being part of ACORN.

[nanna]

when Palin's teleprompter went down nobody noticed because she can think on her feet

as in, she sounds like she always does...

[BigBadBossyDog]

Originally Posted by Bad Hand

FL when Obama's teleprompter goes down he not only can't think on his feet he can't put 2 words together without a whole bunch ummmmms and ahhhhhhhhs. when Palin's teleprompter went down nobody noticed because she can think on her feet and talk at the same time unlike Obama.

What has Obama ever done other than run for office NOTHING. He has never run a company, been a Mayor or a Governor, he has no accomplishments other than being part of ACORN.

That's because Sarah speaks from the heart and believes in what she says.

He, on the other hand, gives bloviating babble that someone else wrote. He doesn't have a clue what he's even talking about. He would be great reading news for CNN or MSNBC.

[NC Susan]

from an email:



The liberals are asking us to give Obama time.
We agree and think 25 to life would be appropriate.
**********************

America needs Obamacare like Nancy Pelosi needs a Halloween mask.
**********************

Q: Have you heard about McDonalds new Obama Value Meal?
A: Order anything you like and the guy behind you has to pay for it.
**********************

Q: What does Barack Obama call lunch with a convicted felon?
A: A fund raiser.
**********************

Q: What do Vanilla Ice, Eminem and Barack Obama have in common?
A: They all made careers pretending to be black men.
**********************

Q: What's the difference between Obama's cabinet and a penitentiary?
A: One is filled with tax evaders, blackmailers and threats to society.
The other is for housing prisoners.
**********************
Q: What's the difference between Simba and Obama?
A: Simba is an African lion while Obama is a lyin African.
**********************

On Halloween you put on a false face and trick people.
This year Barack Obama is going as - Barack Obama.
**********************

If Nancy Pelosi and Obama were on a boat in the middle of the ocean and
it sank, who would be saved? .... America !
**********************

If Nancy Pelosi has her face lifted one more time she'll have a beard!
**********************

Q: What's the difference between Obama and his dog, Bo?
A: Bo has papers.

[blueridge]

Perhaps something was missed in the translation, but Sarah Palin was defeated as VP last Nov. - she is not in DeeCee and isn't responsible for the stinking mess that the current DC team continues to create. It's laughable to even suggest that she is somehow "the issue" about anything at this time.

Anything to deflect the gaze from the real problem, which is clearly the current bunch of economic geniuses in DeeCee. Until they either dramatically change course or better still - are replaced - the economic picture will probably continue to deteriorate.

Anyone think there can be an economic recovery without meaningful improvements for jobs? Ditto for the lack of credit expansion - which is STILL largely in reverse, i.e. credit contraction.

The dunces in DC will get their report cards in Nov. 2010 - they might not like their grades.

[stown]

Originally Posted by fruit loop

I'll bet not one person here can name a single news publication they read!

Time magazine
Newsweek magazine
USA Today
CNN.com
MSNBC.com
The Daily Mirror (London, England)
Sports Illustrated
US News and World Report

I love this list! It well help me weed out the crap publications that are currently coming up for the third time to even survive. Of course I didn't need this guidance, I don't ever read USA Today, hardly ever refer to CNN.com, and MSNBC has a real bias problem. They are so biased, they don't even know it.

Actually, it represents a list I would pass on, as typical liberal sources and other useless information.

And I have no interest in Sports. You all go for the sports stuff...

[SpiritBear]

Originally Posted by fruit loop

NOBODY is afraid of Sarah Palin. She has no chance of being president, and should go back to governor.

She can't think on her feet, and, while her "she's a small-town girl" may be appealing to some, unfortunately she has the running a small town skills that don't translate to running a country.

Riiiiiiight...

That's why the lib left is going BONZO, frothing at the mouth, trying to destroy her at every step. Sure. They're "not afraid of her". Hmmmmm....Sure.

You Bash Palin for her "skills", yet have NOTTA to say what "skills" Bambi has - aside from turing our country into a socialist HELL HOLE.

Want to have a little discussion about HIS "skills"? Specifically - LESS THAN TWO WHOLE YEARS as a Senator - where he voted "Present" more than voting Aye or Naye, while being propped up by Soros and others intent on destroying our country?

Didn't think so.

Give it up, FL. The libby left is freaking TERRIFIED of Palin - and for very good reason, IMHO. She is your WORST. NIGHTMARE. If she weren't, you wouldn't hear squat. Yet, the complete meltdown on the left is ALL THE EVIDENCE WE NEED as to how you DO fear her - beyond words.

[BigBadBossyDog]

If Nancy Pelosi has her face lifted one more time she'll have a beard!
**********************


Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! I can't stand that thought!

[SpiritBear]

Originally Posted by BigBadBossyDog

[i]If Nancy Pelosi has her face lifted one more time she'll have a beard!
**********************

I thought she DID already have a beard?

[fruit loop]

ou Bash Palin for her "skills", yet have NOTTA to say what "skills" Bambi has - aside from turing our country into a socialist HELL HOLE.

I have never bashed her skills, because I don't believe she has any to speak of.
[i]


Want to have a little discussion about HIS "skills"? Specifically - LESS THAN TWO WHOLE YEARS as a Senator - where he voted "Present" more than voting Aye or Naye, while being p

Internet joke. Similar claim "he voted present" went around about Gore and Kerry when they ran for prez.

Give it up, FL. The libby left is freaking TERRIFIED of Palin - and for very good reason, IMHO. She is your WORST. NIGHTMARE. If she weren't, you wouldn't hear squat. Yet, the complete meltdown on the left is ALL THE EVIDENCE WE NEED as to how you DO fear her - beyond words.

Puh-leeze. My worst nightmare was Shrub Jr becoming prez, which tragically came to pass, and I was proven right...he was a disaster for the country.

Sarah Palin has the same chance of becoming president as she did of becoming VP.....ZERO. She lacks the credentials, and frankly - she does not strike me as being terribly intelligent. She's smarter than Shrub Jr, but then again that's not saying much. She reminded me a great deal of Shrub when she was campaigning, and when she's interviewed today....that Deer In The Headlights look she gets.

Right now I see NO potential candidates to "fear", and I am very happy to say so. The GOP is in disarray, and I enjoy that greatly. I've been celebrating for the last eleven months, and look forward to doing so for another seven years. (That's right. I said SEVEN).

P.S. The cliche is "nada" not notta. Although that's probably how Sarah and Shrub would spell it.

[ShyGirl]

She lacks the credentials, and frankly - she does not strike me as being terribly intelligent.

I just don't get it FL. I thought you were suppose to be soooooo smart. That's what you keep telling us. Member of MENSA and all. How can you say, compared to 0bama that she lacks credentials! As far as intelligent, she is far and above your 0bama boy. He is a puppet on Soros's strings and he plans to destroy this country. Why do you want that to happen???

I've been celebrating for the last eleven months, and look forward to doing so for another seven years. (That's right. I said SEVEN).

Why are you celebrating the death of this country you traitor!

[Gitche Gumee Kid]

Originally Posted by fruit loop

NOBODY is afraid of Sarah Palin. She has no chance of being president, and should go back to governor.

She can't think on her feet, and, while her "she's a small-town girl" may be appealing to some, unfortunately she has the running a small town skills that don't translate to running a country.

She does herself in whenever she opens her mouth. Let her have her fifteen minutes. It's gonna wear thin long before four years are up.

FL,

The same could be said about you.33,000+posts.

GGK

[nanna]

Why are you celebrating the death of this country you traitor!

Excuse me?

[fruit loop]

What???!!!!!!!!!

America died, and nobody told me???


P.S. That's thirty-three thousand four hundred and nineteen posts, thank you very much!

[NC Susan]

http://newswithviews.com/Linderman/dianne109.htm

COULD SARAH PALIN REALLY BE PRESIDENT?

By Dianne Linderman
November 25, 2009
NewsWithViews.com

Why couldn’t any thoughtful, strong, business-like, entrepreneurial, well-spoken mom with vision and ideas who loves her country be the president of the United States? It has always pissed me off that unless you walk like a duck and quack like a duck, you won’t be able to rise to power with the rest of the quacks! If you have not received your degree and the approval of the uppity-up liberal professors from a name-brand university that indoctrinates and trains the minds of America’s youth, then you are degraded and dragged through the media’s arena. They devour you, spit you out with the rest of their victims and then call you stupid.

My father has always liked the saying, “Those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach.” Education is a doubled-sided sword; we all need to be educated, but who is doing the teaching? Who taught the first teachers, and who died and made them royalty? Who questions their authority, and how do we know what they are teaching is right? The media, politicians, doctors, lawyers, and all the powerful white-collar professionals are taught the same message by the unbreakable chain of powerful, elite universities. We all buy into the belief that we all must fit into the same box, read the same books, and look, act, and spout the same type of rhetoric, and the moment an unusual, free-thinking, independent woman is introduced to our country it simply freaks out everyone who has become so comfortable in that box.

Let this be your first experience meeting an average, real, true American patriot. Sarah Palin did not ask to be thrust onto the world’s stage, but is now compelled to speak her mind. The day that McCain unearthed her from her happy life, I believe she accidentally slipped through the cracks, and before the media knew what happened, they lost their footing. God forbid, if the media does not anoint you as the next leader, then you must be bad, because you did not ask their permission to be yourself and rise to power! The exciting part is that one of us is on the loose, using the freedom that has always been available to us, and she is an example of what we all can achieve. The power of a real American is undeniable. I believe the reason why so many liberals hate her is because she has reached this place in her life without going down that predictable path where so many lose themselves, but instead is forging her own path with her soul and her independent nature fully intact.

It has become a challenge to explain life to my 14-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter. They see the media approving of Barney Frank, with all of his personal improprieties, and the many other unprincipled politicians who are in power, and they also see how the media treats someone like Sarah Palin. It has also become a challenge to keep my son focused on the college program that is being offered through his high school. The writing assignments are not interesting to him, and he feels like he is jumping through phony hoops to write with passion about something that is meaningless and boring just to get a good grade. I had to tell him the truth! I explained that if he wanted to get a college degree, it is a requirement for him to not be himself. He is a free-thinking, passionate, young entrepreneur attending an incredible private school that is all hands on. He is a straight-a student and wants to get a degree in engineering, but he is hitting reality head on and does not like what seems to be the beginning of indoctrination. Call me naive, but what are we turning out of these colleges and universities, leaders or followers? It takes a great amount of strength not to lose your true self when these types of requirements are thrust upon you and the carrot at the end of the stick is greatness and a degree saying that you are greater than a person without a degree.

My son asked me, “Can’t I become an engineer without going to college? Can’t I create and build because that’s all I dream about? Why do I have to write these stupid assignments to be able to be an engineer? Why can’t I write about what I am interested in, Mom?” I explained to him that it’s for the same reason Sarah Palin is being crucified by the media. “They want you to jump when they say jump, and write what they want you to write, but Luke, watch Sarah. She is smarter than them all, and will turn this fiasco into an opportunity not only for herself, but for the rest of America.” He laughed and understood.

What most people don’t get about Sarah Palin is that she is smarter than those who despise her. Every time you hear anyone say that she is stupid and she could never be the President of the United States, just understand that she is already a leader in our country, and they never saw it happen. All it would take now is an election to make it official. Now, who are really the stupid ones?

© 2009 Dianne Linderman - All Rights Reserved

[et2]

Daaaang! I can't even imagine how nasty it's going to get around here starting about 2011,with all the Obama and Palin crap. You would think this was a election year !!

I seriously hope we have something better to offer this country than these two. God help us.

[et2]

Originally Posted by NC Susan

http://newswithviews.com/Linderman/dianne109.htm

COULD SARAH PALIN REALLY BE PRESIDENT?

By Dianne Linderman
November 25, 2009
NewsWithViews.com

Why couldn’t any thoughtful, strong, business-like, entrepreneurial, well-spoken mom with vision and ideas who loves her country be the president of the United States? It has always pissed me off that unless you walk like a duck and quack like a duck, you won’t be able to rise to power with the rest of the quacks! If you have not received your degree and the approval of the uppity-up liberal professors from a name-brand university that indoctrinates and trains the minds of America’s youth, then you are degraded and dragged through the media’s arena. They devour you, spit you out with the rest of their victims and then call you stupid.

My father has always liked the saying, “Those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach.” Education is a doubled-sided sword; we all need to be educated, but who is doing the teaching? Who taught the first teachers, and who died and made them royalty? Who questions their authority, and how do we know what they are teaching is right? The media, politicians, doctors, lawyers, and all the powerful white-collar professionals are taught the same message by the unbreakable chain of powerful, elite universities. We all buy into the belief that we all must fit into the same box, read the same books, and look, act, and spout the same type of rhetoric, and the moment an unusual, free-thinking, independent woman is introduced to our country it simply freaks out everyone who has become so comfortable in that box.

Let this be your first experience meeting an average, real, true American patriot. Sarah Palin did not ask to be thrust onto the world’s stage, but is now compelled to speak her mind. The day that McCain unearthed her from her happy life, I believe she accidentally slipped through the cracks, and before the media knew what happened, they lost their footing. God forbid, if the media does not anoint you as the next leader, then you must be bad, because you did not ask their permission to be yourself and rise to power! The exciting part is that one of us is on the loose, using the freedom that has always been available to us, and she is an example of what we all can achieve. The power of a real American is undeniable. I believe the reason why so many liberals hate her is because she has reached this place in her life without going down that predictable path where so many lose themselves, but instead is forging her own path with her soul and her independent nature fully intact.

It has become a challenge to explain life to my 14-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter. They see the media approving of Barney Frank, with all of his personal improprieties, and the many other unprincipled politicians who are in power, and they also see how the media treats someone like Sarah Palin. It has also become a challenge to keep my son focused on the college program that is being offered through his high school. The writing assignments are not interesting to him, and he feels like he is jumping through phony hoops to write with passion about something that is meaningless and boring just to get a good grade. I had to tell him the truth! I explained that if he wanted to get a college degree, it is a requirement for him to not be himself. He is a free-thinking, passionate, young entrepreneur attending an incredible private school that is all hands on. He is a straight-a student and wants to get a degree in engineering, but he is hitting reality head on and does not like what seems to be the beginning of indoctrination. Call me naive, but what are we turning out of these colleges and universities, leaders or followers? It takes a great amount of strength not to lose your true self when these types of requirements are thrust upon you and the carrot at the end of the stick is greatness and a degree saying that you are greater than a person without a degree.

My son asked me, “Can’t I become an engineer without going to college? Can’t I create and build because that’s all I dream about? Why do I have to write these stupid assignments to be able to be an engineer? Why can’t I write about what I am interested in, Mom?” I explained to him that it’s for the same reason Sarah Palin is being crucified by the media. “They want you to jump when they say jump, and write what they want you to write, but Luke, watch Sarah. She is smarter than them all, and will turn this fiasco into an opportunity not only for herself, but for the rest of America.” He laughed and understood.

What most people don’t get about Sarah Palin is that she is smarter than those who despise her. Every time you hear anyone say that she is stupid and she could never be the President of the United States, just understand that she is already a leader in our country, and they never saw it happen. All it would take now is an election to make it official. Now, who are really the stupid ones?

© 2009 Dianne Linderman - All Rights Reserved

Maybe you should tell that to all the people who voted "her" into office. I'd bet there are a few of them that might fit that catagory after her deciding to quit the office they elected her to. That's a pretty arrogant thing to say.

[Emily]

Originally Posted by fruit loop

NOBODY is afraid of Sarah Palin. She has no chance of being president, and should go back to governor.

She can't think on her feet, and, while her "she's a small-town girl" may be appealing to some, unfortunately she has the running a small town skills that don't translate to running a country.

She does herself in whenever she opens her mouth. Let her have her fifteen minutes. It's gonna wear thin long before four years are up.

You mean she is not a politician and to that I say YEAH!
You mean she is not being spoon fed her words via writers and teleprompters but speaks from her heart and honestly and to that I say YEAH!

We live in a very sad country today - one where the person who can manipulate words and lie the best gets elected.

That is why Sarah is a breath of fresh air - she is real. Principles and a moral compass really do matter and she has both.

[Kris Gandillon]

SpiritBear: where he (Obama) voted "Present" more than voting Aye or Naye

Fruit Loop: Internet joke. Similar claim "he voted present" went around about Gore and Kerry when they ran for prez.

Reality is that out of 391 total votes during his tenure as US Senator, Obama voted YES on 164 (42%), NO on 57 (15%) and was declared Present, Not Voting, Absent or Excused on 170 (43%).

170 *is* greater than 164 and 170 *is* greater than 57 so technically Spiritbear's statement as written above *is* correct.

If Spiritbear had used AND instead of OR and said "where he (Obama) voted "Present" more than voting Aye AND Naye" then the statement would be incorrect.

Kris

[Jubilation T. Cornpone]

Originally Posted by ShyGirl

So 0bama can think on his feet as long as he has his teleprompter! Yeah, right!
Small town? State of Alaska!!!!!

Obama's an empty suit, and everybody knows it by now.
He's a black marionette, with the strings very visible.

But for once LOOPY is right.
Sarah Palin doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of ever
becoming the president of Amerika.
(This country doesn't deserve her anyway)

If she had any chance at all the Puppetmasters would
have her head blown clean off, or engineer an unfortunate plane crash.

[Dan the Power Man]

Every time the subject of Sarah Palin comes up I ask the question: Why should I care about anything she has to say? I've yet to receive a satisfactory answer. And I'm a lifelong member of the GOP!

[NC Susan]

Originally Posted by Dan the Power Man

Every time the subject of Sarah Palin comes up I ask the question: Why should I care about anything she has to say? I've yet to receive a satisfactory answer. And I'm a lifelong member of the GOP!

Maybe because Sarah Palin represents the Red States,the Fly-over country, the Folks who work, pay taxes, pay bills, save money, raise families, go to Church, Volunteer for community functions, and take care of parents, infants, pets and vegetable gardens.

Sarah represents at least 60% of the American population. The same population that has been forgotten by people like Soddem & Gamorah Pelosi, or anti-military get an education or get stuck in Iraq John Kerry or the evil Pro Abortion Kennedy's, and review the people hired by Obama to do the jobs such as Tax Cheat Geitner, and 60 Czars who circumvent the Constitution and the Legislative and Executive Branches of Government .

WeThePeople need to make our own Global Apology Tour for our own government. I dont know about you and yours, but this current government does not represent me or mine!