CHARLIE GIBSON: You said recently, in your old church, “Our national leaders are sending U.S. soldiers on a task that is from God.” Are we fighting a holy war?
SARAH PALIN: You know, I don’t know if that was my exact quote.
CHARLIE GIBSON: Exact words.
~ABC News Interview, Sept. 11, 2008
Ok, fine. Sarah Pork Barrel Palin is attractive, especially when she stands next to the dorks in politics. Still, when pretty people start spouting Christian dogma and run-on about creationism in school, tasks from God in Iraq, and a bunch of provincial wedge issues, doesn’t that take the shine off the dime?
I’ve been wondering why everyone is so in love with Sarah Palin. And I’ve finally decided it’s because she seems like a regular-Jane. She’s a hockey mom whose husband got a DUI and teenage daughter got knocked up. If you’re one of the few Americans that can’t relate, let me just say “there but for the grace of god, (sex education, and responsible drinking) go you.”
Palin’s not one of those snooty intellectuals. She got her BS from a Tier-3 school after a little university hopping. Academic rigor isn’t really her thing. But she was voted Miss Congeniality in the 1984 Miss Alaska contest. People like her! (Well, Charlie Gibson doesn’t. But he’s probably not keen on her attempts to censor her staff or ban books. Professional journalists are so picky about free speech.)
If we valued intelligence, we would have elected the Gore – Lieberman dream team (sigh). But honestly, what does it matter? The VP is just a do-nothing figurehead (cough-Cheney-cough). And nobody likes you if you’re too smart (Hillary). Or too clever (Paul Tsongas). Or too peaceful (Dennis Kucinich).
It’s not as if the geniuses are running the show here. Consider the picture of Walter Reed Middle School appearing up on the big screen at the RNC. First, who cares? Second, would it really have been that much better to have seen an image of Walter Reed Army Medical Center? All of the ill-treated head injury patients make it impossible to get a photo of that place without some bandaged Iraqi War Vet in the background. So, someone on the campaign staff searched the name and got the wrong image. Like, you can’t, like, be expected to know, like, everything. (If you’re not squeamish, go ahead and do your own image search of Walter Reed Army Medical Center. See what you come up with.)
I wonder if the campaign volunteer who got the Walter Reed photo wrong watched the VMAs and smiled when “blind trust” Britney sat silently after Russell Brand begged US to elect Obama. I’m referring to Britney’s long time support of “that retarded cowboy fellow,” which was Brand’s name for Dubya (in case you missed it). People who prefer respect for our leaders over free speech for Brits in the US got all bunched up about that. Jeez, those British folks sound so smart with their Winston Churchill accents, but don’t they know by now that we don’t mix politics with our pop culture. We mix politics with religion. Sheesh.
I went to my local Jazz Festival last weekend and was sitting on the hill enjoying the music, occasionally reading a book that was not in danger of being banned from my local library, when I noticed someone in front of me wearing a T-shirt that read “Nobama.” Not that I don’t appreciate someone making their politics known (especially when it’s Nina Simone’s daughter Simone on-stage advocating for Obama). But “Nobama” at a Jazz Fest? I thought, generally speaking, Jazz fans, and supporters of all arty-type festivals, were left of center. Of, course, I wasn’t really surprised. PA’s a purple state.
When the T-shirt wearer turned, I realized that I knew exactly who was sporting the Nobama shirt. It was someone I know … and like. Someone I spent lots of good times with having drinks and telling jokes. Sigh. Shine off the dime.
messiestobjects said,
September 12, 2008 at 7:41 pm
I really hope that the love fest with Sarah Palin ends soon… it’s nauseating. It’s like McCain wants people to forget that he’s the one actually running for President. Hmmm.
Love that picture. It describes US politics perfectly.
Jim said,
September 12, 2008 at 8:38 pm
What made it worse is that the Obama Campaign played into it for the first few days, they should have ignored her and brought the fight back to McCain right after the RNC.
She’s not a weak link – She’s a troll, and you should never feed trolls.
But, you should always sign the guest book.
Gary said,
September 13, 2008 at 8:45 am
and the Nobama guy was…. Michael!
to be fair he also has a shirt that says McCain’s Insane!
messiestobjects said,
September 13, 2008 at 9:20 am
Actually, it says McCain’s Insane in the Membrane. But seriously I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a political t-shirt. I hate them all. I despise the Republican nightmare, and poop on the Democratic inadequacy.
julieluongo said,
September 13, 2008 at 9:34 am
McCain is a little insane in the membrane. Mostly because he doesn’t want to save Bristol.
Sissy said,
September 13, 2008 at 12:33 pm
“It’s like McCain wants people to forget that he’s the one actually running for President.”
Um. Yeah. That was the purpose. Right?
Sissy said,
September 13, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Or maybe McCain realized that the only way to save that poor child was to bring her mother on board. It’s a mass conspiracy!
julieluongo said,
September 13, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Apparently the actuarial tables give McCain a 1 in 3 chance of living through the next 4 years, hence the disregard. That’s how we treat our elderly.
jjt said,
September 13, 2008 at 10:19 pm
I have rather strong political views but rarely advertise them, especially in a t-shirt. I did, however, take the plunge this year and buy t-shirts AND bumper stickers that clearly state my political leanings in regards to this (and virtually every) election. So when you see me at the Jazz Fest wearing my “We’re Screwed ‘08″ t-shirt, you’ll know exactly where I stand on all of this…
Jules, I’m curious as hell who had the NoBama t-shirt. I have a guess or two…
julieluongo said,
September 13, 2008 at 11:24 pm
I didn’t know you liked jazz.
You don’t know the Nobama shirt wearer. Although, I’m sure you know people who would wear Nobama t-shirts. They’re everywhere.
Matt Lesoine said,
September 14, 2008 at 11:06 am
I actually prefer the “I’m a bitter gun owner and I vote” t-shirts…. But the fact that my doctorate in political science came from a non-accredited institution forces me to refrain from further comment.
julieluongo said,
September 14, 2008 at 11:52 am
Did they teach creationism as science at that non-accredited institution?
Matt Lesoine said,
September 15, 2008 at 11:22 am
No they didn’t teach creationism as science. Although I suppose they could if people were able to understand the concept of analogy and that there are other meanings to words other than the literal ones.
julieluongo said,
September 15, 2008 at 11:27 am
I used to think most people could understand analogy. It’s covered pretty extensively in Literature / Mythology classes.
Jennifer said,
September 16, 2008 at 11:50 pm
I’ve had political conversations with several people, and most people know I’m a registered Republican. Always have been. I had been leaning towards Obama though, because I really like what he has to say. Then I heard John McCain’s announcement that he was picking a woman VP and my first instinct was “Well, I’ll definitely be voting for him now.”
And the more I learn about Palin, the more sure I am that I’ll be voting for Obama in November, especially after the RNC. I was absolutely horrified by Guliani’s speech, and Drill, Baby, Drill? Seriously? Are you friggin kidding me? Do you idiots have ANY idea how much damage that will do, and how LONG it will take to see any kind of benefit from that? Jesus.
Now, I only watched Obama’s speech at the DNC, and caught very little of the RNC in general (other than Rudy, Palin and McCain), so it may not be a fair comparison, but I didn’t appreciate the fear mongering the Republicans were up to. They got me the last time, though I wouldn’t have voted for Kerry if you PAID me, but it won’t happen again.
I thought what other people labeled as Palin’s “spirit” and “maverick attitude” came across as classless and petty. (Though I did totally call Tina Fey playing her on SNL) Speaking of Tina Fey, my husband’s new catchphrase for stupidity is “I can see Russia from my house.” And I sat and watched those Charlie Gibson interviews. I wasn’t impressed with her there, either.
julieluongo said,
September 17, 2008 at 10:07 am
When Gibson asked Palin if she agreed with the Bush Doctrine and she clearly didn’t know what he was talking about -oy – cringe worthy. Painful.
However, your comment fills my heart with glee. I’m so happy. I have a tear.
messiestobjects said,
September 17, 2008 at 10:18 am
Nice Jennifer! Welcome back to the light.
messiestobjects said,
September 17, 2008 at 10:22 am
Here’s a link for you Jennifer, sort of a welcome package that we Dems like to start off all newcomers with.
Jennifer said,
September 17, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Now don’t get too excited. I’m still a registered Republican, and I’m not all that enamored of Joe Biden (another old, white dude in Washington). But I really, really believe in a lot of what Obama has to say, much to the chagrin of my conservative in-laws (and extended family, especially my husband’s crazy aunt). More importantly, even if Obama himself doesn’t possess all the skills and experience to effect a change, his greatest gift is inspiring people to make change.
I think what the Republicans are failing to see is that one or two people can’t reform Washington, governement and this country all by themselves. The message I’m getting from them is that McCain and Palin are going to turn this all around on their own, and that’s just not the case. The message I get from Obama is that change has to happen on a grassroots level. He’s focusing change on smaller, more manageable efforts instead of these big, sweeping, general reforms. He took a beating over being a community organizer from the Republicans, yet I think it’s an excellent demonstration of how one person can organize and galvanize a community to make a difference themselves. Big drastic measures almost always fall apart, but building on little change after little change, IMO, creates LASTING change.
That’s the message I am getting from Obama, and that’s the main reason I am voting for him. No, i’m not a big fan of bleeding heart liberal programs, but I don’t get the sense from him that that’s the direction he’s going in. I don’t feel he’s about handouts and freebies. I think he’s way more about giving people a helping hand so they can help themselves, a point the republicans are missing entirely.
Jennifer said,
September 17, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Plus if Matt Damon is scared of her, I am too.
BTW, great Jon Stewart video. I loved Rove’s take on the VA governor’s inexperience and his bashing of the size of Richmond, and then his quick double take on touting how wonderful Sarah Palin is.
Really, someone should put a gag on that man. how he has been able to amass such power in American politics is beyond me.
messiestobjects said,
September 18, 2008 at 9:58 am
You despise Karl Rove? How un-Republican of you! I think it’s such a joke that he’s a “News Correspondent” on FOX. How obvious can they get?
Anyway, I think Sarah Palin is the she-devil, so it’s nice to know that even some Republicans can see that.
julieluongo said,
September 18, 2008 at 1:23 pm
The most faithful Republican I know – a GOP lifer – just told me she’s not sure about Palin. She also said she “doesn’t like her hair.” I couldn’t believe it. They hate her. They really hate her!
julieluongo said,
September 18, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Sen. Chuck Hagel (R, Nebraska) doesn’t think she’s qualified:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080918/ap_on_el_pr/hagel_palin
Jennifer said,
September 19, 2008 at 9:32 am
Karl Rove made my point for me in that video. If Sarah Palin were a man with the same exact experience and qualifications (or lack thereof), the Republicans would have had a stroke. Look at how badly he tore up the VA governor, who has even more experience than Palin. Picking a woman was a stunt, and I don’t think that says a lot about McCain’s integrity, which is something I thought he had a lot of. Clearly I was wrong.
I don’t mind her hair. In fact, she’s not unattractive, but “pretty” is not a qualification for President. Her fundamentalist views bother me – she doesn’t think man has contributed to global warming, she’s a Creationist, she wants to ban sex education and books, and she’s anti abortion, even for rape and incest victims. More importantly, she uses her power to go after people who have wronged her, real or imagined. Now, I’m not saying we all wouldn’t think about doing that, and maybe even drop a hint or two – I think that’s human nature. But is getting your ex BIL fired really worth it? Even if he is scum of the earth that beat your sister, go about it legally if you must, but don’t try to coerce people into doing your bidding because you’re the governor and you say so. Family is important, but not at the expense of your duty to an elected office.
And if they don’t stop with the thanks but no thanks to the bridge to nowhere, I am going to scream. It’s been proven that she was a supporter of this project, and only changed her mind when it became unpopular. And she still took the money anyway. Every time she repeats that line, it weakens their campaign a little more.
Gary said,
September 19, 2008 at 4:37 pm
I swore I’d never vote for a democrat again, but I feel like I should vote for Obama.
Matt Lesoine said,
September 19, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Everyone talks about Palin’s “inexperience” but from the actual research I’ve done, it appears she’s more executive branch qualifled than Obama. But maybe that’s just me. I mean he DID serve what, 140 days in the senate +/-? But anyway I’ll say what I assume all of you already know: I will never vote for someone with his (Obama’s) obscene stance on our constitution, specifically the gun rights issue. Even after the Supreme Court reaffirmed what everyone in the country knew, Obama and his cronies continue to spout their “we can still do whatever we want in our jurisdiction” mentality. But like I said above, it’s obvious that I’m in the minority with my antiquated beliefs in things like religion and the ability to protect one’s self and family.
julieluongo said,
September 20, 2008 at 9:16 am
Obama went to Columbia then Harvard Law. And he was president of the Harvard Law Review.
Palin got her BA from University of Idaho. She won the Miss Wasilla pageant and then Miss Congeniality in the Miss Alaska pageant.
Obama worked as a civil right lawyer and a community organizer. As Senator he sponsored and introduced legislation – some you might even be in favor of, like Secure America – before he went on the campaign trail.
Palin reported on sports and helped her husband’s fishing business. Then as city council, mayor of a small town, and governor she’s known for pursuing personal vendettas.
Jennifer said,
September 21, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I grew up around guns, and most of the men in my family hunted. Guns don’t bother me, and I have no issues with people legally obtaining guns. If you want a gun for legal purposes, what difference does it make if there are waiting purposes and background checks? I think that’s rational and reasonable. Letting any wacko who wants one have an automatic or semi automatic gun? Yeah, not so much. Seriously, who REALLY needs an automatic or semi automatic weapon?
Jennifer said,
September 21, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Waiting periods. Not waiting purposes
Gary said,
September 21, 2008 at 1:41 pm
People around here need automatic weapons so in the winter they can machine gun snowmen. It’s a fun pass time.
julieluongo said,
September 21, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Behold, the second amendment:
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
So, we have guns to keep our government in check. If they turn on us and try to force us to be their property, we’ll be prepared. However, it seems that the phrase “a well regulated militia” imposes some sort of structure to this right. We can’t go all willy-nilly-killy. Everyone needs a little balance to their power.
Matt Lesoine said,
September 21, 2008 at 10:47 pm
First off, need has no bearing on it what-so-ever. Do people have to show a need to exercise free speech or the religion of their choice? When the government makes you show need to exercise a right; it is no longer a right and is then a privilege that can be taken from you.
Another thing to remember is that the phrase “well regulated militia” means well equipped group of adult men, typically between the ages of 17 and 60. Militia persons were expected to provide their own weapons, equipment, and supplies and that’s where the well regulated part comes in. It doesn’t mean wrapped in regulations, as this line of thought only came into being during the 1970’s. It means prepared with the same type of weapons and equipment commonly available to full time soldiers.
So the 2nd amendment has nothing to do with hunting and everything to do with civil rights as it is placed in the Bill of Rights along with the whole free speech/free press, plead the fifth, protection against unreasonable search/seizure, etc.
I think that the wackos shouldn’t have guns, as I’m sure everyone agrees. But the current method of banning certain guns based on appearance or cosmetics is foolish. In fact the whole topic of gun control is backwards; like banning cars because it would stop DUI.
But I’ll stop there before people really start to think I’m one of thewack jobs…
Jennifer said,
September 22, 2008 at 8:54 am
There’s a huge difference between freedom of speech / religion and owning a gun. Sure, you can incite a riot with words, yell fire in a crowded theater, or subject people to religious persecution, but it’s a lot harder and a lot less bloody than whipping out your automatic weapon and picking people off. Freedom of speech allows for the free exchange of ideas and information, and freedom of religion more or less falls under that as well.
I’m not saying ban all guns. I’m just in favor of a sensible policy regulating them. Guns present a far more immediate danger than speech or religion, and a person has a viable choice to walk away or stop listening to an angry person screaming about whatever issue or religion they’re freely expressing. Wave an AK-47 in their face, and you take away their choice. People can be as angry and vitriolic as they like in their speech, but chances are, someone’s not going to end up dead. Give an angry person an automatic weapon, and I don’t think you can say the same thing.
The world was a much different place when the Constitution was written – sure, they probably had their wackos, but they were fewer and farther between, I don’t know if the founding fathers could have conceived the advances in technology and weaponry when they wrote of citizens being equipped as well as militia.
As my husband likes to point out, the framers of our constitution thought slavery was a good idea too. Maybe we need to be a little more careful in our interpretations of not only what they meant but how it applies to today’s society.
julieluongo said,
September 22, 2008 at 11:08 am
Good points, both (not wacko at all). And as much I’m enjoying the back and forth, I’ll admit, gun control doesn’t top my list of issues I care about. It’s barely on the radar. Ultimately, the fact is that the NRA is the most powerful lobby in the US. As I see it, gun laws are going to be micromanaged by them and their many supporters in Congress forever.
I don’t think someone who supports gun control or bans is being unconstitutional. Lots of our constitutional rights have common sense restrictions. However, I’ll fuss about the violation of civil liberties that don’t have powerful lobby organizations, politicians, and countless private citizens watch-dogging:
http://julieluongo.wordpress.com/2006/10/12/while-mark-foley-was-flirting-with-teenpagers/
Matt Lesoine said,
September 23, 2008 at 5:04 am
Jennifer, Julie
I appreciate the civil discourse as typically I am referred to as redneck, hillbilly, etc, etc on through to more “hateful” terms when I try to discuss this issue with people. It’s nice to have a discussion where the participants actually try to make valid points rather than taking the trip to kindergarten and resorting to name calling and the typical emotional ploys, like “it’s for the children….”
Jennifer said,
September 23, 2008 at 10:39 am
I rarely see the point in namecalling – it doesn’t accomplish much and tends to get people’s backs up. People are too quick to jump to name calling and personal attacks instead of discussing the issue.
The emotional stuff is ridiculous. Sure, we should protect the children, but the child’s first line of defense is the parents. If you are a gun owner and have a child, it is your responsibility to protect the child from the gun, and that means proper care and storage of the weapon (in a locked box away from the child, not in a nightstand drawer or under the bed), and proper education for the children. Pretty simple, really, and if you can’t do that, you probably shouldn’t have a gun.
I think a lot of what’s wrong with society today is an inability to see things from another point of view and the lack of willingness to live and let live. With the application of a little common sense and respect for others, I think most of our problems could be solved, or at least lessened. I don’t think we should ban guns all together when sensible regulations, required training / safety measures, background checks, etc., should be able to keep problems to a minimum. If you don’t want to own a gun, you don’t have to, but if your neighbor wants one, what business is it of yours?
messiestobjects said,
September 23, 2008 at 12:31 pm
I didn’t realize this thread was still going or I’d have jumped in with some serious name calling. Missed opportunity, dammit.
One thing I disagree with Jennifer on is that guns are more dangerous than Religion. I think religion is potentially far more dangerous. Because it gives us people like Sarah Palin, George Bush, Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell who capitalize on religious fervor and stupidity. Having said that, I also am in favor of a certain amount of gun control. The world is a different place than in the old days. The fact is no matter how many guns Americans can buy, we’ll never be as well equipped as the US government. If a revolution happens, it won’t happen by force of arms any more; that would be really bad for everybody.
Guns for hunting, a gun to keep under your bed in a child-proof box, fine. I’m all for it. People who are vetted, trained, have been psychologically evaluated and then licensed to carry concealed weapons, fine.
Dick Cheney on the other hand, should never have been allowed to have one.
julieluongo said,
September 23, 2008 at 1:02 pm
You clarify my point for me … that link I put above was to a post about the Military Commissions Act, which gave the Executive Branch the power to bypass judicial review to label anyone an “enemy combatant.” Basically, Bush nullified the right of habeas corpus and gave the government permission to unlawfully imprison anyone for any amount of time … and torture them however the jailers see fit. In my mind, that’s a pretty extreme violation of my civil rights. The fact is that I’m not going to shoot the officer who comes to my house to imprison me under the new guidelines of the MCA. And I have no legal recourse anymore. So, while I’d like to joke about Cheney, I’m trying to watch what I say.
Jennifer said,
September 23, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Both guns and religion are harmful when combined with stupidity. Guns are just faster acting with little potential to reverse ill effects. Religious fervor, no matter how bad it gets, is possibly reversible, but once you’re dead, that’s kind of the end of the line.
And I totally agree with not letting Dick Cheney have a gun.
Gary said,
September 23, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I won’t join in here with the civil discourse. I’m not really capable of it and I know that about myself.
julieluongo said,
September 24, 2008 at 10:32 am
Is this self awareness new, or have you always known this about yourself?
Gary said,
September 24, 2008 at 11:31 am
I realized it after George Bush was elected a second time.
julieluongo said,
September 24, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Sometimes at night before I fall asleep I think of an alternate reality, and I’m sad because Al Gore’s reign of prosperity is almost over.
Jennifer said,
September 24, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Al’s biggest problem, or one of them anyway, is Tipper. She turned me off the second she started with her music censorship.