Archive of Tonight's Appearance on the Devin Norris Show

Water Signs Sequel -- To Shining Sea

Having been preoccupied with juggling different client projects, co-hosting BTR programs, spending an inordinate amount of time promoting my existing book, blogging and fitting in some sort of life in-between, I didn't think it possible to conceive of an intriguing sequel for Water Signs anytime soon. But thanks to a good writer-friend Don Smith, and a late-night, brainstorming IM session, I am happy to report I now have a title, plot and synopsis.

It's hard to believe it didn't come to me sooner, since I am one who definitely enjoys basing fiction on real-life events. My involvement in local, state and national politics as an activist has created an irresistible desire to employ Ken and Maddy as vehicles for making a statement about ethics, morality, cronyism, treachery and egoism -- just to name a few things that currently ail our great republic.

My intrepid characters will also face some serious moral dilemmas that will test their long-awaited marriage, as well as encounter in a very personal way the evils of socialized medicine (hint: they will take a business trip to another country). Along with the government-imposed political correctness that will tank a very lucrative telecomm deal (remember Congress' obstruction of the FISA Bill?), this will prompt Ken to run for office as a Florida State Senator.

And that's where I plan to have a little fun!

Look for characters based on some familiar public figures, and a recounting of the current battle raging between the establishment and grass-roots patriots.

A Soldier Schools Claire McCaskill

Thank you to Ed Morrissey of Hot Air.

Archive of The Republican Temple - July 28, 2009

The Republican Temple with Stephen Rhodes

I am co-hosting tonight with my buddy Steve at 9 p.m.Eastern. Topics will include the recent free market healthcare rallies I've attended in South Florida; Michelle Malkin's new book Culture of Corruption and Gates-gate.

Please join us to listen, live-chat and/or call in!

Here's Michelle on Sean Hannity last night:

Boca Raton Rally for Free Market Healthcare

This afternoon, about 20 of us gathered between 4:30-6:30 p.m. to keep spreading the word about the horrors of Obamacare, and to stand up for free market reform to bring down health insurance costs.

As typical, we garnered mostly honks of approval, with the obligatory few Obama-bots flipping us the bird or screaming his name as they drove by. Thanks to all who came out, especially the 9/12 gentleman who came prepared with printed information to hand out to passers-by. We must keep up this fight and continue to educate others on the dangers of this bill and the need for free market reform. We want capitalistic solutions, not a government takeover!

To see all photos please click here.

Attention Palin-Bashers on the Right: See the Video Anti-Palin Alaskan Bloggers Fought to Have Removed From YouTube

Breitbart.tv » ‘Ethicsgate’: See the Video Anti-Palin Alaskan Bloggers Fought to Have Removed From YouTube

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Archive of Conservative Republican Forum -- July 25, 2009

Introducing the Conservative Republican Forum Blog

My Saturday co-host on the Conservative Republican Forum, Steve Rosenblum, has just launched a companion blog. Aside from being a thoughtful, articulate host, Steve is an insightful writer, so I encourage you to visit his site daily, where archives of our broadcasts are also posted.

As usual, he hits the nail on the head today with his thoughts on newly retired Governor Palin. Please show your support for a great friend, conservative and BTR host by reading and commenting regularly!

Archive of The Neidner Show -- July 26, 2009

Sarah Palin's Farewell Address

Another awesome speech. I especially love her warnings to the media about messing with our soldiers and the children of her successor Sean Parnell; her condemnation of nanny-state largess and ever-expanding central government; and her clear rundown of all of her accomplishments. On that last point, it is my fervent hope that those on the right who've bought into the media hit job will at least acknowledge that this woman is a proven leader with a solid record of achievement. You don't have to like her personally, or believe she's presidential material, but to deny her stellar record as governor is both disingenuous and wrong.

Godspeed Sarah...looking forward to your unhindered leadership of the grass-roots conservative movement, now that you are free from petty, ankle-biting Alaska politics and despicable media/DNC operatives. You are a role-model for Americans everywhere!

Part One:



Part Two:

Boca Raton Rally for Free Market Healthcare

Here I am, becoming the media since none of them covered our event yesterday!



Thank you to Patrick Laffey for taking the video.

Sarah Palin Tribute

H/T Conservatives4Palin



And this, discovered by a Facebook friend:

Neidner's Talk Show

Neidner's Talk Show

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I will be appearing on The Neidner Show on Blog Talk Radio at 4 p.m. Eastern today, to discuss Water Signs, socialized medicine and the two recent free market health care rallies I attended in South Florida.

Hope you can join us!

Sarah's Wasilla Picnic Tribute to the Troops

Here's some video coverage from a local news station on the day's events. Americans from as far away as Texas and Louisiana traveled to Alaska to meet the soon-to-be former Governor and wish her well. As the reporter states, if there's anyone in Wasilla who doesn't like Sarah, they sure didn't make their presence known today!



And here's something else I discovered:



I can't wait for the newly unleashed private citizen Sarah Palin to energize the grass-roots movement sweeping the country!

Rally for Free Market Healthcare - Boca Raton, Florida

Between 40-50 patriots gathered on the sidewalk in front of Town Center Mall this afternoon to protest Obamacare, stand up for the greatest healthcare system in the world and promote free market reform for health insurance.

In spite of the rain, we were enthusiastic, vocal and persistent in our efforts to keep spreading the word. I am happy to report that we received many approving honks from passing cars (interspersed of course, with an occasional, uninformed Obama-bot shouting Dear Leader's name and/or flipping us the bird), as well as the interest of like-minded mall shoppers driving through the parking lot.

Additionally, since no media bothered to come out and cover the event, Patrick Laffey and I decided to become the media. Look for video coverage of the event later...just waiting for the edits and will post it here on Palin Drone, Facebook, YouTube, EyeBlast TV and other places on the internet.

We will prevail!

Conservative Republican Forum-Live from South Florida

Conservative Republican Forum-Live from South Florida

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Please join my co-host and friend Steve Rosenblum and me for another edition of the South Florida Conservative Forum, tonight at 6 p.m. Eastern. Our guest this evening is local writer, blogger and political activist Jack Furnari, who among other things, will discuss the escalating battle between RPOF RINOs and grass-roots conservatives. Jack is a passionate patriot so it is sure to be an interesting broadcast!

As always, we welcome your calls and invite you to participate in live-chat. And I am quite certain I'll have a few things to share about my protest experience today in front of the Town Center Mall. See you at the Forum!

Saturday in South Florida

And no, I am not going to the beach, I am going to the Town Center Mall. But not to shop...to join other free market patriots on the sidewalk on Glades Road to protest government DEATHcare! I am not sure if we will encounter any "proud communists" today, but should any of those freedom-haters show up, I will definitely take photos of the unhinged in action.

Speaking of Town Center Mall, not that I shop there much in the first place (a little to "Boca" for my taste), but knowing it is part of wealthy Democrat donor Melvin Simon's billion-dollar kingdom, I am definitely boycotting. If you haven't yet read about Free Market Warrior Loren Spivack, and his dismissal from the Concord Mills Mall, another Simon property in North Carolina, due to "offensive" merchandise, please take a moment to read his story here.

Loren was interviewed about the incident on Glenn Beck yesterday:



By the way, if you haven't heard, the Simon family, which has given over $1 million to Democrats including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Al Franken and the William J. Clinton Foundation, is also responsible for sabotaging the Atlanta Tea Party, via their Gwinnett Place Mall property and a legal technicality.

Let's hit them where it hurts -- in the pocketbook. There are lots of other places to shop, so boycott Simon Malls today!

An Encounter with the Unhinged: Patriots vs. MoveOn, ACORN, Obama-bots Outside of Senator Nelson's Office

“We are proud communists!”

So screeched a rather large, militant gentleman (yes, I use the term loosely) when confronted with a gathering of patriots outside of Senator Bill Nelson’s office in Davie, FL today. Sadly, he was not alone in his sentiment; the MoveOn.org, ACORN and Barack Obama’s “Organizing for Healthcare” protestors were angrily out-of-the-Karl-Marx closet and more than willing to shout it to the world.

Steeped in leftist ideology, their ranks included an unhinged young school teacher who claimed she’s lived in Italy, France and Canada, and can thus attest to the superiority of their systems; the aforementioned stout man who also announced that he’d actually contemplated committing suicide to make his point about the urgency of the situation (no, really!); and a smug, self-important college professor who looked like he was straight out of Woodstock with his grey ponytail and Baby Boomer (my apologies to patriotic Boomers everywhere!) arrogance. Upon arriving on the scene, he immediately got in our faces and began yelling about “evil Republicans.”

Not sure where this guy gets his news, but he actually had the audacity to suggest that our side (among whose ranks were my dear friends Elaine Laffey and Jessica Johnson-Dornblaser) was filled with paid volunteers! Uh, no. That would be ACORN and MoveOn.org, pal. Does the name George Soros ring a bell?

When Elaine and I attempted to reason with the suicide proponent, he was actually thrilled about the Draconian provision in the bill that would require senior citizens to go for “counseling” every five years to learn how to die. I mean this man resonated with absolute jubilation over the prospect of coercing people to choose death over life!

As for the practically hyperventilating school teacher, when I rightfully pointed out the need for tort reform, and the complicity of the trial lawyers and their unholy alliance with the Democrat Party – a union that is one of the biggest contributors to high insurance costs (along with skyrocketing malpractice rates) -- she condescendingly retorted that such realities are a “minor” part of the problem. Isn’t it comforting to know she’s brainwashing the next generation?!

It is quite eye-opening to realize we share this country with so many misinformed, delusional people whose motto could be "My mind is made up; please don't confuse me with the facts." I remember that slogan from tee-shirts on some of the New Jersey boardwalks, and it is an appropriate fit for the people we met today. Elaine encountered this in action when she politely laid out some hard truths about the bill to a woman who at first pretended to be interested in real debate. However, right in the middle of Elaine’s run-down, she turned on her heel and strode away. My mind is made up; please don’t confuse me with the facts.

And let’s talk about reverse racism for a moment, shall we? My friend Jessica got into a debate with a young black woman who made the blanket assumption that because Jess happens to be white, she is a child of privilege. I believe her accusations were something along the lines of “Sure you like the free market; you can afford any plan you want!” Jessica calmly stuck to the facts and queried as to how much this woman knew about the proposed legislation. For example, was she aware that the public option really isn’t an “option” at all, because if for any reason you decided to change your private insurance, you’d be forced into the government plan?” Of course, this woman knew nothing about that, but hey, if it comes from Obama it must be good, right?

Typically, none of them knew what was in the bill when pressed by any member of the patriot resistance. And not surprisingly, not one of them carried an American flag. They did however, break out into enthusiastic chants of "Obama" !

We of course, countered with "USA"! I had to keep reminding myself that "we surround them", to quote Glenn Beck. I have to admit though, when you come face to face with such willful, belligerent ignorance, it is rather disturbing. Hearing them chant his name over and over and confronting the stark realities of the consequences of the 60's decade was like being in a really bad science fiction film.

Unfortunately these people exist, as do teachers such as the young woman I described. I shudder to think of her in action in the classroom, eagerly and systematically brainwashing the next generation. If ever there was a living, breathing argument in favor of home-schooling, she’s it. She’s also a testament to the dire need to get government out of the business of education, though that’s a post for another day. Were I fortunate enough to have children, I’d definitely take the home-schooling route if unable to send them to a Catholic or private school.

One thing I must report: unlike Congressman Wexler’s office, Nelson’s Davie location is in a strip-mall, and much more accessible to the public. And perhaps because they knew his supporters would also be there, Nelson’s staff was at least polite, allowing us to fill out forms in which we expressed our opposition to Obamacare. I was very deliberate about listing all of the free-market solutions on mine, from the ability to purchase insurance across state lines to the need for tax credits for small business owners. Unlike their lemmings, Nelson, Obama and the Democrats would do well to realize that they are dealing with informed, intelligent and independent people when engaging the opposition. If he dares reply to me with a condescending letter insulting my intelligence, he will definitely hear from me again. No one argues that there is a need for reform; but the free market is the solution, not another government takeover. Didn’t Fannie and Freddie prove that once and for all?

Finally, thank God for all of the wonderful Tea Party Patriots, 9/12 activists and other concerned citizens we rallied with today, one of whom was a gentleman from Cuba who passionately and relentlessly argued with just about every one of them. Though some felt it was futile and possibly even hurtful to our cause, I admire his guts and determination. If only more Americans possessed the same spirit and love of freedom!

Stay in the fight, people! Keep talking, keep protesting, keep calling Congress and keep working to get the USA back to Constitutional principles. This is it! And we can do it!

DeMint on Lauer

Sure is nice to know that there are some principled people working in the United States Senate, Jim DeMint being one the most notable. Speaking out against Obamacare, the Senator from South Carolina stubbornly sticks to the facts, despite Lauer's best attempts to frame DeMint's "Waterloo" comments into some sort of personal vendetta.

As we all know, nationalizing the healthcare industry is a major priority in The Mistaken Won's agenda, alongside the equally disastrous Cap and Trade. Both are free market killers; however Obamacare has the added horror of actually having the power to literally kill through rationing and other Draconian measures.

Once again, DeMint calls out Obama for voting against every measure proposed by Republicans to make health insurance more affordable, which after all, is what this entire debate boils down to. Access to affordable insurance, made possible through things like the ability to purchase across state lines, would bring down costs, as would desperately needed tort reform.

But Obama is not about real, free market solutions -- he's about destroying capitalism and turning this once great nation into some sort of European socialized democracy. If only more senators would emulate DeMint's example of clear articulation of the issue and fearlessness in vocally opposing this President's march to an even more oppressive and overreaching nanny-state government!

At least South Carolina got it right with one of their senators!

Senator DeMint Speaks Out Against Obamacare

H/T: Hot Air



I am planning to attend another free market healthcare rally and protest outside of Senator Nelson's office in Davie, FL this Thursday; will follow up with a full report and photos.

Demonstration Outside of Robert Wexler's Office - July 2, 2009

I've been remiss in not posting this sooner. A very special thank you to Elaine and Patrick Laffey for organizing this event!

Sunday Odds and Ends

Sorry I've been away for a while...been fighting some kind of stomach bug and sinus/allergy problem all week. Between that, BTR co-hosting duties, book promoting and other special projects, I haven't had time to post on P-D, or anywhere else for that matter.

However, that doesn't mean I don't have valuable things to share. Here is the Sun-Sentinel article on the healthcare debate and protests outside of Robert Wexler's office. Elaine Laffey and I are both quoted, although space constraints obviously prevented the reporter from printing a full account of my views. Overall though, it's pretty even-handed.

Last night, I joined Steve Rosenblum on the Conservative Republican Forum (formerly known as the South Florida Conservative Republican Forum), where we interviewed Congressman Thaddeus McCotter of Michigan. If you haven't experienced the Congressman's Bob Newhart-style sense of humor on Red Eye, definitely check it out. He's a true statesman and patriot.

Later in the evening, I spent a lively 90 minutes talking with Premo Mondone of Red State Town Hall, covering a variety of topics including the Sotomayor confirmation hearings, the resurgence of freedom protests in Iran, the 40th anniversaries of landing on the moon and the death/murder of Mary Jo Kopechne.

Judge Sotomayor and Judicial Activism

The nomination of Sonya Sotomayor to the Supreme Court speaks volumes about President Obama. The President is the type of politician who says all the right things that people want to hear, but it is his deeds that give him away.

In his selection of Judge Sotomayor, the President has signaled that he has disdain for the Constitution and the rule of law. It clearly fits into his pattern of lawlessness since he has taken office seven months ago. As a few prime examples, look no further than his appointment of twenty - one unelected czars, and his trashing of the bondholders of GM in order to reward the unions, contracts be damned.

The President had made the statement that he wants judges with empathy and in Sotomayor he has found the perfect foil. Her now infamous comment about how a wise Latina woman can reach better decisions than a white man, her further comment about American courts should look to international law, and her most infamous statement about judges making policy from the bench.

Of course none of the sentiments expressed by the President or the good judge have anything to do with the Constitution. In fact,they run directly contrary to it. But that is the President's point. Remember he has been quoted as saying that the Warren Court, one of the most liberal in history, didn't go far enough for example in redistributing wealth.

Quite simply, Judge Sotomayor is not fit for the Court. Like Obama one must ignore what she says and focus on her record. As the last two days of hearings have shown, she has been prepped and programmed to give canned, safe answers. Like the President she has a fundamental dislike of the Constitution. The problem is, Supreme Court Justices take an oath to uphold the Constitution and not rewrite it because they disagree with it.

Further, this empathy business is just plain nonsense and more liberal psychobabble. Judges should not show empathy but should apply the law the to the facts and issue rulings accordingly. That is why we say that justice is blind and that all people are equal before the law. Chief Justice Roberts hit a home run during his confirmation hearings when he said that a judge must be completely impartial like an umpire. When asked whether he was for the big guy or the little guy, the Chief Justice responded that he would be for the little guy when the law was on his side, and for the big guy when the law was on the big guys side. Precisely.

Judges don't make law, they interpret it and if Judge Sotomayor wants to make law she should run for Congress. The problem is that the President has the votes and in the absence of a major gaffe during the confirmation hearings, the Judge will be confirmed. As we all know or should know, elections have consequences and this nomination is a major consequence of the President's election.

Screaming Arianna

Arianna Huffington and the Huffington Post recently reached a new low even for them. I refer to the blogger on the Post website who referred to Sarah Palin's son Trig as retarded. This vile, disgusting woman of no talent who somehow fell into a lot of money has no place in the civil, political discourse in America.

Of course Arianna in response to the uproar immediately took down the post and "apologized", but it was too late and the damage was already done. I believe that she knew this was coming and would have to take some heat, but that she knowingly approved the post in advance anyway.Trig Palin sends fear into the hearts of leftists especially leftists who call themselves feminists like the aforementioned Arianna. As Charles Krauthammer so eloquently stated, Governor Palin's choosing to give birth to Trig was a silent rebuke to these so-called feminists.It was living proof that women of strong character can really have it all, and illustrated the falsehood and shortcomings of the empty lives of people like Ms. Huffington, while driving a stake through the heart of the feminist movement.

There is no room in America for those like the Huffington Post who practice the politics of personal destruction. But notice that I don't call for Congress or some other bureaucratic body to shut the Post down, like liberals do when they encounter someone with whom they disagree. No, Arianna and the Huffington Post will be taught a lesson by that which they fear the most even more than Sarah Palin, the free market. I predict that all right minded Americans of whatever political stripe will see Arianna and her hate filled blog for what it is, and dump it in " history's unmarked grave of discarded lies."

An Iraqi Journalist Spells It Out

If an American said this, he'd be a filthy neocon. So let's hear it from an Iraqi (H/T Weekly Standard blog):


Thank You America – And Damn You, You Bastards
By Jabr Al Jabouri
Al-Bayyna Al-Jadida [Baghdad]
July 1, 2009

America chose to save us from the most evil party, and the most despicable President in the universe [Saddam]. Meanwhile, the Arab powers stood firmly against the American project. They used all means to thwart them, but Allah’s will had another say in this matter. America turned the Ba’athists into the world’s laughing stock by showing them fleeing in their underwear on live television. Meanwhile, the Arab powers turned those cowards into national heroes on their satellite channels.
America gave the lives of 4,000 of its people to Iraq’s land to instill security and democracy, while the Arabs sent us their filthy mercenaries who mercilessly murdered, bombed, and slaughtered the Iraqi people.
America came bearing democracy for Iraq, while the Arabs brought us the new religion of the Wahhabis and Salafists. This religion aims to destroy Iraq and return it to the days of minority rule.
America canceled all of our debts and urged the rest of the world to do so, while the Arabs refused to do so and they even demanded payment for every Iraqi citizen living in their countries.
America allowed Shias to practice their religion while the Arabs bombed the Askari shrine. America proposed that the Iraqi President be Kurdish – so that we can prove to the world that Iraq has entered an age of freedom and respect for ethnic minorities. Yet, the Arabs have “removed Iraq from the Arab map,” pointing to the fact that the President is a non-Arab. America urged all honorable Sunnis to take part in the political process, while the Arabs issued a fatwa to kill every Sunni Iraqi who works with the government.
America opened the world to us, while the Arabs slammed their doors in our faces. America urged the world’s countries to open embassies in Iraq. Thus far, the Arabs have not opened embassies… or even acknowledged Iraq’s new democratic regime. America is carrying the burden of removing Iraq from Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, while the Arabs – led by Saudi Arabia – are doing their best to obstruct these efforts.
America urged the Gulf States to allow Iraq to return to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), while the Arabs refused to allow Iraq to join the GCC. The Americans sponsored Iraq membership in international, political, and cultural organizations, while the Arabs expelled the Iraqi Authors and Writers Union from the Arab Writers Union.
America decided to withdraw from Iraq cities and hand these cities over to the Iraq forces on June 30 in preparation for the final withdrawal from Iraq. The Arabs decided to hinder the withdrawal so that their excuse for fighting the occupier and killing the Iraq people can remain. America signed the Strategic Framework Agreement with Iraq, which includes all political, cultural, military, and technological fields. The Arabs issued a decision stating that Iraq is “officially occupied” because we signed the security agreement. Never mind that all these Arab countries have agreements with America. The Arabs decided that every American soldier in Iraq is an occupier that must be killed, while if an American soldier was to be in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, or Egypt he would be considered as a friendly ally that must be treated with respect. The Arabs decided to consider every Iraqi living in America to be a traitor and spy, even though Iraqi people living in America are fewer in numbers than all other Arab nationalities. The Arabs consider every Iraqi who works as a translator for the American forces to be a traitor…
This is how Arabs are, and this is just a drop in a vast ocean. All this is what the Arabs do in public. What they do behind the walls is another matter entirely.
According to American news sources, Saudi Arabia has been trying hard to convince America to return the Ba’athists to power in Iraq. However, the American Administration does not care about what Saudi Arabia thinks or wants in this country.
Today, our American friends are true to their word. They have handed over security responsibilities to the Iraq forces, and they decided to withdraw from the Iraqi cities.
I wonder when the American forces in Saudi Arabia – estimated at 80,000 troops – are going to withdraw. When are the 30,000 U.S. soldiers in Kuwait going to withdraw? When are the American bases in Qatar, Egypt, Oman, Yemen, and all other Arab countries that live off American aid going to be shut down?
The geographically close, but, in humanitarian terms, distant Arab Nation does not deserve any political, cultural and commercial ties with us. Nations that are completely different from and unrelated to us are racing to assist us.
After six years of liberation, we now know who our friend is and who our foe is. We should not give a chance to those idiots who claim that Iraq is part of the Arab Nation. These idiots should understand that Iraq is part the federal, free and democratic world.

Sarah's Decision

Much has been written on this blog and elsewhere about Governor Palin's resignation. I have been away on vacation and have not yet had the opportunity to weigh in. The bottom line is that most liberals will criticise the decision and most Conservatives will applaud it.

As for her reasons, I believe a fair assessment is that the many false charges filed against her have hampered her effectiveness and wasted the money of the tax payers of Alaska. All have been dismissed. These vicious, purely political attacks have cost her a great deal of money to defend, and quite frankly the Governor needs to write her book now to pay off this debt. She will also be more effective as a Conservative leader freed from the burdens of her office.

Finally, as one who truly puts family first I believe that she is doing this for the benefit of her children. The attacks on her family have been unprecedented. Surely the Governor knows that by taking this action these attacks will not stop. She is absolutely feared by liberals because she is a huge threat to them. However, Sarah Palin also knows that now is freed to defend herself and her family and I have no doubt that she will do so.

There is no doubt that this move was an unorthodox one, however it is too early to say whether it was the right move or not. I tend to think that on balance it was a smart move. The only thing that would change my opinion is that if the decision was made so that the Governor could start a third party. If she runs as a third party candidate, she will lose and this decision will be for naught. That aside, it was certainly a bold decision and Lord knows that now more than ever America needs decisive leadership. Good luck Governor and keep fighting the good fight.

Water Signs Earns the Book of the Week Award!

I had the wonderful opportunity to create a three-minute blurb for Water Signs, as part of a fiction competition for an exciting Blog Talk Radio show called Blurb! Hosted by Sally and Dr. Kent, this creative, entertaining program airs select blurbs submitted by aspiring authors, alternating genres (fiction, nonfiction, etc) every week. The hosts then comment live after playing each blurb for their listening audience, before ultimately selecting a winner for “Book of the Week.” I am thrilled to announce that Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal is their choice for this week’s honor!

Thank you so much Sally and Dr. Kent! And for those of you who love to read, I highly recommend listening their innovative BTR show, which airs every Wednesday evening at 9 p.m.

More on Palin's Decision

From The Weekly Standard:

Why is Palin leaving? At this writing, there is no reason to doubt her stated position: Her enemies' concerted efforts to tear her down have caused her family financial stress and distracted her from her duties as governor. Since she returned to Alaska in November 2008, she has been hemmed in. Ethics complaints, insults, invective, undue attention, and legal bills have been all-consuming. "I can't fight for what's right when I'm shackled to the governor's seat," Palin said. For the last seven months the governor's office has been a ward. A trap. She is breaking free.

I think the reasons I gave in my earlier post comport pretty well with those stated in this article. That won't stop the unhinged from thinking the worst, but that's why they are rightly called unhinged.

Palin's Decision

I have had little time to write but much time to think about Sarah Palin's decision to leave office. I refuse to use the word "quit", despite the pejorative use of it by outlets that one might expect to be more friendly, or at least, not overtly antagonistic. Having served a term in elective office myself, having taken on the entrenched GOP "leadership" in the service of improving local government, and being one of five children (one of whom has Down syndrome), I find several points of connection with Governor Palin. If I could state why I think she did what she did at its most fundamental level, I think it is that the opportunity cost grew too high.

Compare that cost when she first ran for governor with what it is now. Back then, she was unknown outside of Alaska, and had she not been as successful as she was (attracting the notice of the national GOP, and, ultimately, John McCain), the opportunity cost for serving out her term and running for reelection would be substantially lower. However, history did not play out that way. Instead, she became a national figure, and one for whom the contempt of her political opponents knows no bounds (certainly, the bounds of common decency were no match).

Why the contempt? While it started with the usual political considerations (she was the energy of the ticket that threatened the election of Obama), it went far beyond that. No one has been able, in my mind, to state as succinctly yet clearly the basis for the irrational hatred (or contempt, or whatever word one wants to use to describe this emotion) as Charles Krauthammer, a Harvard-educated medical doctor and trained psychiatrist, who said:

The viciousness with which she was attacked as a contradiction in terms, a conservative woman.

In Palin's case, I think what adds to it is her decision at her age with four other children to have a down syndrome child. This, too, as Joseph Epstein wrote, in feminist circles if abortion is not about this, what's it about?

And they look at her as sort of a back room — a backwater hick, who, for religious reasons, went ahead and had a child that they would never have.

Underneath it, I think, deep underneath it, I think it's a self-loathing on the part of these feminists, knowing that what she did is virtuous and a generous act that they would have never have undertaken. And her having undertaken it is an affront to them, a silent rebuke.

So with that as a backdrop, she would never be able to return to life as she once knew it. And two kinds of ammunition that the haters (as opposed to those who merely didn't want her to stand between Barack Obama and his election to the Presidency) seized after last November's election were the FOIA request and the ethics complaint:

"Attacks inside Alaska and largely invisible to the national media had paralyzed her administration," someone close to the governor told me. "She was fully aware she would be branded a 'quitter.' She did not want to disappoint her constituents, but she was no longer able to do the job she had been elected to do. Essentially, the taxpayers were paying for Sarah to go to work every day and defend herself."

This approach amounted to her being the figurative wounded animal trying to get back to health with a pack of hyenas nipping at her legs. Meanwhile, everyone from the contemptible David Letterman to the braying Andrew Sullivan (not an obstetrician, but he plays one on the intertubes) to a "comedian" on the Huffington Post were happily making her life - and those of her kids - miserable. To stay in office would be to invite ever more FOIA requests that are like sand in the gears of government (of course, she would have been blamed for not accomplishing her agenda had she stayed) and ethics complaints that are little more than leeches on her family finances.

So she surveys the current field of play and realizes that she cannot govern effectively, that to even try is going to cost her and her family dearly in legal fees (half a million dollars in just the eight months since the election), and that the scorn that she engenders will be a constant source of pain for her family (including her infant son with Down syndrome). Honestly, put yourself in her shoes and ask yourself what you would do. She is still interested in being a positive part of the political conversation, and if she can do that while earning money, avoiding legal fees, and allowing the government of Alaska to proceed in a more fruitful way (challenge: who wants to bet me that the FOIA requests and ethics complaints will increase now that she is out of office?), then where's the surprise?

If you insist on using the word "quit" to describe her perfectly rational (yet still emotionally gut-wrenching) decision to resign her office, then I think you need to do some serious thinking - and not through the politicial prism that some would-be prognosticators of the '12 presidential race have done, but through the eyes of the person in the eye of the storm.

UPDATE: I meant to incorporate this into the original post, but submitted it before remembering to do so. Here is Mark Steyn's characteristically insightful closing to a great post:

Most of those who sneer at Sarah Palin have no desire to live her life. But why not try to — what's the word? — "empathize"? If you like Wasilla and hunting and snowmachining and moose stew and politics, is the last worth giving up everything else in the hopes that one day David Letterman and Maureen Dowd might decide Trig and Bristol and the rest are sufficiently non-risible to enable you to prosper in their world? And, putting aside the odds, would you really like to be the person you'd have to turn into under that scenario?

National office will dwindle down to the unhealthily singleminded (Clinton, Obama), the timeserving emirs of Incumbistan (Biden, McCain), and dynastic heirs (Bush). Our loss.

Visualizing health care reform

H/T Jonah

South Florida Conservative Republican Forum

South Florida Conservative Republican Forum

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A Tale of Two Tea Parties

I celebrated Independence Day fighting for independence from the Marxist regime currently occupying the White House. My day began in Fort Lauderdale at 10 a.m., where I joined with 2,200 fellow patriots along Broward Blvd. Colonel Allen West, Ed Lynch (conservative candidates for Congress in FL Districts 22 and 19, respectively), Talk Radio Host Joyce Kaufman and Southeast Broward Republican Club President Eddie Napolitano all electrified the crowd.

In spite of the oppressive summer humidity, the crowd was energized, determined and -- hello D.C.! -- incredibly angered by the hostile takeover of capitalism and freedom as of January 20, 2009. Cars drove by honking in solidarity, and we even got coverage in the Sun-Sentinel, though they can't seem to get beyond describing these events as "Republican-led." Old habits die hard, I suppose.

Later, I headed up to West Palm Beach where the Tea Party had been integrated into the annual 4th on Flagler celebration. Although this was a much smaller crowd than Fort Lauderdale's (300?), it was just as vocal and energetic. There were many folks there from the 9/12 Project, and Ed Lynch and Joyce Kaufman gave an encore performance to a highly receptive audience.

After the rally by the fountains, we all walked in a procession along Flager amid the typical Independence Day festivities. More than one ignorant teenager shot us dirty looks as we went by, and I recall one asking another, "What do you think they'll do if we start chanting 'Obama'?"

Gee honey, I don't know...perhaps try to educate you about why he's so destructive to your future and our country? Because obviously the public education system hasn't!

Alas, ignorance is not just for the young. As we proceeded back to where we'd started, a gentleman who appeared to be about 60-ish snidely called out, "You're politicizing the 4th of July!" Umm, excuse me but the 4th of July is about politics, sir. Specificly the oppressive policies of a power-hungry monarchy to whom the people boldly declared, "enough!" Are you gettin' the idea that history's kinda repeating itself?

Although I didn't actually take the opportunity to rebut this guy, two others in our group did, though I was unable to catch up with them later for a full report. I think I can safely assume that the Kool-Aid was a fatal dosage.

On the flip side, we also received lots of approving nods, smiles and cheers, so all is definitely not lost. Keep talking, keep fighting and keep the faith....we the people will prevail!

UPDATE: The Palm Beach Post reports a crowd of 500.

More Thoughts on Sarah

Thank you to my talented friend and journalist Joan Swirsky for sending these along to me!

Jude over at Hugh Hewitt uses the marathon metaphor, alluding to a statement Governor Palin made in her Runner's World interview;

Tom Suhadolnik offers a sobering look into the Cloward-Piven strategy so effectively wielded against Sarah Palin and her family over at American Thinker;

Merv at Prairie Pundit outlines the Palin Strategy and its possible outcomes;

the incomparable Victor Davis Hansen weighs in at National Review;

Director Blue has a warning for deranged lefties;

and of course, The Great One states with conviction that Palin is running for president in 2012, so "get used to it."

I am still mulling it over, but am feeling much better about Friday's announcement; unlike some righty bloggers and pundits, I never once regarded Sarah as a quitter. On the contrary, I've been blown away by her incredible resiliency and strength over the past eight months, during which she and her children were savaged in a manner that would make Satan proud. And I think the arguments put forth by everyone I've linked to here make a lot of sense.

Private citizen Sarah Palin can say and do things (e.g. take on her enemies full-throttle, energize the conservative movement that is currently gaining momentum) that Governor Sarah Palin cannot, at least not without more trips to the woodshed. Many bloggers on the right who excoriate her for her decision seem to forget that Palin is also a human being, one who has been put through a political crucifixion the likes of which I have never before witnessed.

Yes, it was bad with W. Yes it was bad with Reagan. But with Sarah Palin, the radical left has set a new standard of depravity -- one that will never abate as long as she's in office. As a fellow human being and woman, I applaud her decision. As the Anchoress notes, Sarah Palin has declared her own Independence Day. I can't wait to see what she does next.

Lefties Finally Get Their Way

In a tainted political climate that bears more resemblance to reality TV than it does to the vision of America put forth by our Founding Fathers, it's no wonder that so many good people reject the idea of running for office. It's a double-edged sword: the USA desperately needs honorable, dedicated citizens to answer the call to public service and execute their duties with, as Governor Palin often quotes, "a servant's heart," yet to do so comes at tremendous personal and professional peril. And after what the Palin family has endured over the past year, why on earth would anyone who fervently believes in God, country and Constitution ever want to subject themselves to such vile, undeserved treatment?

Yes, I was just as shocked (and saddened) as the rest of the country when Governor Sarah Palin announced her resignation today. Long before she emerged onto the national scene as the VP nominee, I knew about Sarah Palin. I watched her discuss energy issues thoroughly and intelligently with people like Larry Kudlow and Glenn Beck.

I was struck by her obvious knowledge on this critical issue. Given the facts that 1.) America is funding its own destruction by buying oil from Third World Countries that hate us; and 2.) this country also has an abundance of natural resources, along with the sophisticated technology to tap into them in the most environmentally sound way possible, it seemed a no-brainer that a proven leader and naturally charismatic person like Palin would take her rightful place in some kind of national office, where she could do the most good.

And when John McCain made what was probably the only smart decision amid a sea of incredibly bad ones during the 2008 campaign, I expected a tough fight. I knew it would most likely get ugly, given the horrific treatment of George W. Bush by the left over the preceding eight years. But I have to hand it to the Daily Kos/HuffPo/Wonkette/MSNBC/NYT crowd: when it comes to Governor Palin and her family, they've attained a new and unprecedented nadir of viciousness.

Immediately following the announcement of Palin as VP nominee, the slobbering, highly threatened Obamamedia engaged in full frontal assault, descending on Wasilla like vultures in a frenzied attempt to dig up and hurl as much mud as they possibly could at Palin and her family. Sandwiched in-between that first defaming US Magazine issue (hot off the presses, just in time for the RNC), and the recent hit-job by Vanity Fair were ad nauseam smears:

Speculation that Trig Palin, her youngest son was actually her daugher Bristol's child (a medical impossibility)

Excoration of the Governor for choosing to give birth to her handicapped baby

Lies about Troopergate

Lies about banning books

Lies about the Bridge to Nowhere

References to Palin and her family as "white trash"

Accusations of racism for wearing a white jacket at a campaign rally

Distortions of things she'd said in interviews (e.g. Tina Fey, "I can see Russia from my house")

Hostile, unfair interviews at the hands of Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric

Backstabbing from McCain insiders including unsubstantiated charges of having "post partum depression"

References to being a "slutty flight attendant"

Verbal sexual assaults on her 14 year-old daughter by a perverted 60+ year-old comedian

Refusal to acknowledge or publicize any of her accomplishments like the natural gas pipeline and the fact that Alaska under her leadership, is one of the country's most fiscally solvent states

15 bogus ethics charges resulting in $500,000 of legal fees

Recent, despicable photoshops of her Down syndrome baby

And the list goes on and on. Regrettably, many on the right including Kathleen Parker, Peggy Noonan, Heather MacDonald and Debbie Schlussel were quick to pile on. If not engaging in below-the-belt attacks, other conservatives bemoaned her lack of qualifications and/or gravitas. Of these, Charles Krauthammer, Jonah Goldberg, Byron York and Rich Lowry are the most notable.

Nothing really new here: whether the assault comes from the right or left, it's ultimately a case of the elites vs. the everyday man and woman. Sarah Palin doesn't speak with an affected East Coast accent. She didn't attend an Ivy League College, nor does she hail from an acclaimed political pedigree. She's just an ordinary (though quite beautiful), hard-working American with a passion for her country, a relentless work ethic and a genuine desire to serve. There was a time in our history when these qualities were revered and celebrated. Sadly, those days appear to be over, as style has defeated substance, and celebrity has superceded accomplishment in the perilous Age of Obama.

As someone who looks upon Palin as a role-model and a woman of remarkable character, I have nothing but admiration for the way she's carried herself through this entire spectacle. Reflecting upon the last eight months, it's an amazing testament to her strength and character that she came this far. While I am disappointed she will no longer serve as Alaska's governor, I fully respect and understand her decision. When 80% of her time is spent defending herself against false accusations (and racking up exorbitant legal bills in the process), it's not humanly possible to devote herself to her actual job -- serving the people of her state. And Sarah Palin is that rare breed of politician who actually takes her responsibilities seriously; it's a tragedy for our nation that there aren't many more like her in the halls of Congress.

Savor your victory lefties. But just know that when it comes to true grit, integrity and quality, none of you are fit to tie Sarah Palin's running shoes. May all the vitriol you've directed at her and her family return to you tenfold.

Tea Parties in Paradise

If you live in South Florida and want to join fellow Americans in protest of Cap and Trade, Obamacare, Czars, Stimulus Packages and Foregn Policy treachery, you've got two excellent options. In downtown Fort Lauderdale from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. you can stand with other patriots along Broward Blvd, at the intersection of Third.

Or, you can celebrate and protest at The 4th on Flagler at 5 p.m., where the demonstration will follow the singing of The Star Spangled Banner and precede traditional Independence Day fireworks. And if you're like me and just can't get enough, the fact these two events take place at different times of day means it's gonna be one long, hot, continuous Tea Party!

Rallying for Free Market Healthcare in Boca Raton

In spite of the typical South Florida summer downpour, a devoted group of approximately 40 patriots gathered outside Congressman Robert Wexler's office, located in the Crystal Corporate Center on Military Trail in Boca Raton. Elaine Laffey, my fellow Smart Girl Politics activist and Facebook buddy, did an excellent job coordinating today's event. I should point out, I was a bit surprised to discover the Congressman's office was located in such an upscale building -- you know -- the kind that houses all of those eeeevil corporations the Democrats are always harping about.

When we arrived at 3 p.m., there were a scant few people milling about the parking lot, but within minutes, the size of our group nearly quadrupled. As we were preparing to go onto the sidewalk, we noticed a group of socialized medicine/Wexler supporters, all of whom appeared to be senior citizens. When Elaine approached them to say hello and introduce herself, the greeting one gentlemen offered in response summed up the difference between the left and the right better than any conservative ever could: "Why are you talking to us? We're the enemy!" he exclaimed in a caustic tone. To which Elaine promptly rebutted, "You're not my enemy, sir. We just have a fundamental disagreement on this issue."

With that, most of us quietly moved away from them to take our assigned places on the sidewalk, but my friend and die-hard patriot Ellen Snyder stuck around for a while to argue; as expected, her valid points fell on deaf ears. And during the emotionally charged exchange one guy actually wagged his finger in her face, obnoxiously claiming he was supporting Obamacare "for your child," and erroneously assuming that Ellen, who has worked in the medical industry her entire career, had no idea what she was talking about. Gotta love these tolerant liberals!

Anyway, I suppose Wexler does indeed fancy himself an untouchable CEO, because Elaine and I encountered much resistance when we peacefully approached the building, intent on paying his staff (Wexler, we were later told, was in Israel) a friendly visit so that they could inform their boss of our strong opposition to nationalized healthcare. First, we were stopped by a local cop, a very nice gentleman who gave us his blessing once we explained our purpose (he wanted to make sure we weren't bringing any signs with us, which would have been a violation). However, the arrogant building security team was another matter entirely. Three different guards stopped us rather rudely as we made our way to the lobby; undeterred, we kept going, reminding them that Congressman Wexler is a public servant, and thus accountable to his constituents.

By the time we got to the third one, she was poised and ready with a walkie-talkie, presumably to warn Wexler's staff that two right wing extremists were on their way. In a tone of sheer condescension, she announced, "That is a private office!" Undaunted we replied, "Congressman Wexler works for us, and we have every right to stop by and let him know how we feel about this issue," before stepping into the glass elevator.

As we ascended to the fourth floor (Suite 490 to be exact), we watched as the guard then whipped out her walkie talkie and presumably issued an urgent warning to Wexler's staff. Once inside, we were greeted politely (if somewhat stiffly) but as directed, wrote out our grievances on the forms provided. Interestingly enough these forms, which featured the seal of the US Congress at the top, requested a social security number in a line at the bottom, along with the typical information (name, address, etc). Neither of us filled it in.

Back outside, I asked Ellen to contact talk radio host Joyce Kaufman (who was currently broadcasting live), and apprise her of what had just transpired. Although there were several other callers in queue, Ellen's call was bumped to the front of the line. Once informed, an angry Joyce publicized the incident on the airwaves; by the time Ellen and other protestors paid a visit to the Congressman's office, the phones were ringing off the hook, with solicitious staffers assuring irate callers that of course their office was open to the public! Power to the people, baby.

One other observation: Military Trail is a heavily trafficked street, and this particular intersection is extremely busy. Our friends from the other side stood at an opposite corner, holding up signs in support of Wexler and Obamacare. But as far as I could tell, we were the only ones who received numerous honks of approval, most notably from every trucker who happened to drive by. We even got media coverage from the Sun-Sentinel and the local ABC affiliate (Patrick Laffey, Elaine's husband, also took video of several of us, including yours truly). I honestly believe most people are starting to wake up and smell the coffee. And that's a very good thing for America.

Thank you to every patriot who stood out in the rain with us today! Special mention to the 9/12-ers, especially Shannon and Doug and their family; congressional candidate for Congress and Wexler challenger Ed Lynch; the Smart Girl Politics team and once again, to Patrick and Elaine Laffey. This weekend: TEA PARTIES!

Victory in Iraq

One of the most impressive military campaigns of all time has come to a successful conclusion, with the withdrawal of American troops from providing primary security to Iraqi cities. This security detail will now be handled by the Iraqis themselves with US troops moving to bases in outlying areas ready to provide assistance when called upon.

This great victory belongs to the courageous people of the US military and to President George W. Bush, who stayed the course despite constant and vile media attacks and misinformation. What a tribute to the character of this man whose strong leadership led to the creation of a democracy in the heart of the most volatile and dangerous region in the world.

President Bush faced fierce opposition to the Iraq War, yet he stood firm. He proved to the world that he was a statesman and not just another politician. Unlike his critics who predicted that the war was lost. Remember those folks. If not, let me remind you. Among their leaders were Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, and then Senator Barrack Obama.

Funny now isn't it that these same naysayers who opposed the Iraq War, are now in complete control of government and they have claimed victory. This is astounding and the height of hypocrisy. Have you no shame Mr. President? Can you not find it within yourself to credit President Bush for anything? The campaign is over Sir, hasn't anyone told you? What we need is leadership and not left wing politicking. It's time you studied the last eight years and learn what true leadership is all about.

The President Who Would Be King

In the short span of six months we have an imperial Presidency in full bloom. Candidate Obama who promised transparency is now heading the least transparent and most authoritarian administration in US history.

Candidate Obama who promised that any proposed legislation would be posted on the Internet at least five days before a vote, has pushed bills through Congress that members didn't even read let alone the public. He unilaterally seized a large portion of the American automobile industry, and basically cheated bondholders at the expense of union members so he could repay a political debt. This amounted to a clear violation of American legal precedent, namely the sanctity of a contract. Much like a King the President's attitude was, contracts be damned. This is quite simply lawlessness.

He issues Executive Orders with abandon by-passing the legislative process, and appoints unelected "Czars" with impunity. His Administration sits idly by during the repressive crackdown in Iraq, yet pushes for OAS membership for dictatorial regimes such as Cuba and Nicaragua. Meanwhile he is not the least concerned about "meddling" when it comes to democratic allies like Israel.

A few short months ago nobody would have thought that such an agenda could occur in America. We best wake up and smell the coffee and fast. Before we know it the President and his pals in Congress just may strike down that pesky Twenty Second Amendment, you know the one limiting presidents to two terms. After all given all the fawning by an adoring dinosaur media, I'm sure Mr. Obama must think to himself why limit myself to being President when I can be King.

Liberal Fear of Governor Palin

It's simply amazing that a VP candidate who ran on a losing ticket could be the center of attention, eight months after her party's defeat. This is unprecedented. Such losing VP candidates have never been in the national spotlight again, such as Lloyd Bentsen, and Dan Quayle. Others only became newsworthy again when they themselves decided to run for President. Among this group are Bob Dole, Walter Mondale, and Joe Lieberman.

Which us brings us to the question of why the constant and vicious attacks on Governor Palin and even more insidious the attacks on her family. After much thought, I can come to only conclusion. Liberals may loathe her, but primarily they FEAR Sarah Palin. Why do they fear her? Because they realize that she is a conservative candidate to be reckoned with and they want to discredit her now so that any future candidacy is stillborn. Enter the Alinsky playbook once again, and the campaign to smear all potential opposition. The same attacks were leveled against Ronald Reagan in the 1970s. Who can forget the name calling - Ronnie Raygun, The Amiable Dunce, and "B" Actor.

Governor Palin stands for everything liberals detest. She is a female who achieved success on her own not by riding on her husband's coattails ala Hillary Clinton. She truly believes in small government, market economies, and individual freedom and responsibility, and more importantly governs her state accordingly. In essence she walks the walk and not simply talks the talk like other Republican elected officials. This frightens liberals and Democrats to no end since they are used to Republican cowardice and capitulation. They also can't understand this Second Amendment thing. The Constitution be damned is the liberal creed nowadays.

Most of all the Governor is pro life, and has a wonderful marriage and family life. She committed the ultimate sin in liberal eyes by actually giving birth to a Downs Syndrome baby instead of aborting the child as any good Manhattan or Beltway feminist would. Further, her movie star quality looks inherently leads to jealousy among a good portion of women of all political stripes.

The RNC should take note as our liberal friends are speaking loud and clear. If they can't take Sarah out before 2012 they know they are in trouble. If this smear campaign fails and Governor Palin emerges as a Presidential candidate, they will go to Plan B which is to enter into open Republican primaries and vote for the most liberal Republican in a repeat of 2008. Are you paying attention Chairman Steele? It's time to close all primaries now to avoid a repeat of this sabotage.

Make no mistake about it, this smear campaign is calculated and the trail leads straight to the White House. Liberals know a threat when they see one. The question now is whether Republican officials are astute enough to read the tea leaves. At this point, I certainly have my doubts.

Female Jealousy and Sarah Palin

UPDATE:

Here is a segment from Hannity on the Vanity (Un)Fair controversy:

If the comments on Facebook and the attacks by both "GOP strategists" and former McCain staffers are any indication, jealousy is a pervasive, ugly and -- possibly -- incurable disease. Let's examine some of the critiques of Palin by fellow women; I am not talking about the far-left NOW types, but females who claim to be Republican and/or conservative.

Last night on The O'Reilly Factor, guest host Monica Crowley interviewed a "GOP strategist" named Jennifer Millerwise Dyck about the repulsive Vanity Fair hit-job on Governor Palin. Normally an excellent challenger, Crowley unfortunately dropped the ball when Millerwise Dyck claimed that Governor Palin should stop engaging in "wars of words" with David Letterman and instead focus on energy issues and the business of her state. Ms. Millerwise Dyck is flat-out wrong on so many levels, it is hard to know where to start.

I suppose the fact that Governor Palin's natural gas pipeline victory, "an historic achievement" to quote Palin directly, is of no consequence to out-of-touch Beltway types, nor is her recent visit to Kosovo and address to Camp Bondsteel soldiers an example of credible leadership and foreign diplomacy. During the interview last night, I waited for Crowley to rebut Millerwise Dyck with both of these examples, but unfortunately she chose not to do so.

Then there's the matter of Palin's Runner's World magazine interview, which seems to have ticked off more than one alleged conservative female, at least on Facebook. One would think the Governor of Alaska had posed on a beach in a string bikini, or in a centerfold in Playboy the way some of these females are carrying on. Of course, these women do so under the guise of concern for Palin's "credibility" in the media.

Oh really? Gee, I'd thought the media had already lost whatever remaining shred of credibility it had left after Washington Post reporter Eli Zaslow rhapsodized over Obama's glistening pectoral muscles:

"The sun glistened off chiseled pectorals sculpted during four weightlifting sessions each week, and a body toned by regular treadmill runs and basketball games."

In the Runner's World article, Palin's tasteful photos include shots of her holding baby Trig, dressed in typical workout gear that admittedly demonstrates just how fit and trim this mother of five truly is. But what's wrong with that? With so many obese US citizens, we should be lauding the Governor of Alaska as a role-model who proves that women can be accomplished, strong, attractive and fit, no matter their age. There's nothing inappropriate about these pictures -- no cleavage, no provocative posing -- just the healthy image of a lifelong athlete with a passion for her preferred sport. A sport by the way, that millions of Americans enthusiastically embrace.

With respect to Letterman's despicable comments, Sarah Palin not only had the right, but the obligation as the mother of a 14 year-old girl to defend her honor. Had Chelsea Clinton been the target of such a vile attack, would anyone have chastised Hillary for jumping to her offspring's defense?

So what really gives with Sarah Palin's female critics?

Good old-fashioned jealousy, and nothing more. Despite the popular myths, not all women support each other in sisterly solidarity. And all across the political spectrum there are females who despise Sarah Palin simply because she is the embodiment of beauty and brains.

When I was in high school, there were female classmates who absolutely hated me, whether they knew me personally or not. Since my father was a doctor, they immediately dismissed me as a "spoiled rich girl" and in spite of obvious evidence to the contrary, nothing was going to change their minds. Everything I did -- e.g. inviting them over for pool parties, helping with English homework -- was perceived as somehow "showing off" my family's alleged "excessive" wealth, and/or my own intelligence.

With some critics, you just can't win, so the best you can do is keep living your life according to your own standards. In Sarah Palin's case, she did go back to tending to the business of Alaska once the election was over, and quite well, I might add, since her state is one of the most fiscally solvent in the country.

But back to the jealousy point: sadly, many never grow out of the immaturity of adolescence, thus the palpable female-on-female disdain for a woman who in a sane world, would be lauded as a role-model for her gender. The more things change, the more they stay the same.