Muddling Toward Maturity Blog

SOMETHING TO TAP YOUR TOE TO

A Fairbanks, Alaska TV anchor recorded a catchy little ditty titled "I'm a Sarah-ist."  Click  here.

(HT: John McCormack at the Weekly Standard blog)

LIBERALS AND BOOK BANNING

Leftists and liberals are spreading false stories about Sarah Palin and book banning.  Michelle Malkin has the full story showing that Liberal accusations against her are totally untrue.  But in treating the subject, Malkin notes some astonishingly full-court press efforts of liberals and leftist  to ban books themselves.  Consider: 

John Kerry and his rabid minions were pressuring Regnery Publishing to withdraw  "Unfit  for command" from bookstores . . .

Where were they when left-wing hit man David Brock of Media Matters for America sent a demand letter to Wal-Mart, Amazon.com, and Barnes & Noble urging them to pull “Unfit for Command” from their shelves?

Where were they two years ago when two Democrat lawmakers, New Jersey Assemblywomen Joan Quigley and Linda Stender, called on merchants to ban the sale of Ann Coulter’s book, Godless,” because of her remarks about anti-Bush 9/11 widows. “No one in New Jersey should buy this book and allow Ann Coulter to profit from her hate-mongering,” the politicians lashed out. “We are asking New Jersey retailers statewide to stand with us and express their outrage by refusing to carry or sell copies of Coulter’s book. Her hate-filled attacks on our 9-11 widows has no place on New Jersey bookshelves.”

Or this:

Quote of the Day -- on the Election and the Culture Wars

Rich Lowry writes:

Palin will forever be a target. A pro-life, pro-gun evangelical with five kids, Palin has made the election even more into a culture war than it was before. Not only do national journalists resent that, they are, as urbanites and self-styled sophisticates, largely on the other side of that war as a matter of lifestyle and conviction. Because cultural matters cut so close to the core, it is nearly impossible for them to hide their allegiance.

Me:  Lowry is absolutely right.  The election has become (at least as it looks now), a referendum on whether voices opposing a reflexively militant secular culture will be granted an opportunity to significantly influence future American culture or not.

INVESTIGATION OF "TROOPER GATE" MANIPULATED BY ENEMIES OF GOV. PALIN

Amanda Carpenter reports:  

A Friday hearing revealed that an Obama partisan has manipulated an independent investigator’s subpoena list for a controversial inquiry against GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

. . . Investigator Steven Branchflower admitted he had ceded control of his subpoena list to Sen. Hollis French (D.) during Alaska’s Joint Judiciary Committee September 12 hearing that was scheduled to approve subpoena requests.  French is a partisan who has endorsed Palin’s Democratic presidential ticket rival Barack Obama for president and is actively supporting his candidacy.

. . . Palin’s lawyer Thomas Van Flein said the entire investigation is “unlawful and unconstitutional.” He recently wrote a terse letter to Branchflower [the investigator], blasting the investigator’s “seemingly biased conduct of the investigation in recent weeks.”

Carpenter says,

DEMS AND MEDIA ELITES WHO DERIDE PALIN'S RELIGION EMPLOY A POOR STRATEGY

So says Michael Gerson in an interesting and insightful column.   (HT: The Corner)

Embedded in his article are some interesting lines:

Reporters press Palin's former pastor to reveal if she has ever spoken in tongues, the way it was once asked if candidates had ever used drugs.

And how about this telling quote?:

It was the sociologist Peter Berger who observed, "Puerto Ricans, Jews and Episcopalians each form around 2 percent of the American population.  Guess which group does not think of itself as a minority."

That's quite humorous. . . and true.  Secularists and "sophisticates" reveal their insularity at every turn.  As Gerson says,

The media treatment of Pentecostalism (Palin's main religious background) and Bible church evangelicalism (her current affiliation) has had the quality of a National Geographic special on a newly discovered Amazon tribe. 

HOW SHOULD SARAH PALIN'S CHILDREN FEEL ABOUT TRIG, THEIR LITTLE BROTHER WITH DOWN SYNDROME?

Michael G. Franc writes movingly about growing up with his brother who had Down Syndrome and the difference his brother made in his life and the life of his friends.  Franc frames his article as "unsolicited advice to Track, Bristol, Willow, and Piper."

Much will be required from you in the years ahead. But, if my experience is any guide, you will be immeasurably better off with Trig in your lives. And, unbeknownst to you, others will watch how you treat Trig and will quietly benefit from the good examples you undoubtedly will set.

I found myself quite stirred and benefited as I read this article.  I urge you to click through and read the article for yourself. 

WILL "TRIG," THE PALIN BABY, DO ANYTHING TO STOP EUGENIC ABORTIONS OF EXTRA CHROMOSOME BABIES?

Mike Gerson has published an important column today.  I hope readers will click through and read the whole thing.  Gerson suggests that Trig, the Palin's baby with Down syndrome, by his very appearance at the Republican National Convention, has produced a crack in the civil rights barrier for Down syndrome human beings.  He rightly notes:

"Unlike what is accorded African Americans and women, civil rights protections for people with Down syndrome have rapidly eroded over the past few decades.  Of the cases of Down syndrome diagnosed by prenatal testing each year about 90 percent are eliminated by abortion.

He accurately states:

But children born with Down syndrome -- who learn slowly but love deeply -- are generally not experienced by their parents as a curse but as a complex blessing.

Read on. . .

McCAIN & PALIN EMBRACE 5 YEAR OLD DOWN SYNDROME CHILD AND HER FAMILY

This is a beautiful story complete with touching photos.  Gotta see this!  Click here for the story and additional photos.  (HT: The Corner)

PALIN MANIA

- -We live now in post-feminist America, and this article by Anne Applebaum explains how and why Hillary Clinton's reign as the archetypal Female American Politician has come to an end.

-- Jessica Gavora  builds an article around Palin's quote: All I ever really needed to know I learned on the basketball court.  It's a good article.  The ending paragraphs:

But liberal feminists are, in fact, afraid of Sarah Palin. For the first time, they face real competition in their claim to speak for women. For decades, feminist groups have insisted they are the voice of American women, when in fact they are the voice of a narrow, liberal fringe. It's an argument that has convinced the media and has cowed politicians of both parties. And it's an argument that Sarah Palin is busy blowing clean out of the water.

If she wins, that hissing sound you will hear will be the air wheezing out of modern feminism. And even if she doesn't win, she will have given America--and, more important, American politicians--the example of a female former athlete who knows who she is and what she wants and doesn't need Big Brother to protect her from the old boys network.

And to think it all began in a gym in Wasilla.

-- The International Herald Tribune posts an article "Bible is Palin's professional guide, friends and pastors say"  (9/7/08)

FOR INCREDIBLE PRESIDENTIAL RACE COVERAGE, GO TO THE "HOT AIR" WEBSITE

The Hot Air website is just unbeatable.  Ed Morissey deals with the news (including handling accusations against McCain/Palin) with numerous posts every day (and throughout the day!) -- and there's lots of video, too!

GOV. SARAH PALIN INEXPERIENCED? NOT REALLY

Ed Morissey posts (with video as well):

Greta van Susteren took a look at the “inexperienced” criticism of Sarah Palin by interviewing people who worked with Palin in Alaska.  She spoke with the current mayor of Wasilla, which is — surprise! — one of the five largest cities in Alaska, and with the commander of the Alaska National Guard.  Greta also gets to the bottom of her battle with oil companies in her state in this lengthy video from Fox News last night:    [more . . .]

TOP 7 MYTHS, LIES AND UNTRUTHS ABOUT SARAH PALIN

Click here.    Update: And here's another website setting the record straight on 89 rumors (as of 2:00 PM EST, 9/6/08.  I expect the number to double, triple, and quadruple over time).  So far as I can tell, this site is accurate and trustworthy.  It would be a good idea to bookmark this site since Sarah's opposition rumor mill will be working overtime in the days ahead.  I would also suggest checking Ed Morissey's "Hot Air" website on a regular basis.  He's on top of every story, rumor, and accusation as well, and often includes video coverage.  Update: 9/9/08 - see also FactCheck.org

GOV. SARAH PALIN'S CHURCH

 Mike Potema over at the Corner has a post titled, "A Pretty Good Church," and writes:

I have been listening, pretty much at random, to the audio sermons posted on the website of Wasilla Bible Church. I recommend them to anyone interested in mainstream—as opposed to mainline—American Christianity.

Update:  Newsweek has published an article on the church.

OPRAH WON'T HAVE GOV. SARAH PALIN ON HER SHOW

At least not until the election is over.  And most women aren't happy. Said one:  (HT: Drudge)

"I'm actually pretty angry with her right now because of this," she said. "I don't think I will be a gung-ho supporter right now.

"I'd think twice about switching her on or even buying her magazine."

Interesting, interesting.  Actually, there are a raft of responses to Oprah on her forum page.  It makes for entertaining reading.  The proportion of women upset and angry with Oprah seems to be running something like 50 to 1 in my unscientific browse.

See also the Politico article:  "Obama supporter, Oprah popularity declining" written back in April, 08.

PHOTOS OF ALASKA GOV. SARAH PALIN

I feel like calling her "Lady Sarah."  Click here for a stunning series of New York Post photographs of her at the RNC.  Click here for pictures of Bristol and her fiance.  Great pics!

WHY THE LEFT HATES HER

Johnathan V. Last explains the deep-seated difference in worldviews that gives rise to genuine hatred on the left.   Read on . . .

NEWSPAPERS . . .

WHAT ARE WE TO MAKE OF SARAH PALIN? MORE RESPONSES . . .

- Update - But first, a Gov. Sarah Palin Biography Video

- Update #2 - If anyone missed the speech, or wants a good, thorough review, you won't do better than read Michael Barone's excellent close analysis.

**

-In a column titled, "Barack, Meet Your Nightmare," Rich Lowry wrote:

Annie Oakley brought a gun to a knife fight and made like the Obama-Biden ticket was a moose lazily meandering into her gun sights.

... By the end, you began to feel sorry for him for having been so thoroughly eviscerated by a woman and to wonder - how are Obama and Biden possibly going to handle her?

... Throughout, she never lost that ineffable quality that is literally priceless - her likability.

... Already, it's possible to see the new orientation she could bring to the Republican Party - fresher, with more of a blue-collar sensibility and more feeling.

-- Surprise: Gloria Steinem isn't pleased.  More responses follow.  Keep reading....

GOV. SARAH PALIN - A SENSATION

I very much agree with the 16 "pointlets" Jay Nordlinger makes about Sarah Palin's speech last night.  I'll list a sampling, but do read the entire list for yourself.  (More commentary follows on page 2).

1. She’s one of the most talented politicians in America — a natural. You can’t learn that kind of thing. You simply have it (or you don’t). I suppose Sarah Palin will get better as a politician. But she’s damn good now. She will not hit her stride. She entered with her stride.

8. At times during the speech, I thought, “John McCain hit paydirt — a superb pick.”

12. Said the governor, “I might add that in small towns, we don’t quite know what to make of a candidate who lavishes praise on working people when they are listening, and then talks about how bitterly they cling to their religion and guns when those people aren’t listening. We tend to prefer candidates who don’t talk about us one way in Scranton and another way in San Francisco.”

16. Sarah Palin is a sensation. Conservative Republicanism is now represented by a genuine political-oratorical star — a virtuoso. You are tempted to say (as has been said), she’s our Obama. We can only hope she’ll be around for a long time to come, in whatever posts.

Here is the text of her speech.    Read on for additional commentary . . . 

US MAGAZINE - NO PREJUDICE?

  Can you discern any difference in the tone and approach of the two front-page articles below?  Hard, isn't? 

 

Update 9/4/08:  Here's a cover we did not see: (HT: Michelle Malkin)                                                                                                    

VICTOR DAVIS HANSON - WHY DO WE LIKE PALIN?

Victor Davis Hanson answers the question.  Keep reading...

WILL GOV. SARAH PALIN SURVIVE THE ASSAULT? SHE COMPARED HERSELF TO A PIT BULL

  I hope the following (from William Kristol) turns out to be true:

McCain aides whose judgment I trust are impressed by Sarah Palin. One was particularly amused by this exchange: A nervous young McCain staffer took it upon himself to explain to Palin the facts of life in a national campaign, the intense scrutiny she'd be under from the media, the viciousness of the assault that she'd be facing, etc.:

Palin: "Thanks for the warning. By the way, do you know what they say the difference is between a hockey mom and a Pit Bull?"

McCain aide: "No, Governor."

Palin: "A hockey mom wears lipstick."

HYPOCRISY OF THE LIBERAL MEDIA REGARDING GOV. SARAH PALIN'S DAUGHTER, BRISTOL

These commentators said the following about the  hypocrisy of the liberal media:

Jonah Goldberg -

Am I crazy, or did the press spend 16 years congratulating itself over how it left president's kids alone? I guess Sarah Palin doesn't qualify for that kind of decency yet.

Jay Nordlinger -

 - A Corner reader writes, “If only John Edwards were the father, then the media wouldn’t care — it’d be so tabloid.”

- From another reader: “Interesting that when John Edwards’s and Jesse Jackson’s ‘troubles’ came to light, nobody asked whether they were employing proper birth-control techniques, and, if not, why not. Those questions are reserved for the daughters of female candidates” — for the teenage daughters of female conservative candidates, I might add.

GOV. SARAH PALIN - "THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOOSEST"

Is there a better writer in the English world than Mark Steyn?   I love the little piece he published today in National Review Online's "Corner."   Some excerpts [my emphases]:

Governor Palin is not merely . . .  "all-American", but hyper-American. What other country in the developed world produces beauty queens who hunt caribou and serve up a terrific moose stew? As an immigrant, I'm not saying I came to the United States purely to meet chicks like that, but it was certainly high on my list of priorities.  [Me:  Ha ha... I think that is hilarious!]  And for the gun-totin' Miss Wasilla then to go on to become Governor while having five kids makes it an even more uniquely American story. Next to her resume, a guy who's done nothing but serve in the phony-baloney job of "community organizer" and write multiple autobiographies looks like just another creepily self-absorbed lifelong member of the full-time political class that infests every advanced  democracy.

. . . Sarah Palin and Barack Obama are more or less the same age, but Governor Palin has run a state and a town and a commercial fishing operation, whereas (to reprise a famous line on the Rev Jackson) Senator Obama ain't run nothin' but his mouth. She's done the stuff he's merely a poseur about. Post-partisan? She took on her own party's corrupt political culture directly while Obama was sucking up to Wright and Ayers and being just another get-along Chicago machine pol (see his campaign's thuggish attempt to throttle Stanley Kurtz and Milt Rosenberg on WGN the other night) [Me: click here for more on this]

.. .Sarah Palin isn't just on the right side of the issues intellectually. She won't need the usual stage-managed "hunting" trip to reassure gun owners: she's lived the Second Amendment all her life.  [Me: Click here for Obama on gun control]  Likewise, on abortion, we're often told it's easy to be against it in principle but what if you were a woman facing a difficult birth or a handicapped child? Been there, done that. 

She complicates all the laziest Democrat pieties. Energy? Unlike Biden and Obama, she's been to ANWR and, like most Alaskans, supports drilling there.

POSITIVE RESPONSES TO McCAIN'S SELECTION OF GOV. SARAH PALIN FOR V.P.

- Update:  Check out this great, great column by Rich Lowry which many readers will find enjoyable and entertaining.
------

On Sarah Palin's likeability

Jack Fowler - "Now, the NR [National Review] gang was in Juneau last year, on one of our infamous cruises, and we had the good fortune to meet with Governor Palin and her staff. There was nothing phony about her, nothing officious, nothing stiff – she was smart, warm, welcoming, funny, conversational, neighborly, radiating energy and enthusiasm. Stylish and cool too. You instantly wanted to be her friend. No one wanted to leave the reception. Alas, the boat was pulling out … "

What about the experience issue?

- Jonah Goldberg - "I would rather have John McCain in office for two years with Palin going to school on the job than have Barack Obama in there from day one (particularly with Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid running the Congress!)."

- Hugh Hewitt - Obama is the total rookie and he's at the top of the ticket.  Palin --with years of "do this, do that" experience, is in the second seat.  This is the huge difference.  Obama has zero management experience . . .  Obama isn't ready to be C-in-C.  McCain is.  And McCain has an

MCcAIN - PALIN: WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE, IT COMES DOWN TO THIS. . .

Jonah Goldberg nails it:

 I've been thinking about it and I think the bottom line on Palin is pretty simple. If she does a good job at the convention and survives about three weeks of serious media scrutiny — no horrible gaffes, no unforgivable I-don't-knows to gotchya questions (fair and unfair), no botched hostile interviews — she will emerge as the single most inspired VP pick in modern memory and she will give the Democrats migraines for a long time to come, assuming there are no terrible skeletons we don't know about. But, if she screws up in the next three weeks, gives the press and the late night comedians sufficient fodder to Quayelize her, she'll be seen as anything from a liability to an outright horrible pick. That's it.  (more . . .)

Update: Ross Douthat's article "Palin and McCain's Judgment" puts him essentially on the same page as Goldberg.  It's worth reading.

WHAT ABOUT THE"TROOPER GATE" ALLEGATIONS LODGED AGAINST GOV. PALIN?

Here's a source that has done a lot of reserach on the question in anticipation of the Democrat attack.

Update - Ed Morrissey offers a synopsis.  Read on:

WHO IS TODD PALIN, BESIDES BEING HUSBAND TO ALASKA'S GOV. SARAH PALIN?

He's a snowmobile racer among other things, as the AP reports:

In this year's 2,000-mile Tesoro Iron Dog contest, Palin and racing partner Scott Davis were trying to defend their 2007 championship when Palin broke his arm in a crash. It was 400 miles from the finish line, but he refused to quit, coming in fourth, cheered on by the parka-clad governor waving a checkered flag.

"There are racers who throw in the towel pretty quick, without broken arms, with just a head cold," executive race director Laura Bedard said Friday. "This speaks highly of his character."  (more . . .)

PEOPLE MAGAZINE GRABS ONE OF THE FIRST INTERVIEWS WITH THE PALINS AND McCAINS

People Magazine grabbed an interview with the McCains and Palins backstage after today's announcement of Gov. Sarah Palin to be McCain's vice-presidential running mate choice.  A few excerpts:

Mr. Palin, what does Sen. McCain need to know about working with your wife?
TODD PALIN: She's a hard worker and she's not wired normal. (Laughter)

Do you feel ready to be a heartbeat away from the presidency?
SARAH: Absolutely. Yup, yup. Especially with a good team around us.

Gov. Palin, when you were 13 weeks pregnant, last December, you had an amniocentesis that determined Trig had Down syndrome.

SARAH: I was grateful to have all those months to prepare. I can't imagine the moms that are surprised at the end. I think they have it a lot harder.  (more . . .)

On another site someone left an insightful comment:

To those saying Sarah Palin is a heartbeat away from the Presidency, not quite. She is an election and a heartbeat away. Barack Obama is only an election away.  . .

IS GOV. SARAH PALIN GOING TO BE PRESIDENT McCAIN'S VICE-PRESIDENT?

Update:  YES  YES  YES !!!   Palin will be Vice-President!  Wow!  I am excited! 

- I hope so.  She would bring a pro-life message to the nation that would stir up another round of national debate on abortion big time.  Palin is the mother of five children, the latest a Down Syndrome child.  Kathryn Jean Lopez says: