09 July 2009

AND THE WINNER IS...

AND THE WINNER IS…
By Andy Weddington
Friday, 10 July 2009

The left-wing flakes, hussies, girly-men, and assorted bottom-dwelling, scum-sucking, spineless dirt-diggers and mud-slingers have been dancing non-stop on desktops, tabletops, car tops, and in the streets for a week now. Hysterically chanting “Sarah who?” they have giddily declared victory over their nemesis—the icy cold (despite global warming) wicked witch from Wasilla—the common sense, plain-spoken renegade governor from Alaska who damn near upset the Democratic ticket.

Sarah Palin—a hard-working, Christian-principled, pro-life, gun-toting, married mother of five—against all odds—turned the 2008 presidential election upside down. Her selection as Senator John McCain’s (R, AZ) running mate disappointed some, stunned others, and shocked many. Most significantly she scared the hell out of the Obama/Biden camp. As such, once shock subsided, the assault began. No matter, her words caught ears and turned heads—and rallied huge crowds. She still does. Had the party’s presidential candidate, McCain, had his act together they just may have won.

A week ago no sooner had Palin announced not only would she not seek reelection but that she was resigning her office effective the end of this month, the tops starting popping. “Cheers,” “Fisehatak,” “Salud,” Skaal,” and “Pusmottob” (that’s “bottoms up” right to left), accompanying clinking champagne and wine glasses and clanging beer cans, could be heard coast to coast. But is a celebration really in order? Is that wicked old witch really dead? Don’t count on it.

Though politics is a nasty, dirty business not for the thin-skinned, celebrating the gutless attack and yet-to-be-seen definitive political death of an opponent is nothing of which to be proud. Even Lee Atwater—revered among the best of Republican hit men—came to realize some tactics are off-limits; even in politics. He offered apologies before being burdened with his mistakes for eternity. Palin’s enemies—learning nothing from Atwater—attacked and mocked (and continue to) her appearance, pedigree, education, husband, children, politics, leisure activities, and whatever else they could think of to destroy her and her legitimacy as a serious politician.

Frontal attacks and envelopments—single and double—morphed fact into ridiculous fiction then presented it as fact. Fools bought it. A big percentage of them—the fools—were represented in the 18-29 years of age demographic; 66% voting for Obama/Biden. Not surprisingly, first time voters (68%) and those earning less than $15K annually (73%) likewise voted for the Democratic ticket. That’s a lot of people with one hand on the voting lever and one hand extended in the “where’s mine?” position. A safe bet is significant overlap in those categories and substantial numbers were under 21.

Under 21 you can’t legally buy or consume alcohol yet can potentially determine the outcome of a presidential election? What sense does that make? Electing a president is serious business. Why not a serious process to determine who will lead the country? Maybe it’s time to rethink voting privileges. Perhaps a graduated system—along the lines of programs some states have implemented for granting full driving privileges—from community to state to national elections; with full privilege at say age 26? For by the mid-20s the lessons of the real world (hard work, compensation, and amassing “wealth”) have begun to take hold. Most, by that age, have learned hand-outs are not the American way.

Anyway, Palin’s recent decisions indicate she succumbed and lost the battle. Who knows? Maybe. Maybe not. Some are calling her a quitter. That is doubtful. Palin is savvy and a fighter. And it should surprise no one if she is merely regrouping to attack in a new direction. In our ever-accelerating, non-linear world anything is possible. To summarily dismiss Palin—either in the near or distant future—as a “has been” political anomaly is a mistake. She’s not done.

There is plenty of speculation as to why the plain-spoken Palin decided to resign and not run for reelection: Could it be she’s battered, bruised, and exhausted from addressing frivolous law suits? Could it be family? Could it be disgust with politics? Could it be out of office she has more freedom to roam, to speak her mind, and spread her message? Could it be opportunities to make money? And there are sundry other bordering on the absurd “could it be’s” making the rounds. But wait, oh yes, to make money. Why not?

From city councilwoman in 1992 to mayor to governor to vice-presidential candidate in 2008, Palin made quite a name for herself. By any measure of success, especially in politics, she has done well. She took on and beat incompetence, cronyism, and corruption—including the powerful within her own party—and repeatedly proved she was a player not to be taken lightly. The past nine months or so must have been an exhilarating nightmare for the governor. But a couple of points are indisputable: she has instant face and name recognition and she carries a message that solidly resonates with conservative America. In or out of office she is a political rock star for a long time to come.

There is no disputing the attractive, charismatic, gregarious Palin—some argue the best thing going for the flailing Republican party —can draw a crowd. More often than not during the campaign she attracted larger crowds than McCain. And since the campaign her presence has been in demand—a growing demand. In a few weeks, rid of the stress, strain, and legal constraints of office, she is sure to be handsomely compensated on the speaking circuit. At $100,000 or more per engagement it won’t take long to amass millions. Toss in a book or two, or three, and the bank account just keeps on growing. Undoubtedly other opportunities, yet to be envisioned, to bolster her income will come along. Why govern for $125,000 a year when a one night ‘shake and grin’ and a few words will most likely surpass a year’s salary?

Palin’s been accused of being ditzy and stupid. She is neither ditzy nor stupid. Now if she failed to exploit her present good fortune then her adversaries would have logical grounds to make such claims. That is not going to happen. No question her foes will be keeping at least one eye on her every move, and it won’t be long before they are drooling with envy—for Sarah Palin is going to be a wealthy woman. At the same time she will continue to impact American politics.

And the winner is…Sarah Palin. She will have and savor the last laugh.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Another great commentary Andy! The politics never cease to amaze me!

Betty

Unknown said...

Like having Senators "democratically" elected, the right to vote has been diluted by the "living" Constitution. There was a time when your voting recommendation was in place and by the way worked well.

Moral relativism takes us down the road to ruin in more ways than one.

Keep up the great work.