Shameless

Technical (Blogger?) difficulties prevented us from leaving a comment on KT's post regarding the creepy situation where Sarah Palin's "biographer" Joe McGinniss has decided to move in to the place next door to the Palins for the summer to umm.... we're not exactly sure.

Anyway, since we were unable to comment, this ordeal got us to thinking even more, as in: how does this happen?

Let us try to explain. Todd Palin seems like the kind of guy who can take care of himself and his family, if you follow what we mean. Now, don't get your shorts in a bind over what you think we are suggesting. We are in no way advocating any confrontation that may have any unseemly consequences - we're fully aware this creep McGinniss can live anywhere he wants... but right next door?

It just seems there was a time in this country, maybe 30, 40 or 50 years ago, where this sort of thing would not have happened because the mere threat of an ass-kicking would have been incentive enough for McGinniss to think twice about pulling a stunt like this.

And let us pause for a moment to recognize that perhaps 30, 40, or 50 years ago confrontations did occur because people of the "wrong" skin color or religion moved into certain neighborhoods. So, are we possibly guilty of inconsistencies in what specific respects we are taking umbrage with the form/fit/function of our neighbor? Sue us.

Are we wrong to think, then, this situation is symptomatic of an American society that has lost a sense of shame and the notions of Burkean conservatism of shared values and community bonds? Perhaps think of it this way: WWJWD?... What Would John Wayne Do? Do you think John Wayne lets McGinniss move in next door? (Great, now you all are rationalizing through archetypes... Look, American culture and thus its values and traditions are chock full of archetypes be they real or fictional. Be it the strength and heroism of Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett and General George Patton to the all-around bad-assery of Stagger Lee or Robert Johnson down at the Crossroads selling his soul to ol' Scratch, these larger-than-life figures help define who it is that we are as Americans).

We leave you with a homily that hung on the wall of our old boss's office and that we saw nearly every day for 13 years and which we could nearly recite word for word because of it:

Bene Dictum, Benedicte!

If any pilgrim monk come from distant parts, if with wish as a guest to dwell in the monastery, and will be content with the customs which he finds in the place, & do not perchance by his lavishness disturb the monastery, but is simply content with what he finds, he shall be received, for as long a time as he desires. If indeed, he find fault with anything, or expose it, reasonably, and with the humility of charity, the Abbot shall discuss it prudently, lest perchance God has sent him for this very thing. But, if he have been found gossipy and contumacious in the time of his sojurn as guest, not only ought he not to be joined to the body of the monastery, but also it shall be said to him, honestly, that he must depart. If he does not go, let two stout monks, in the name of God, explain the matter to him.

Pax

Sarah, Sarah, Sarah.... (UPDATED!)

Our first post back from Vegas. More on Vegas later. At first blush, we like the pick. We like the pick, right now, for no other reason than a) the timing of the pick and b) the fact that the Democrats appear to have been caught off-guard. Also, its bold, daring and risky with a potential to back-fire big time or… pay off huge dividends down the road in November… what’s not to like?

No sooner does the press start assessing the historical significance of Obama’s acceptance speech, when without warning, they are forced to re-tool to deal with the selection of Palin. By Friday at noon, no one was talking about the Democratic convention or Suit’s speech. Brilliantly timed.

As for the Democrats, what is it exactly that you do with a wife and mother of five (one of whom is about to go off to Iraq and the youngest of which suffers from Down’s syndrome) who has a far more impressive resume’ as a veep choice than does your own candidate for President and who rose to her lot in life not on the coattails of her husband?

The “experience” criticism only serves to boomerang right back around upside Suit’s head and…. Alaska? Three words… Dela-freaking-ware… They’re at a loss and a perfect indication of this fumbling around took place on Friday evening as we were driving out to Vegas and listening to some lefty radio. The two co-hosts playing back Palin’s acceptance speech from Dayton and who almost wanted to make fun of her voice as she was clearly a tad nervous/excited but thought better of it, were reduced to making fun of the crowd for chanting “U-S-A… U-S-A…”. There are precious few things you can always count on in life and we’re glad the left never disappoints.

Its obvious this pick has energized the G.O.P. and has given some much-needed juice to this week’s convention in Minneapolis where we suspect it will be “get-to-know-Sarah-Palin” week. We certainly look forward to it.

P.S. We’re still trying to put it together but our friend “Mark” from NYC will be in town for the convention and will be submitting regular correspondences from the same. Mark wisely eschewed access to the floor of the convention and will instead be providing his take on the proceedings from “the street”, hotel lobby bars and the Party parties. Wise choice, Mark.

P.P.S. Big ups to Mitt Romney, the Conventional Wisdom-Veep pick, who offered immediate congratulations to Palin upon her selection and who is out on the trail campaigning for the ticket. Romney would’ve been the safe (and perfectly acceptable) pick so his graciousness, warmth and humility in the face of this pass-over, speaks volumes about the man.

UPDATE #1: The Red State Boys breakin' things down as only they know how to do.

Its obvious we're missing the point.

Let’s see if we get this straight. Continue to pay outrageous prices at the pump, the revenue of which goes overseas to help fund Islamicist “outreach” programs, raise taxes on and continue to regulate against oil companies to discourage domestic oil production creating more upward pressure on the price of oil, and plunge face first into a universal program to burn food instead of oil to meet our energy demands. Now, that’s an energy policy we can all get behind!

Exit question: If drilling in Prudhoe Bay Alaska is O.K., then why isn’t drilling in ANWR?

Story here.