While I am happy for the people of Alaska that they will soon be rid of the walking disaster that is Sarah Palin, I remain concerned about the mindset and ideology that she represents.
We're all familiar with the compelling argument that people who don't believe that government can do anything right will make their beliefs come true whenever they get the reigns of power. And we all know Sarah Palin is one of the poster children for this phenomenon.
But something in her July 4th facebook message stuck out at me, and I think it shows on an even deeper level the true nature of her mindset, and how dangerous it truly is...
::follow me over the flip::
I shared with you yesterday my heartfelt and candid reasons for this change; I've never thought I needed a title before one's name to forge progress in America. I am now looking ahead and how we can advance this country together with our values of less government intervention, greater energy independence, stronger national security, and much-needed fiscal restraint. I hope you will join me. Now is the time to rebuild and help our nation achieve greatness!
Well how folksy of her!
Sarah Palin, and most of her supporters, don't see positions in government as jobs, with responsibilities and duties. They see them as titles, with perks and privileges.
I have several family members who think Palin is the best thing since the invention of the microwave, and I've been turning it over and over in my head. How can these otherwise intelligent people think she is qualified to be the President of the United States (possibly the most difficult job on the planet)? I know there is a certain tribal recognition they see in her, and that explains it to a certain extent, but even so... President? Really?
But today I realized that to Palin and her supporters, qualifications are irrelevant. It's not about being able to do the job. Since government can't do anything right (except bomb Muslims, of course), it doesn't matter if she can do the job or not.
No, for these folks, the President is basically a glorified Prom King (or Queen, in this case). Just a title, and one they believe should rightfully be held by a representative of their tribe.
Update: In the comments, eXtina mentions Palin's lack of motivation for serving the people of Alaska, which made me realize, in keeping with her attitude that her job as governor is merely a title, I don't believe she sees herself as being obligated to serve the people. Rather, the people are there to serve her. This is why she is so vindictive towards political opponents and non-supporters. Because they obviously failed in their feudal duty to support Lady Starburst.