I would like to thank Governor Palin for a wonderful Independence Day gift – finally the so-called news media have been diverted from 24/7 coverage of Michael Jackson’s passing.
There has, of course been quite a bit of speculation as to the reasons for the Governor’s decision. Is she just sick of the political game, or is this an opening salvo to the 2012 elections?
If we assume the former – that the political attacks have become a distraction from governing and a drain on the family, and therefore she can best serve Alaska and the U.S. from a position other than public office – then I have to give Governor Palin props. She’s sticking to her anti-“politics as usual” stance far better than most politicians ever keep their promises. I respect both the position and her keeping true to her belief.
If we assume the latter – that was a mighty darned unorthodox move. And, while I appreciate a certain degree of unorthodoxness in my politicians, it doesn’t do much to alleviate my concerns about her as a potential federal executive.
Strangely, I’d love to see her run for President. No, I wouldn’t vote for her, but I think a Palin candidacy would be potentially good for the GOP…if only because I think the party is a little too influenced by its more extremist fringes, many members of which would form the base of supporters of a Palin campaign.
A sound defeat of Palin would hopefully shock the moderates and realists still remaining within the GOP to assert a bit more control, guiding the party towards more reasonable positions, and back towards being an effective check against the Dems’ current monopoly of power.
