All Palin all the time and loving it, revisited

"We're savoring the joy of bloggers, politicians and media types who think McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as running mate is the best thing since sliced sourdough bread," we captioned this image in our August 2008 post dissecting opponents' false claims that the Alaska Governor favored teaching Creationism in science classes. "Not to mention the bewilderment of their counterparts on the other side of the aisle," we continued, "who, like the proverbial deer — moose? —  in the headlights, obviously didn't see it coming down the road to the White House.  Above, "This moose made it across safely, though several hundred other moose end up in collisions with vehicles on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, causing injuries, deaths and property damage." (AP Photo/The Peninsula Clarion, M. Scott Moon)

No, she doesn't think Creationism or Intelligent Design belongs in the science classroom, as we determined to our satisfaction way back in August of 2008 (see below). But tongues will wag in a desperate attempt to discredit Sarah Palin as her blockbuster Going Rogue: An American Life bursts upon a waiting, breath-bated world this week. A relevant excerpt:

Palin complains of several brushes with McCain's 2008 campaign manager. In one, he took her to task for her views on evolution: "'But your dad's a science teacher,' Schmidt objected. 'Yes.' 'Then you know science proves evolution,' added Schmidt. I said, 'But I believe that God created us and also that He can create an evolutionary process that allows species to change and adapt.' Schmidt winced and raised his eyebrows... But I felt I was on solid factual ground."

Pope Benedict XVI has often made very much the same point. Now, rather than reinventing the wheel, we herewith republish "All Palin all the time and loving it," written in the heat of battle during the first flush of our smittenness with the Woman Warrior from Wasilla:

August 30, 2008. "My only worry about Governor Palin had been what I would call a hysterical misreading of her views regarding the teaching of creationism in public schools, but Charles Johnson has put my fears to rest," we wrote in the comments at Dr. Helen's totally excellent "My Thoughts on Sarah Palin." More on her thoughts below, but first, here's what Charles Johnson had to say about how some of our fellow citizens on the left side of the aisle have distorted and will attempt to distort Palin's views:

LGF readers are probably aware that I am no creationist; in fact, I am strongly opposed to the teaching of “intelligent design” or “creation science,” or any other name the advocates for creationism concoct in their relentless quest to promote pseudo-science.

So I was disturbed to learn of Sarah Palin’s apparent support for creationism. However, as I posted in a comment earlier, she does not appear to be the fanatical type who wants to force or sneak the teaching of creationism into public school science classrooms.

But this is going to be a point of attack for the left, as Wired Magazine’s Brandon Keim demonstrates in this article: McCain’s VP Wants Creationism Taught in School.

Looks like Palin made an off-the-cuff statement during a debate on a hot topic, didn’t really expect the criticism she’d get, and then softened her position considerably in a follow-up interview. But to quote just the first part of her statements on creationism and ignore the second is misleading; because in the clarification she’s describing a position that doesn’t cause me (a staunch anti-creationist) any discomfort.

Phew. Now back to Dr. Helen (cross-posted at PJM), who thinks "Palin would focus on helping Americans achieve their dreams by staying out of their way":

For me, Sarah Palin represents many right-leaning libertarian ideas that I personally support: low taxes, gun rights, and smaller government …

While Democrats want to expand government programs to “help women,” I believe that smaller government and the policies of the libertarian right help women in many ways that are often ignored …

It seems that more and more women are going into business for themselves; in fact, a recent study shows that women are emerging as a fast-growing sector of new small business owners. That matches my experience: I hear women at my gym all the time talking about their start-up home businesses, such as working with Ebay selling furniture and other items. Some are making a very good living at it. A living, I am afraid, that will be eaten up by regulation and taxes if they are deemed “too successful” by the Obama camp. I hope Palin has more sympathy for entrepreneurs and those who run their own businesses, for they are the backbone of this country. Their success should be rewarded — not discouraged.

Lots of good, commonsense stuff. Plus, a great punchline: "And unlike some female politicians such as Hillary Clinton, Palin made it herself without the help of a career politician husband to give her an added advantage." You go, self-made woman!

Comments

[Stoutcat]

Yay! More Palin! More... er, moose-bell?

[goomp]

Sarah is OK with me. As I have said before I am an agnostic who thinks the wisdom of the ages on what works in a society are to be found in the teachings of Christianity. I would lean to being an atheist, but they offer no better proof of why than creationists.

[narciso]

Unfortunately, CJ has lost most of his integrity since then. That's a good compromise, what the line about 'there are more things that are dreamed of on earth than in your philosophy Horatio

[Gayle Miller]

I am absolutely enthralled with the virulent hatred being directed at Mrs. Palin. She must be doing something right! Otherwise, why bother demonizing her and why demonstrate such astonishing terror of her and her views?

[Teresa]

I hear and read people who say "I don't like her politics, she's too conservative for me" I always want to ask them... "What do you think her politics are?" I would be willing to bet all of them are basing their conclusions upon the hundreds of lies told by the MSM in their mad dash to completely discredit this woman.

When you stop to think about the total character assassination the MSM is perpetuating, it's very scary. Basically, the news has become "this is what WE think and if you think differently we will smear you so badly, you'd better just leave the country in the dead of night and not come back".

The astounding thing is the resiliency of Sarah Palin. Very very few people could take the continual bashing and still stride forward, yet that's exactly what she's done.

[carrion]

man, usa - the sourge of the planet, palin palin palin! what sheep

[carrion]

Make that - man, usa - the scourge of the planet, palin palin palin! what sheep - you betcha

[carrion]

Gatle "enthralled with the virulent hatred being directed at Mrs. Palin. She must be doing something right! Otherwise, why bother demonizing her and why demonstrate such astonishing terror of her and her ...zzzz' Thanks for Bush Gayle, oops there's a little bit of planet left- get sarah- get G od, the magical bubble