Saturday, November 21, 2009

Opinion

Robert Schlesinger

Sarah Palin's Crass Patriotism

November 15, 2009 03:27 PM ET | Robert Schlesinger | Permanent Link | Print

By Robert Schlesinger, Thomas Jefferson Street blog

The Sarah Palin book tour is revving up, and along with it the media-Palin co-dependent relationship. Where would she be without the press to kick around? With a lot less to say. (And don't think that as a blogger I'm not delighted to have her back in the spotlight.) Just this morning, Palin posted on Facebook about—wait for it—the press. Her post also touches on another one of her favorite topics: How much she loves the United States of America. To wit:

The book tour starts this week, and I look forward to it! I'm most looking forward to meeting many of you, shaking your hands, and telling you,"Thanks for loving America." I'll give you a scoop here and tell you what's on the book's Dedication Page – it's dedicated to you – Patriots – who love the U.S.A. as much as I do.

...

And I can't wait to see you! God bless the fight for freedom! Keep up the great work, Patriots who love this country.

Someone should explain to the former governor that the quality of writing is inversely proportional to the number of exclamation points used. In any case, the folks over at GOP12 have a great take on Palin's use—or misuse—of patriotism. Writing specifically of the passage I just quoted, they say:

Among some political circles, that counts for policy. And among some political constituencies, that counts for patriotism. But in one particular publishing house, that means books sales, and for many Americans who love the country but forget to use "patriot" in every sentence (except while watching Tom Brady), it can seem a crass ploy to build a brand.

Amen.

Tags: Sarah Palin

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Reader Comments

Keep it going Elitist

I'm glad all you liberals can't leave her alone. The only problem with Sarah Palin is that people like her. She's real and cares about her country and the people. Whether she runs for any other government office or not, I hope she sparks the formation of a third political party that makes more sense than the two we have now. There isn't a Democrat or Republican that cares about the people of this country any more. All they care about is what's in it for them. The media certainly helped this along and feeds at the trough with the rest of the pigs. She will be interstng to watch over the next 7-10 years. I think the liberals are feeling a little threatened. My god, she doesn't have a Masters Degree!

Tone it down Robert......at least try to seem male

Granted rahm emauel and kevin jennings adore your writings but the rest of us shoudn't have to deal with it.

Typical liberal trash...........

They question Palin's patriotism based on nothing but worship the muslim Obama who hates capitalism,loves terrorist Bill Ayers, loves anti-american Rev. Wright,loves communist Van Jones and has given us every reason to doubt his affection towards this country. Liberals and their puppet leader are exposed once and for all and this time the media can't help them because they are seen as more corrupt than Obama.

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Robert Schlesinger is a deputy editor at U.S. News and World Report and oversees all opinion editorial content. He is the author of White House Ghosts: Presidents and Their Speechwriters.

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