Governor Palin and Alaska
Alright, let’s get this thing started!
We are linking the themes of independent politics and geography, so what shall we do first? I know! Alaska. Yes, Alaska has been in the news quite a lot lately, obviously, because of the nomination of Governor Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate in the 2008 presidential election. And, she happens to be from a unique place on the globe, a place in the far northwest of the North American continent known as the great state of Alaska!
Palin has emerged as a polarizing figure, but the reason why this is the case is of great interest to me. There seems to be phenomenon occuring here: She is only the second woman to be nominated as a vice presidential running mate. But, she is very conservative politically, especially socially. This seems to present a bit of a conundrum for many people, particularly for who I call ”social elitists.”
I grew up with the perception that the liberal mind is the open mind (and in many cases it is). But, as I have aged, I have learned that the two are not necessarily joined at the hip. Unfortunately, I find that the altruistic ideals of liberalism are often subjugated by a new liberal elitist ignorance. And, this is more prominently on display now with the Palin phenomenon than at any other time I can recall.
Contrast the perception of the liberal mindset as the inclusive and compassionate with the vindictiveness of the liberal attack on Palin complete with a level of social ignorance normally not associated with the “enlightened” liberal mind. To put it another way: Palin may be a woman, but she does not represent what “liberals” think a woman should represent. This would be fine if the critical barrage stayed in bounds and on topic, but unfortunately it has not.
I don’t write this to rail against liberalism. I believe that the true ideal of liberalism is generally a positive thing. The problem is that examples of true liberalism are becomming rare, and in its place, we are finding more and more examples of a new liberal ignorance guised under a veil of social elitism.
