The Other McCain on "Other Conservatisms"

Your homework for Monday is to read this piece by Robert Stacy McCain. Here's a teaser:

Beyond this, however, is the basic confusion caused by the fact that no one holds a copyright on the word “conservative,” and there is nothing to prevent anyone from saying, “I am a conservative and therefore . . .” Which brings us to the problem of Rod Dreher, who has provided what he calls “A Conservative Read On Palin’s ‘Going Rogue’” at National Public Radio.

Why was this invitation extended to Rod Dreher? Because he was willing to do what NPR wanted: Slam Sarah Palin.

We will stipulate that it is possible to dislike Sarah Palin — or at least to believe her not to be an ideal Republican presidential candidate — and still be a conservative. But the person who accepts an invitation from a liberal outfit like NPR to be the token “conservative” who attacks Sarah Palin has a few other hurdles to clear. And over these hurdles, Dreher stumbles badly.

When you are finished reading it, please comment for an automatic passing grade. If you finish before Monday, you are a geek. That's fine, just don't go complaining about the popularity of the prom queen and the quarterback. They got their gig and we got ours.

And, oh, yes—extra credit for a full paragraph on the last line explaining how and why it applies in spades to the subject.

(Hat Tip to Dianonymous.)

New approval rating low

Big chief's numbers at record low. Excerpt:

President Barack Obama's job approval rating has dipped below 50 percent nationally for the first time, as Americans worry about the war in Afghanistan, a new poll released Wednesday found.

The Quinnipiac University poll showed 48 percent of Americans approve of the way Obama is handling his job as president, compared to 42 percent who disapprove.

The president also scored low marks from Americans on his handling of the situation in Afghanistan, with just 38 percent saying they approved of his approach, but a majority did say it was the "right thing" for US troops to be in the country.

Maybe Obama should pose in running shorts. But not bowing in the shorts, thanks.

Oy

Yesterday I was involved in an exchange with the Anchoress about Sarah Palin's "readiness" for holding national office. I was appalled to realize that even someone as hard-hitting as Anchoress believes that for Palin to be "ready" for office, Palin must first master the unctuous, non-responsive interview style that serves so well for firebrand conservatives like ... um ... oh, wait, I can't think of anyone. Then I was told that Liz Cheney would be a better option than Palin. I love how conservative bloggers who fret about the incompetence and unfairness of the Washington establishment turn around and say they prefer establishment candidates to outsiders from Alaska. It's not enough to have a Bush dynasty, now we have to have a Cheney one.

Even though I was a teenager in the 1980's I distinctly remember the media establishment discussing ad nauseam how "stupid" Reagan was. I can't help but wonder whether Anchoress would chime in in agreement, were Reagan new on the scene today. Unlike Liz Cheney, Reagan's daddy was never VP, and let's just say you could *definitely* tell. The man starred in a movie with a chimp! Yuck!

Interestingly, when I defended the notion that a conservative can succeed politically without kissing up to the press, especially if said candidate has the strong support of fellow conservatives, I was told that I'm "unquestioningly passionate" about Sarah Palin. Wow! That sounds extreme! I better shut up about the fact I think Palin is competent, or else I'm going to be called essentially an extremist. (Where have I heard that before ...?)

Info Page on Stun Guns and other non-lethal weapons

Here's an informative page I just came across on non-lethal weapons: stunguns, pepper spray, etc. Obviously they want you to buy from them; here's their top model at $65. So for less than two thirds of a Ben Franklin bill you can give someone a taste of the patriot inventor's famous kite experiment.

Brigitte Gabriel: "Nothing Short of Madness"

Act for America's website.