America LOVED SNL when they ripped Palin they had by far the highest ratings numbers This is just more of the typical right wing self pity.

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@MataHarley

Apparently Palin doesn’t like those who aren’t team-players…firing the Police Chief of Anchorage, Walt Monegan and saying…

did not turn out to be a team player on budgeting issues.”

http://www.adn.com/monegan/story/492964.html

As for commenting on other countries laws – I don’t see a problem in that. If you are interested in politics – then law-making is central to this. And don’t for a minute believe I am lecturing you in the belief that I think the UK’s laws are any better. If you don’t like any of the UK laws – go ahead say what you think. I might even agree with you. People have commented on here about Sharia law being put in place in the UK in certain areas of the Muslim population. Although I don’t believe anyone has had any of their anatomy chopped off – I certainly think this is stupid. And the UK has a upper chamber where no ibe is elected by the public + of course we are lumbered with a monarch.

And I think the term ‘we’ is pretty harmless – as in ‘we don’t need anymore right wing pundits’. These American pundits like O’Reilly aren’t just American pundits who talk only about American issues and are only broadcast within the States. They discuss foreign issues – sometimes with no or little connection to US interests and these programmes are broadcast in countries like UK and Australia. So in this new global world – I’m not just on the outside looking in. In the same way – an American might say ‘we don’t need any more scientists promoting the theory of evolution’ in regards to Richard Dwarkins. But hang on he’s English – you can’t say ‘we’? lol

As for laws – yes there are certain laws I want countries to change. I don’t want Middle-Eastern countries stoning women for adultery. I don’t shrug and say it’s up to them to sort it out. I’m glad certain groups and governments get involved. A lot of laws – even within democratic countries are put in place with little input from the general public. And populations don’t think as one – so maybe the majority of Saudi Arabia (even if women could vote)- thinks it’s ok to stone adulterers etc. Sorry but I don’t think therefore that’s makes it any less of a subject to have and express an opinion on – whether it’s direct or not.

And in your quote – my position isn’t contradictory. I believe a country should have the right to bar anyone BUT I don’t believe that means ‘foreigners’ such as Americans aren’t allowed to express their opinion on such laws or policies.

@Pdill

‘deoprahize’- yep…right. Be interested in your post on that. Can’t see how Palin is going to create some new culture. Sounds a bit like a messiah syndrome to me. Now that’s sound familar….

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Gaffe, I’m really glad that you posted this because it makes my point of just how powerful Palin would be as a CULTURE CHANGER.

You are just as clueless as the rest if you think for a minute that Palin is in the same ballpark as Hannity, O’Reilly, Coulter, or Limbaugh, who are for the most part, ” conservative entertainers.”

The left’s worst nightmare, is to “deoprahize” (my new invented word for our times), the culture.
In fact, I think I will try to make time today to write a post about it in detail.

For now, know that nothing will change the future of politics more in this country than the mentality of our pop culture. Palin absolutely could change that, and the left are scared s****** that she just might!

Without question, Palin, at least at this time, would serve America best going head to head with Oprah, starting the much needed, deoprahization, of America.

More on that later…

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In response, Gaffa

I didn’t say there are more conservative pundits than liberal pundits. I believe the GOP needs more potential leaders in the fight to regain power and not more people like Palin adding hot air like the rest of us (americans and ‘foreigners’).

We got a Queens v Colonialist English problem again, eh? “Pundit” espouses opinions, usually via mass media and thus is usually reserved for the talking heads, and not their interviewees. And as for Palin adding more “hot air”… I guess that’s a personal opinion.

But in your continued comments after that. i.e. knowing the ill effects of a dominate party in control for too long. We have gone thru that here. Right now, it’s a two party system, but in name only. And perhaps this is where I should clarify that I don’t consider Palin “Republican”. She is conservative, but she’s bit the ass of many a GOP’er. Thus her mixed reaction in the beltway. She’s not a “team player”. And frankly, I like that.

As an aside, and pay no attention to this but as an offhand comment, I don’t think the GOP will either have anyone to run against Obama, nor care to run against Obama in 2012. It will be a time when American’s don’t really know what is happening to economy since the government spending will start to kick in, but the repercussions in national debt and dollar tanking won’t quite be as obvious. That will happen in a potential Obama 2nd term. All this spending was timed to hit when the 2012 election came around because it will look like things are getting better… until the bill is delivered to the table for the meal, of course.

The GOP has a choice. They need to return to what they are supposed to stand for, or morph into another party. Having a Dem-lite party is not a long term battle to be won. And while the leaders may be ostracized… in the media’s opinion… most of the country is still a center right mentality. And the longer Obama is POTUS, the more right leaning they will become. Except for the youth college types, of course. That’s because they still live off the system or mommy and daddy. They won’t morph until they have to start paying the bill for their fantasy utopia.

And I’d say that takes care of your question as to whether I think the “GOP” will nominate Sarah. I think they’ll pick a throwaway candidate in 2012. And I also think if they don’t change, they will be thrown away with their “throwaway” candidate and something new will emerge.

don’t mind you calling me a foreigner if you so feel the need to. Why now though?

I’ve always considered you a foreigner, along with our former Craig. I never mind your opinions. I mind when you attempt to tell us what to do. There is a big difference between the two. As an American, I don’t need moral lectures from a foreigner on our laws when yours are just as appalling to me. Yet I really attempt to *not* tell you to change your laws. Just comment they are FUBAR.

Hmm – saying that I am ‘dictating’ is you putting a spin on my opinion. I don’t think the States or the US feds will change because I say so. I was interested in others opinions to see if any of you agreed.

I’re referring to your comments on the “I’m with Sarah” thread”, which is excrutiatingly painfull to scroll thru because of that idiot, ghost guru’s, 3000 one liner comments and a 3 dimensional OT tangent. You were speaking of the unethical aspect of our individual States and federal laws INRE succession, and how no one elected the #2 to be the #1.

While that may be true, since McCain would have won handily over Biden in a “which would you like to be President” contest, our #2 person – plus our laws for succession to the seat of power – are what they are. The chain of command is not out of line, and is a necessity. And that’s under control of the original States, and of our Constitution for ascention to the POTUS.

You said, in no uncertain terms, that should dictate a new election… which, as Aqua most graciously pointed out, is absurd in reality for taxpayer/electoral costs with the executives that resign, thrown out for scandal, etal.

Now I may not like some UK policy or new legislation, but I’m not about to tell you how your laws should be written because I am a foreigner to your country and government. And I expect that same foreigner hands off respect from you. I believe you, like Craig used to do, cloud it with this “we don’t need” stuff… which is why I have lately said to you… “what’s this ‘we’ stuff, kemosabi ?” You aren’t American, and I’m not British. When it comes to British law, I don’t say “we”, as you tend to do when talking about American law.

So you can comment on any foreign country EXCEPT for it’s laws? Why not? Would you like to see the laws of Iran changed? Or would you never comment on such a thing? Personally with free speech I reckon we (Americans and those ‘foreigners’ who live in a generally free society) can and should be able to comment on other countries laws – be it Nazi Germany laws or Middle Eastern Sharia laws. Any way MataaHarley – I’m sure you don’t respect me – but actually respect your views.

First, I didn’t say I didn’t respect you, Gaffa. I think you know enough about me by now that I don’t mince words and hide my opinons about someone’s thought. As I said, I just want to rein in this “we” stuff from you… and I would expect the same from you if I suggested to you how to change your laws to suit my tastes.

That said, I don’t care about the “laws of Iran”. I care about the leadership of Iran, respecting the votes and desires of their citizens. I’ve been watching that country for years… waiting for the youth to assert their western ways on the “ol’ white guys” (so to speak) of Islam. Now that they have, they are being murdered in the streets, and I understand that Ahmadinejad and crew have mandated that all satellite dishes for homes must come down by a deadline.

Do I want to change their laws? Nope… *they* can change their laws. What I want is for the population to be able to have effect on their laws. And with their currest government structure, that is not possible. I may advocate an entire change of government (when they are despots and engage in abominable human rights), I will not tell them what laws they need to enact.

I think I managed to comment on Jacqui’s policy and express my displeasure without assuming to tell your government what to change. In fact, what you said to me is not dissimilar to what I am saying to you now. So let me remind you of the exchange:

Gaffa: A country should have the right to bar anyone which not a citizen – for whatever reasons it chooses.

Mata: …. [other subject related]…. your country. You want your Home Secretary to decide who’s “fit” to visit Britain for you, again it’s your country.

Get the difference between telling us our laws are not ethical because someone was “not elected to that position” (i.e. Veep not POTUS, and Lt. Gov, not Gov)… and merely expressing an opinion about the leadership and/or policy? If you don’t like Parnell.. who I’m quite sure you know little about… that’s one thing. Express away about how you feel he’s inadequate.

But to tell us that Parnell’s ascension to the Governorship is not okay, or not legitimate, is another.

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@MataHarley

Apologies for the long response but you brought up some interesting points…

There’s “more” conservative pundits? Listened to MSNBC, CNN, ABC, CBS and NBC of late? Or don’t they come thru Down Under?

I didn’t say there are more conservative pundits than liberal pundits. I believe the GOP needs more potential leaders in the fight to regain power and not more people like Palin adding hot air like the rest of us (americans and ‘foreigners’). But why would I say this? What do I care about the GOP? Well true – not much currently. But I believe it can be unhealthy to have domination of one party for too long especially it the opposition is weak. And what happens in the US – still the only superpower – effects us all. Again using a UK comparison – in the UK for over a decade we were lumbered with New Labour and the Tories were weak, divided and just pathetic. Fortunately they have finally got back into shape – so much so – that I would vote (from abroad if I’m still here) for them. I’m glad Reagan defeated Carter and Mondale – and Bush Sr was better than Dukasis. And I prefered Clinton over Bush Sr and Dole. I would rather Gore beat Dubya through the electoral college than by just beating him by the popular vote. And Kerry was just wooden. But still. But of course that’s just my opinion by a non-voting non-american, johnny-foreigner. Point is I would be interested to see if the GOP really do have a star that can take on Obama. Economics is where the right can win – not the moralising.

Palin “more damaged now that she has quit”? And you’re basing this one what, per chance? Your opinion? News flash… not interested in your opinion vs reality.

Absolutely it’s my humble opinion. Do you really believe in your heart of hearts the GOP are more or less likely elect her as their nominee now that she has quit? If you’re not interested in my opinion why engage in debate with me? I’m interested in your opinion. I’m just hoping we can keep it civil.

Quite in fact, as a foreigner, I give your opinions expressed on this blog less consideration than I do the leftist opposition. You are, in my opinion, an interested observer only. Sometimes you add to the conversation, and sometimes you are just an unsubstantiated partisan who really has no “party” (as you’ve said before) because you aren’t an American. Express an opinion? Fine. Take the repercussions of that opinion? Absolutely. Part of the package

I don’t mind you calling me a foreigner if you so feel the need to. Why now though? Just to remind me what we both know? If the debate gets too tricky I guess it’s a way out. And I don’t consider myself Left – more centrist. In the UK I vote between Conservative and Liberal parties but NOT Labour. Well I guess we are all partisans on here. I did belong to a party but I quit that as I didn’t agree on their overly pro-stance on the EU (they broke an election promise). Yep I’m quitter too;) Not sure yet about Australian politics. Happy to not be associated with a party for the time being. But I still have my political convictions and annoying argumentative style;) Not sure what you meant by ‘repercussions of that opinion’. I enjoy debate. Go ahead.

As far as your statement as fact that “Palin is more damaged”…. l ook again, Bubba. Wall to wall news on Palin that rivals Michael Jackson. Negative? Perhaps on the surface. But it’s all “speculation” crap, like you’re doing. Only takes a big of patience to show you to be the gleeful fool.

‘
Well someone said ‘all publicity is good publicity. Not so sure that is true – I’m sure Jacko could of done without the publicity around his trial and Palin without the focus on her and her family, the ethics complaints etc. I don’t think how many column inches you get equates to likelihood of becoming 2012 GOP nominee – otherwise you would have nominated someone like Britney Spears. Is it speculation – of course. That’s what the big bad MSM (and most, if not all, of us on here do). That’s what make politics interesting. Otherwise it’s just history. I am gleeful. Yes – kind of – as much as you guys would be if Obama lost then decided to quit. But I don’t wish ill on her – she livened up ‘your’ election for us foreigners. I hope she gets out of debt. I genuinely believed she should of finished her term – and that’s what I believe whether it’s conservatives or socialists (like Blair).

INRE my “umbrage”. I don’t expound in my posts that you *change* your laws to suit my beliefs, as you did when you had the chutzpah to say that the States or the US feds should alter their succession laws. There is a massive difference between expressing an opinion, and dictation of what you deem is the correct law. Mind your own bloody business and let the States decide their own fates

Hmm – saying that I am ‘dictating’ is you putting a spin on my opinion. I don’t think the States or the US feds will change because I say so. I was interested in others opinions to see if any of you agreed. I believe changing leader makes a big difference – whether it’s Major replacing Thatcher or Ford replacing Nixon as PMs or Presidents – or at a State level. Expense sounds like an excuse. If Obama quit – would you be fine with Biden running your country for the rest of the term – even if he pushed through different or even more radical reforms? Or would you meekly accept things as they are – because that’s the way it is. As for minding my own bloody business – well I’ll do that as soon as you and the rest of America does the same;) And besides are you living in Alaska? If not – then surely as you have a federal system – it’s not your business either.

Jacqui Smith’s choice to “ban” individuals is policy, not law… as you pointed out. That changes with the next admin. Do not mix those up as well. Nor did I suggest in my post that she change them. I suggested, quite nicely in fact, that she is being an ass. Must be a national trait….

And to clarify and substantiate that of what I speak, here is the link to the post and comments.

Perhaps you’ll point out where in the post, or my ensuing comments, that I suggested you change your policy and/or laws to suit my opinion… as *you* did?

So you can comment on any foreign country EXCEPT for it’s laws? Why not? Would you like to see the laws of Iran changed? Or would you never comment on such a thing? Personally with free speech I reckon we (Americans and those ‘foreigners’ who live in a generally free society) can and should be able to comment on other countries laws – be it Nazi Germany laws or Middle Eastern Sharia laws. Any way MataaHarley – I’m sure you don’t respect me – but actually respect your views. I may not agree with all of them but it’s interesting – that’s what good debates should be about.

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And another damn thing, Gaffa. My comments on Honduras are as they relate to a POTUS who is not recognizing Honduras law. Tell me where I suggested that Honduras should change their laws to suit me?

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There’s “more” conservative pundits? Listened to MSNBC, CNN, ABC, CBS and NBC of late? Or don’t they come thru Down Under?

Cable “conservative” pundits are sorely outnumbered. Most reside on FOX… the much maligned station that has the highest ratings. Radio talk hosts are predominately conservative. But do not confuse that with our public broadcast channels and two out of three of the main cable news stations.

Palin “more damaged now that she has quit”? And you’re basing this one what, per chance? Your opinion? News flash… not interested in your opinion vs reality. Quite in fact, as a foreigner, I give your opinions expressed on this blog less consideration than I do the leftist opposition. You are, in my opinion, an interested observer only. Sometimes you add to the conversation, and sometimes you are just an unsubstantiated partisan who really has no “party” (as you’ve said before) because you aren’t an American. Express an opinion? Fine. Take the repercussions of that opinion? Absolutely. Part of the package.

As far as your statement as fact that “Palin is more damaged”…. l ook again, Bubba. Wall to wall news on Palin that rivals Michael Jackson. Negative? Perhaps on the surface. But it’s all “speculation” crap, like you’re doing. Only takes a big of patience to show you to be the gleeful fool.

INRE my “umbrage”. I don’t expound in my posts that you *change* your laws to suit my beliefs, as you did when you had the chutzpah to say that the States or the US feds should alter their succession laws. There is a massive difference between expressing an opinion, and dictation of what you deem is the correct law. Mind your own bloody business and let the States decide their own fates.

Jacqui Smith’s choice to “ban” individuals is policy, not law… as you pointed out. That changes with the next admin. Do not mix those up as well. Nor did I suggest in my post that she change them. I suggested, quite nicely in fact, that she is being an ass. Must be a national trait….

And to clarify and substantiate that of what I speak, here is the link to the post and comments.

Perhaps you’ll point out where in the post, or my ensuing comments, that I suggested you change your policy and/or laws to suit my opinion… as *you* did?

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@MataHarley

lol – er…you can have free speech as an elected official as well as a pundit – so no quotas there. It just seems the conservatives in the US have more pundits than they do credible candidates for 2012. Which figures have emerged so far? Sure there’s some time to go and well I guess that Palin wasn’t that credible especially as she’s more damaged now that she has quit.

As for you taking umbrage at my opinions of your country, systems & politicians – that’s sheer hypocrisy on your part. You comment on countries besides the US. Indeed you voiced your opinion on the UK’s ex-home Secretary Jacqui Smith’s decision to ban certain Americans. Well that’s British policy so why are you commenting on that? And you have commented on Honduras political system. Free speech isn’t neatly contained and isolated by every national border y’know.

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Gaffa: That’s right – we really need another right-wing pundit to join Coulter, Limbaugh, O’Reilly, Hannity et al – being a cheerleader whilst not being a participant.

Really, Gaffa? I didn’t realize we had to have a “quota” on free speech. And I am continually amazed at your “we” stuff, Kemosabi. You aren’t an American citizen, so I genuinely resent your suggestions we change our elections laws of succession, or decide how many politically tilted pundits are “needed” in the American press. I suggest you police your own backyard first.

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@Pdill

That’s right – we really need another right-wing pundit to join Coulter, Limbaugh, O’Reilly, Hannity et al – being a cheerleader whilst not being a participant. She’s swapped power for money. Who can blame her? Too much hassle – easier to quit. Judging by the reaction to her bizarre decision to give in – looks like she has even less chance of getting back on to any 2012 GOP ticket.

But being a pundit rarely constitutes any power to change. In 20 years time she will probably be an interesting footnote of history like Geraldine Ferraro. Meanwhile she will be the darling of the right wing of the GOP & earn lots of dollars – but she will hardly be a kingmaker. Maybe she can give Republican candidates all her knowledge of foreign policy based on Alaska’s proximity to Russia;) And in 20 or so years will people remember the TV and radio pundits of today? Whereas all you Obama-haters will have to put up with the fact that Obama has already made history, is in the White House and will be remembered and is far more likely to have impact on history than Palin.

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