Rant on.

 

I don’t understand how Sarah Palin remains so popular.  I mean, I know her down-home way of speaking has a certain appeal, particularly to the Republicans and her conservative beliefs are also appreciated by such folks.  But her general ignorance of U.S. policy and history should be a significant detraction to those who value traditional things as much as the conservatives do.

 

If you haven’t seen it yet, there’s a video circulating where Sarah talks about Paul Revere’s midnight ride.  In her version, Paul didn’t warn the would-be American rebels, he warned the British.  He “fired warning shots” and rang bells.  Historically, he lit lanterns and then went riding around telling his compatriots the British were coming.  He didn’t ring any bells and it’s unlikely he fired his gun.  Yet, that is the tale Sarah Palin told in Boston, where the British in 1775 would depart from in search of rebels and their weapons.  Revere was sent to warn everyone to hide their arms so the British wouldn’t take them, and for the leaders to possibly hide themselves.

 

Okay, I know.  Politicians toy with history regularly.  But showing ignorance of one of the most famous events of your country’s early history?  The popular version of the events may not be entirely accurate, but it is closer to the truth than Ms. Palin’s version.  And yet, people still flock to her like she’s some sort of goddess.  I just don’t get it, and it frightens me that somebody so ignorant–which is not the same thing as stupid, although in my more unhappy moments with the Republicans I may see her that way–could attain such political power, possibly even get elected president.

 

Man, I hope Obama scores another Osama-like victory close to the election.  If Palin is what the Republicans are going to offer, well, perhaps Paul Revere’s zombie will rise up and fire warning shots, ring bells and shout, “The idiots are coming!  The idiots are coming!”

 

Rant off.