tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post1626554508538743737..comments2024-03-04T17:54:32.559+00:00Comments on Iain Dale's Diary: Sarah Palin's 'Kickass' SpeechIain Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270146219458384372noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-37198864430336713132008-09-06T12:33:00.000+01:002008-09-06T12:33:00.000+01:00Jonathan - ooh you are getting in a tizz! I did ex...Jonathan - ooh you are getting in a tizz! I did explain why you were being sexist, but you are apparently unable to take on board criticism. The fact you can't see Palin's qualities doesn't mitigate the charge of sexism. Saying I can't see Obama's qualities would not mitigate a charge of racism if I said the only reason he was selected is because he's black. This in fact was the position of one journalist who was roundly condemned for her statement. But when the boot is on the right, rather than the left foot, you are oblivious to prejudice. I'm not name calling for the sake of it. I'm legitimately pointing out prejudice.Oscar Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09423019456579337438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-81093539126038249822008-09-05T20:57:00.000+01:002008-09-05T20:57:00.000+01:00Oscar, for crying out loud - putting your fingers ...Oscar, for crying out loud - putting your fingers in your ears, stamping your feet and saying I'm sexist doesn't make it so.<BR/><BR/>I note you didn't dispute any of my last comment which says it all. Call me sexist if you want, namecalling is apparently a standard debating tactic of the right if you and Palin are anything to go by.<BR/><BR/>Yes I do support Obama - I'm sure he's delighted - because he's actually focussed on the future, McCain only has his past to rely on and that's why he can't go two minutes without telling a Vietnam anecdote.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-58381217155964128042008-09-05T16:13:00.000+01:002008-09-05T16:13:00.000+01:00It was your rant Jonathan - not mine. I just point...It was your rant Jonathan - not mine. I just pointed out the inherent sexism of your position. No wonder you support Obama - you shift your ground with every post.Oscar Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09423019456579337438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-89214264233550726522008-09-05T15:25:00.000+01:002008-09-05T15:25:00.000+01:00Palin may not have said she believed in Creationis...Palin may not have said she believed in Creationism, but for what is worth here are 3 reasons why it is a valid subject for consideration in a scientific context:<BR/><BR/>1. It is a belief, which might be termed a refutable hypothesis. It is extraordinarily difficult to refute the idea that the world was not created in an instant a few thousand years ago, or even last night, together with all of its embedded memories, except on the basis of it being absurdly implausible. Nevertheless it is a good example of an implausible hypothesis that is difficult to refute conclusively by logical deduction rather than by a value judgement.<BR/><BR/>2. The concept of creationism gives a useful introdution into the study of computation theory and finite state automata. Don't comment on this until you have read the works of Marvin Minsky, as sane a professor as ever graced MIT.<BR/><BR/>3. Thinking about creationism may encourage students to consider the origins of the universe, and in particular particle physics. If we accept that animals and plant life have evolved, students can consider at what lower levels (chemical, molecular, atomic, subatomic) the universe has also evolved and in particular at which level they consider that matter or energy was "created" and at which level it has "evolved".<BR/><BR/>But the best reason is that it makes the thought police froth at the mouth.Alexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13775753218753337766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-56105430982116725782008-09-05T11:04:00.000+01:002008-09-05T11:04:00.000+01:00Oscar, I didn't ignore her other qualities beyond ...Oscar, I didn't ignore her other qualities beyond being a woman. I just couldn't see any. She got on stage, bitched about Obama and sucked up to McCain, and got off the stage and went home. I genuinely don't see what's so impressive.<BR/><BR/>I wasn't saying McCain is on deaths door, but I was suggesting he should recognise he is getting on a bit, has been seriously ill several times in the past and having a back up with more than a few years on the PTA and 18 months as Governor of the most sparsely populated state in the country might be a tinsey bit of a good idea. <BR/><BR/>But hey, don't let the facts get in the way of a good rant eh Oscar?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-7031928820185315632008-09-05T10:16:00.000+01:002008-09-05T10:16:00.000+01:00Barack Hussein Obama II President of the United St...<B>Barack Hussein Obama II President of the United States.</B><BR/><BR/>Sounds kind of strange to me. It doesn't have an American ring to it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-67795695656759673532008-09-05T09:58:00.000+01:002008-09-05T09:58:00.000+01:00@ scott redding 11:42 PM said..."The financial irr...@ scott redding 11:42 PM said...<BR/><BR/><B>"The financial irresponsibility in her administration of Wasilla isn't some sort of DK fantasy..."</B><BR/><BR/>Ooooh, more hissy fit!<BR/><BR/>Lol, is that the best you can do pumpkin?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-70852353802239593202008-09-05T09:18:00.000+01:002008-09-05T09:18:00.000+01:00A lot of disinformation is being pumped out about ...A lot of disinformation is being pumped out about Palin's so called 'beliefs' in creationism and Christian fundamentalism. Archduke has already pointed out the article in lgf that knocks the creationist meme on the head. As for fundamentalism - it's a largely discredited term that the liberal left now refuse to use in relation to Islam. Anyone who knows anything about religion will know that the idea of 'fundamentalism' is highly problematic and is a term used only by religious detractors. Palin was brought up a Roman Catholic but joined a non-denominational church in her teens. She seems to combine modernist ideas about an ecumenical approach to Christianity with basic biblical beliefs. This simply accords with modern American culture. I would say the driving force in her personality is not any of these demonising categories imposed by panicking Obama supporters. In fact it seems that apart from local politics, it is sport that has been her chief motivator and realm of her early achievements. How scary is that?Oscar Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09423019456579337438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-28125511250114942232008-09-05T08:46:00.000+01:002008-09-05T08:46:00.000+01:00Just watched the link. Bloody hell- she is BRILLIA...Just watched the link. Bloody hell- she is BRILLIANT!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-46573793293162163862008-09-05T08:30:00.000+01:002008-09-05T08:30:00.000+01:00On the subject of silly names, what about Barack H...On the subject of silly names, what about<B> Barack Hussein Obama II </B>?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-9061351402893343752008-09-05T02:59:00.000+01:002008-09-05T02:59:00.000+01:00Hang on a mo'I don't know what Sarah Palin's perso...Hang on a mo'<BR/><BR/>I don't know what Sarah Palin's personal views are regading Darwin and Genesis, but from what I have read her answer when that question was posed was she didn't see a problem with the discussion of both doctrines and letting kids make up their own minds. That's not such a bad policy in itself - teaching kids to think and reason. <BR/><BR/>But has anyone else considered this? Sarah Palin is a conservative politician. A lot of US conservatives (even in Alaska) are deeply Christian. Let's say that it's not a good political move to openly denounce a belief widely held by many of one's potential voters, even if one thinks it's completely bats**t crazy. The "let them both be taught" answer is actually a neat cop out. There's no absolute commitment either way.<BR/><BR/>I know this kinda knocks the "Palin says what she thinks meme", but hey! She's still a politician whatever else she may be.The Remittance Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13104149259707414863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-57990347603084719042008-09-04T23:42:00.000+01:002008-09-04T23:42:00.000+01:00The financial irresponsibility in her administrati...<A HREF="http://www.crosscut.com/politics-government/17341" REL="nofollow">The financial irresponsibility in her administration of Wasilla isn't some sort of DK fantasy.</A><BR/><BR/>"During her mayoral administration, most of the actual work of running this small city was turned over to an administrator. She had been pushed to hire this administrator by party power-brokers after she had gotten herself into some trouble over precipitous firings, which had given rise to a recall campaign."<BR/><BR/>"Sarah campaigned in Wasilla as a 'fiscal conservative.' During her six years as mayor, she increased general government expenditures by more than 33 percent.<BR/><BR/>"During those same six years, the amount of taxes collected by the city increased by 38 percent. This was during a period of low inflation (1996-2002). She reduced progressive property taxes and increased a regressive sales tax, which taxed even food. The tax cuts that she promoted benefitted large corporate property owners way more than they benefited residents."<BR/><BR/>"The huge increases in tax revenue during her mayoral administration weren't enough to fund everything on her wish list, though — borrowed money was needed, too. She inherited a city with zero debt but left it with indebtedness of more than $22 million."<BR/><BR/>"What did Mayor Palin encourage the voters to borrow money for? Was it the infrastructure that she said she supported? The sewage treatment plant that the city lacked? Or a new library? No. $1 million for a park. $15 million-plus for construction of a multi-use sports complex, which she rushed through, on a piece of property that the city didn't even have clear title to. That was still in litigation seven years later — to the delight of the lawyers involved! The sports complex itself is a nice addition to the community but a huge money pit, not the profit-generator she claimed it would be. She also supported bonds for $5.5 million for road projects that could have been done in five to seven years without any borrowing."scott reddinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16201040172369428187noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-60269334065201082382008-09-04T23:35:00.000+01:002008-09-04T23:35:00.000+01:00Given John McCain's age and health record the Amer...Given John McCain's age and health record the American people in November could well be electing a future US president. The thought of someone who not only thinks creationism is a valid scientific theory but believes that the earth was created only 6,000 years ago occupying this role is surely truly shocking. And as for the comparison with Margaret Thatcher, which some right wing commentators on both sides of the Atlantic have made, this is utter nonsense, and is certainly no compliment to Mrs Thatcher. While the former British Prime Minister was prepared at times to play to the prejudices of her core supporters, she was ultimately well educated in both science and the law, intellectually able and rationale in her beliefs. Sure, Sarah Palin can rouse an audience but we are talking about someone who could be the leader of the western world, not a potential winner of Big Brother or Miss World.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-58488162867864873872008-09-04T22:54:00.000+01:002008-09-04T22:54:00.000+01:00After all the sneering at Palin for calling her ch...After all the sneering at Palin for calling her children silly names from our media, it should be pointed out that Joe Biden has one son called Hunter and another called Beaux. Where were all the media put-downs about that?Oscar Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09423019456579337438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-12441740934569098732008-09-04T22:34:00.000+01:002008-09-04T22:34:00.000+01:00Sarah Palin's experience or lack of experience is ...Sarah Palin's experience or lack of experience is as irrelevant for her as it is for Obama. What is relevant is her political outlook, since that's what will define any decision making she has to do, and that's what is scary to anyone who was hoping that this election would see the back of knee-jerk, insular, ignorant decision making in the highest office on the planet.Giles Marshallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09257512119593812010noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-84906769922286122112008-09-04T22:21:00.000+01:002008-09-04T22:21:00.000+01:00Jonathan - it is plainly sexist to say that the ON...Jonathan - it is plainly sexist to say that the ONLY reason Palin has been selected is because she is a woman. You have completely ignored all her manifest qualities, amply demonstrated last night. 99.9% of humanity could not do what she has done. Of course the fact she is a woman is important. But to say she was selected for that reason alone is not only sexist it is plain stupid.<BR/><BR/>As for the idea that John McCain is at death's door - it is highly irresponsible to exploit fears about skin cancer as part of a political ploy. Proper education on the subject is fine - scaremongering is not. <BR/><BR/>And if you are trying to panic people with a 'vote McCain - get Palin' line it's beginning to look like that will encourage rather than deter many voters.Oscar Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09423019456579337438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-58776219098898089652008-09-04T22:18:00.000+01:002008-09-04T22:18:00.000+01:00For the fans.Sarah Palin's biography video that wa...For the fans.<BR/><BR/>Sarah Palin's biography video that was cut from last night because Giuliani overran.<BR/><BR/>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddRoiVWfLyUAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-58242397896350695732008-09-04T22:16:00.000+01:002008-09-04T22:16:00.000+01:00Oh my GodI am really really scaredOh my God<BR/>I am really really scaredAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-66211399094580942622008-09-04T22:07:00.001+01:002008-09-04T22:07:00.001+01:00CC - not being disengenious, I've been watching th...CC - not being disengenious, I've been watching the news channels 24/7 since Friday and I'm genuinely disturbed at this sentiment that some women are going to vote McCain/Palin on the basis that she's a woman.<BR/><BR/>One comment was 'well she's raising five kids, so she must be pretty organised'.....you have got to be kidding me.<BR/><BR/>It saddens me that anyone could think like that - either left or right, I would be as opposed to her candidacy if it was Hillary being voted for the very same reason. I think that's just an awful reason to vote for someone.<BR/><BR/>However, your point about identity is spot on - she's small town america vs urban liberalism. It's just some of these voters have not articulated themselves particularly well.<BR/><BR/>Pleasure as always, and a good evening to you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-90549515498136562042008-09-04T22:07:00.000+01:002008-09-04T22:07:00.000+01:00Chris Paul-Emily Thornberry would not be an MP if ...Chris Paul-Emily Thornberry would not be an MP if she was not a woman. She found an ancient by law so she couldsend her children to a Grammar school in Potters Bar from Islington . She lives in mouth watering Georgian splendour and lets out one of her other properties to Oxbridge Labour creeps working the system. She has to be about the most platitudinous waste or air in the solar system and yet you are so impressed with her pronouncements on someone who is a little more than political yes-person.<BR/><BR/>I have no special problem with Palin`s odd religious beliefs, as I am accustomed to being tolerant of religious positions . As far as I know her religion does not required her to kill me unlike some . I am a little troubled by your assertion that she hates gays . Perhaps we should ask Ruth Kelly how one reconciles her not dissimilar religious convictions with tolerant government . She seems to manage ,and this attempt to denigrate someone on the basis of their religion is somewhat distasteful. <BR/><BR/><BR/>I also like your sneer at ‘governor of a grant maintained state ‘. As Labour has virtually no support at all outside areas subsidised in one way or another I am surprised at your contempt , still looks like you are learning .<BR/><BR/><BR/>I can see she has some people worried and I think she will highlight to weirdness Obamah. People are starting to notice he is a bit ..well ..odd , off putting , untrustworthy, it’s a mild form of nutty Brown syndrome . She sounds like a real person and that’s important as Mr. Clarke and others knowNewmaniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11922161971821380803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-56883463861190507282008-09-04T22:02:00.000+01:002008-09-04T22:02:00.000+01:00Joe Biden today lowering expectations for the deba...Joe Biden today lowering expectations for the debate already:<BR/><BR/>"I will be unrelenting in my debate with governor, the governor of Alaska in terms of the positions she has taken. But I will not do what she is able to do so well, and many of it's not bad. I am not good at the one-line zingers that go at, you know, that's not my deal. So if that is going to be the measure of how these debates go, then I'm not going to do very well."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-8079622983781007572008-09-04T21:58:00.000+01:002008-09-04T21:58:00.000+01:00Andy C: "I think where she is going to be effect...Andy C: "I think where she is going to be effective is those women who are just not interested in policy but just want a woman, regardless of stance on abortion, religious rights etc. And having watched the news over the past couple of days, there's actually quite a lot of them out there."<BR/><BR/>I think that's a little disingenuous although I take your point.<BR/><BR/> It's not just that they want a woman regardless of policy. I agree with you that they may disregard their stance on abortion, but they will vote for McCain-Palin because they will be able to relate to her. She's a mother of 5 from a working class background, she got into politics by joining the P.T.A., she was a successful high school athlete (something that's very important in smalltown America).<BR/><BR/>Barack Obama will just not resonate at the same level. He's Ivy League, a career politician, never has a 'proper job' as they will see it and, I hate to say it, is black.<BR/><BR/>White smalltown America recognize Sarah Palin in themselves, Barack Obama not so much.<BR/><BR/>Pleasure debating with you as always.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-87559930731704943692008-09-04T21:44:00.000+01:002008-09-04T21:44:00.000+01:00The snobs of the left could never accept that the ...The snobs of the left could never accept that the daughter of a common grocer(never mind a son) was worthy to be our Prime Minister (Margaret Thatcher).<BR/><BR/>History is repeating itself on this thread. The left resent Sarah Palin because she is a good mother, a grafter, a church goer, a self made success and a highly intelligent commoner.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-10463407310819294882008-09-04T21:31:00.000+01:002008-09-04T21:31:00.000+01:00by the way - guess what Palin did when oil prices ...by the way - guess what Palin did when oil prices went up - and thereby give the Alaska treasury even more money because of petrol tax.<BR/><BR/>she gave a tax rebate to every Alaskan citizen.<BR/><BR/><BR/>THATS the difference folks. while over here we have socialists pissing YOUR money up against the wall.<BR/><BR/>by the way - on the creationist stuff - its been cleared up by LGF a few days ago.<BR/><BR/>(and LGF is an ardent anti-creationist type, but on the right of the political spectrum) <BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/31135_Palin_Has_Not_Pushed_Creationism_as_Governor" REL="nofollow">Palin has NOT pushed creationism as governor</A><BR/><BR/>of course she wouldnt - she's anti-big government. and being anti-big government means that you DONT shove your ideas down peoples throats. <BR/><BR/>you're whole politcal raison d'etre is to LEAVE THE PEOPLE ALONE. that is conservatism in a nutshell.<BR/><BR/><BR/>unlike the New Labour Socialists who do it ALL THE F**KING TIME....<BR/><BR/>the hyporcrisy and lies of the Obamadroids is just incredible. and boy are they going to go down in flames come November - big time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-18627187329915066332008-09-04T21:13:00.000+01:002008-09-04T21:13:00.000+01:00iain - if you want another margaret thatcher, well...iain - if you want another margaret thatcher, well you've just seen it.<BR/><BR/>and its sarah palin.<BR/><BR/>absolutely OVER THE MOON with her. <BR/><BR/>37 million watched it in america. as good as obama.<BR/><BR/><BR/>sidenote: i see the dem shills are doing the usual "creationist" slurs.<BR/><BR/>yeah - keep trying guys. the Obamessiah is an empty suit. he's a loser and associates with Marxist terrorists like Bill Ayers.<BR/><BR/>ever notice how the MSM have never mentioned the Bill Ayers link?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com