Saturday, July 04, 2009

Nothing Says "Patriotism" Like Weaseling Out of Government Work



Taking a page from the thousands (millions?) of Americans that patriotically worm their way out of jury duty every year, Sarah Palin quit as Governor of Alaska on Friday, saying,

“As I thought about this announcement that I would not seek re-election,” she said, “I thought about how much fun other governors have as lame ducks. They maybe travel around their state, travel to other states, maybe take their overseas international trade missions.”

“I’m not going to put Alaskans through that,” she said. “I promised efficiencies and effectiveness. That’s not how I’m wired. I’m not wired to operate under the same old politics as usual.”

Not treating lame duck status as a taxpayer-funded vacation -- You betcha! Buuuuut... couldn't she have just kept working? Wasn't that an option? Or is it in the Alaska Constitution that governors not seeking reelection must party like 'twas 1999? No, fulfilling a term of office is "politics as usual". The question is, does this logic carry over to her other endeavors? Is sticking with a marriage "relationships as usual?" Not converting "religion as usual"? Giving 2 weeks notice "business etiquette as usual"?

She later added via Twitter that her quitting was "in Alaska’s best interest". Why would we want her as President if even she thinks that her state is better off without her as Governor?

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