Is Sarah Palin Retarded?
72She's on a Bridge to Nowhere!
"Wasilla hillbillies looting Neiman Marcus from coast to coast." --an angry McCain aide describing Palin's $150,000 shopping spree
From Websters:
Main Entry: re·tard·ed
Function: adjective sometimes offensive: slow or limited in intellectual or emotional development or academic progress
Okay, I know the word “retarded” is not politically correct, and had I used the word "bimbo" it might have ruffled fewer feathers. And I know for many of us it’s obvious Palin doesn’t know much, is a shallow thinker, and sounds positively moronic whenever she speaks. And, it’s obvious her grasp of facts and basic knowledge is nil. But, when it comes to fundraising, ginning up crowds to fight against their own interests and shoot themselves in the foot to support her, she’s brilliant. And she has made a few mighty smart moves – you betcha!
Consider how she dumped her demanding, unglamorous job as governor in a brilliant move to get some R&R and spend time fundraising by twittering. I’m sure that trade off included more time for shopping, tanning, and primping. And then she enlisted a ghost writer (obviously she couldn’t write her own book) to crank out a soon to be released memoir, “Going Rogue,” that has booksellers fighting for sales. Just two days after Harper announced it had moved up the release from spring to Nov. 17, the book was No. 1 on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com. Imagine, she can’t speak a coherent sentence, but she is managing to “write” a best-seller! Now, that takes brains. So, is she stupid or brilliant, or just plain lucky?
Consider how quickly she became the darling of her base just by strutting around in heels, looking hot, winking, and saying things like, “What’s the difference between a pit bull and hockey mom? Lipstick!” It was obvious she was unqualified to be a heart-beat away from the Presidency, and even a few smart Republicans (not necessarily an oxymoron!) were keeping their distance.
Then we saw the video of Palin taking part in a Kenyan Christian missionary’s superstitious
rite to protect her from witchcraft. Was it luck or some brilliant move on her
part that kept that terrifying image off the table during the election, while
Obama’s association with Reverend Wright was on the news 24-7?
And what about her husband’s membership in the Alaskan Independence Party, a statewide political party that advocates Alaskans vote about whether they want to secede from the union?
Funny, but I thought people might pay attention to that. I thought perhaps wanting to secede from America might be considered a bit unpatriotic. Palin was definitely "pallin” around (even sleeping with) a secessionist. But that didn’t get much media attention. Although Obama’s cursory association with William Ayers, got 24-7 media attention, and Palin leveraged that association brilliantly.
So back to my original question. I’ve copied the definition of the word “retarded” directly from Webster’s online dictionary, so we can all decide together. Is Sarah Palin slow or limited in intellectual development or academic progress? This seems like a real no-brainer if we consider her record. Feel free to make comments at the end of my article. Let’s break it down:
Remember the infamous Katie Couric interview. Here is an excerpt:
Couric: You’ve cited Alaska’s proximity to Russia as part of your foreign policy experience. What did you mean by that?
Palin: That Alaska has a very narrow maritime border between a foreign country, Russia, and on our other side, the land– boundary that we have with– Canada. It– it’s funny that a comment like that was– kind of made to– cari– I don’t know, you know? Reporters–
Couric: Mock?
Palin: Yeah, mocked, I guess that’s the word, yeah.
Couric: Explain to me why that enhances your foreign policy credentials.
Palin: Well, it certainly does because our– our next door neighbors are foreign countries. They’re in the state that I am the executive of. And there in Russia–
Couric: Have you ever been involved with any negotiations, for example, with the Russians?
Palin: We have trade missions back and forth. We– we do– it’s very important when you consider even national security issues with Russia as Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where– where do they go? It’s Alaska. It’s just right over the border. It is– from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on this very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right there. They are right next to– to our state.
There you have it. Palin believes living in Wasilla, Alaska is equivalent to foreign policy experience. Does that mean all of the people who live in Alaska have foreign policy experience or just her? Does she think anyone who lives in a state or country that borders a foreign country has foreign policy credentials?
How about when Palin was asked by a third grader on October 21, 2008, what the Vice President does:
“They're in charge of the U.S. Senate so if they want to they can really get in there with the senators and make a lot of good policy changes that will make life better for Brandon and his family and his classroom.”
Obviously Palin did not understand the job
description of Vice President which gives the office little actual power in the
senate, with the opportunity to vote only to break a tie, not to “really get in
there and make a lot of good policy changes…”
Speaking at a fundraiser in San Francisco, October 5, 2008, Palin said,
“They are also building schools for the Afghan children so that there is hope and opportunity in our neighboring country of Afghanistan.”
She needs a geography lesson and her comment displays a lack of “educational progress.”
In an interview with Katie Couric, CBS News, October
1, 2008, Palin was
unable to name a Supreme Court decision she disagreed with
other than Roe vs. Wade.
“Well, let's see. There's -- of course -- in the great history of America rulings there have been rulings.”
She obviously didn’t know of any which again demonstrates a lack of “educational progress.”
Speaking at a fundraiser in Greensboro, N.C., Oct. 16, 2008, Palin said,
"We believe that the best of America is not all in Washington, D.C. ... We believe that the best of America is in these small towns that we get to visit, and in these wonderful little pockets of what I call the real America, being here with all of you hard working very patriotic, um, very, um, pro-America areas of this great nation."
Well, here she is obviously kissing up to her base and calling out the blue states and the big city liberals, and minorities as lazy, anti-Americans. That could be considered a brilliant move by some, but obviously proved stupid as shown by the outcome of the election.
In an interview with Katie Couric, CBS News, Oct. 1, 2008, Couric asked her to name the newspapers she read,
"All of 'em, any of 'em that have been in front of me over all these years." --Sarah Palin,
Was she referring to People? I don’t know what to think when a person who wants to be the Vice President can’t name a single newspaper or magazine she reads. Perhaps due to limited intellectual development or academic progress she doesn’t read. That would, of course, help explain why she doesn’t know anything—you betcha!
When asked her opinion on the war in Iraq after she started running on McCain’s ticket, she said,
"I've been so focused on state government; I haven't really focused much on the war in Iraq."
Ouch! So, she’s admitting she can’t walk and chew gum at the same time—not very Vice Presidential. And, I thought hockey moms could multi-task. Once again, a hint she might be lacking a bit of intellectual development and academic progress. Shouldn’t she be expected to have had some thoughts on the most important foreign policy issue of the day (especially given her vast foreign policy experience with Russia!)
More recently, Sarah Palin has claimed the Democratic healthcare reform proposal will set up death panels! ("Say it's not so, Joe! - wink) But this has been refuted not only by Democrats, but some conservatives including, columnist David Brooks and Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA). The truth and Palin have never been friends. She’s a diva who seems ready to quit when the going gets tough and glamorize quitting by calling it "going rogue." Going rogue Sarah Palin style is taking the low road while claiming to be above the fray, taking arial shots at anyone who gets in her way, and pledging allegiance to the extreme right's brand of true Americanism.
I don’t know about you, but considering the definition of “retarded” on Webster’s, I’m giving her a way thumbs up! However, that’s not to say she hasn’t also made some brilliant strategic moves, as well as had her share of luck. And we know she can craft some really good whoppers and one could argue that requires some brain power! As a liberal lefty, I’m capable of considering the gray areas – that things are not always black and white, and that while she is basically limited in intellectual and emotional development, she has made a few smart moves now and then.
For more information read:
How Ugly Rhetoric Increases America’s Great Divide
Right Wing Extremists and the Reptilian Brain
Glen Beck is a Pathetic Loser and has a Deep-Seated Hatred of Brown People
Sarah Palin's Greatest Hits
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Comments
I'm glad you approached this subject. When a close friend of mine in Colorado said that "Palin Rocks" I almost fainted!!!!.....it seems that some people think she is grand (I do not want to insult my childhood friend ;). I on the other hand thinks she is "retarded." ha GPAGE
good job, kartika. it's amazing to see how money and power can catapult even those with limited skills into the front row of that arena. however, thanks to her limited skills, enough people came out to make sure she and mccain didn't deliver 4 more years of the grand old party.
What gets me about her is her complete apparent lack of self analysis in accepting the offer to be McCain's running mate. She either truly, truly didn't get it (and still doesn't), or was going for the money (and fame) all along.
What I really think about her is that she literally is one of the girls I disliked in high school or college. A phony who on the surface looked good...in many ways, but who did as little as possible to get by because they just didn't care.
It's been said the Housegate 'gate' was coming down on her, and that's why she actually resigned (the fact her house in Wasilla was possibly built with state funds.)
She's just an embarrassment to women everywhere--a 'shadow' quote, quote feminist...and may have set progress back about 25 years.
hahaha this gave me a laugh, thank God they didn't get in!
I agree with Lita, but I continue to think we all dismiss her too easily. It doesn't matter if she's stupid, mean, or incapable--if she gets enough money behind her and enough OTHER stupid, mean, incapable people to vote for her, she could still be our next President. It's dangerous to mock her as an impossibility, and it's dangerous to take her seriously. The best thing would be to ignore her, but the press won't let that happen.
Any kind of attention she gets at this point is good for her, even negative attention, because it only energizes her base and feeds the overall paranoia level. Well-written, thoughtful hub though--I appreciate you taking the risk of writing it.
Oh, and there is another thing I forgot to mention. Sarah Palin is guilty of cruelty to animals! Perhaps that should be another article titled, "Is Sarah Palin a Sociopath?" Can you imagine shooting wolves from helicopters for sport? And, isn't that one of the early warning signs of the predisposition to becoming a serial killer?
Thanks for leaving your insightful comments!
"What I really think about her is that she literally is one of the girls I disliked in high school or college."
Oh I believe that!
Well, each to his own. Retarded sociopaths usually appreciate retarded sociopaths, so maybe you should try and troll Ms. Palin's twitter account instead of following, tk. You can talk about killing wolves, squirrels and I'm sure other animals. Creatures of pure disgust...and not the animals.
You know I've often wondered if she is as -- can I say stupid? -- as she portrays, or is it a personae she's adopted for publicity. No one is that fluffy. Again, as an outsider to American politics, I was stunned when she first came on the scene. Did the Republican party say,Hey! they've got Hilary, quick find us someone with tits?
I'd love to see her try and deal with Pakistan. Scary, isn't it?
"Well, each to his own. Retarded sociopaths usually appreciate retarded sociopaths, so maybe you should try and troll Ms. Palin's twitter account instead of following, tk. You can talk about killing wolves, squirrels and I'm sure other animals. Creatures of pure disgust...and not the animals."
And you will still be the first to cry "mommy!" and 'report' any and everyone you disagree with for 'personal attacks' right, hypocrite? I remind you again that the comments about you I was kind enough to delete were entirely accurate, if only far too mild.
And don't use the word "retarded" in that manner. It is offensive and wrong. Try to have at least a shred of class if you're capable.
She's a puppet - One Day she's in - and the next day she is waste basket liner for the press. She doesn't deserve to be in any type of white house - especially the in DC.
tk - believe me...there are a number here who feel you are mentally ill. All one has to do is read some of the pathetic things you have written...or the way you sickly follow people (stalking) around here. It is very apparent.
And I'll announce it here, so everyone knows: you called several women bitches and old hags in the forums. But that is far from the worst of it, as far as I'm concerned. I would do more than report you if I was in charge. But I am sure you also have the life you deserve. Nobody but someone with serious issues does what you do. I'm hoping that kartika deletes your comments as many are now doing on their hubs.
Don't we have enough current problems that aren't being solved? Give it a rest, focus on something in the present.
I would say that using those inflammatory words to describe Sarah Palin would be beneath you. But, I don't know you.
All your Hub proves is that she is not a great orator. Many political figures are not. SNL has made a living off of poorly spoken politicians. If you wanted to prove that she was not a very good cadidate you could have mentioned how she has walked away from nearly every office she's sought. Thats important! A few gaffs on tv are not. If that was the case, a man, who at one point didn't seem to know how many states were in the union would not have been elected president. Now do many of us believe the President does not know how many states are in the Union? Of course not, but he said it.
She's not retarded by any stretch of the imagination. PGRUNDY is right, ignore her and she will go away. Republican's eat their own. She can only be revived if the Left insist on making her relevant.
C.J., I did mention she walked away from her job as governor and she didn't just make a few gaffs. She was ignorant about important facts that as a vice presidential candidate and potential President, she should know. That's why I directly quoted her - to demonstrate she lacks the intellectual foundation to be a great leader. And, unfortunately, she is not going away anytime soon. And, writers interested in people in politics comment on people in the political scene - we don't have to ignore people or topics and hope they simply go away.
Hi Kartika, it's me the politicalbastard; yes, again. Sure you won't mind if I quote you, right? Too bad. "And I know for many of us it’s obvious Palin doesn’t know much, is a shallow thinker, and sounds positively moronic whenever she speaks."
Sadly, we've devolved, almost as a nation -- in terms of how you and yours think. Just wonderin' does it take a shallow thinker to love a person with downs syndrome?
While the left would rather save a reptile; I for one, would rather the company of people with downs syndrome. At least they get it -- that whole thing that humans fall slightly higher at times in terms of how things are linked together as a whole.
I wish you the best though -- in the future. I used to live in Iowa and it seems the state has followed the rest of the left coast and Northbeast right into hell.
All my best,
The politicalbastard.
I'll agree to that, fine Sarah Palin is retarted. Talking about her makes her relevant though. Looks and media attention win elections for newcomners. Porkbarrel spending and campaign fund building win elections for sitting politicians. Thats the rub in today's politic. I know it sounds horrible, but its true. Of course these are not hard fast rules, but if we look closely it works out that way.
For all the people expecting great changes from our new President, guess what? Your going to be let down. Washington DC needs more than just a President that says he believes in transparent government not ruled by special intrest. Probably 75% of the sitting house and senate need to go! We have put way to much emphasis on our President. Its not fair, he is only the face of the country, a representative of the people with limited powers to govern by directive.
Hi Tackle This, I'm sorry you missed the point of the article - this article was about how absolutely incompetent I think Sarah Palin is to hold political office - she thought Africa is a country. I'm not at all an enemy of anyone who actually has Down's Syndrome or any disability. On the contrary I want all children with or without disabilities to have all the advantages and opportunities that all great countries offer, such as universal health care, opportunities for higher education, and a future that offers a level economic playing field. I also want kids to inherit a planet worth living in - do you think we are caring for our planet and our children by ignoring global warming and using up non-renewal energy sources? Oh, I am very proud Iowa is now a bluestate!
So; let me see if I hear you correctly, it's okay to take from the rich and give to those who wouldn't work even if offered a job.
I'm not sure where you get that idea because I never said that in the article or in my response to you. I would like my taxes to go towards paying for the things I value and I don't think the current system which allows the insurance companies to rip us off works for us. Do you think all children in our country should have equal access to good health care?
Children yes...dead-beat parents probably not...*I believe that people have a track record and it doesn't take long to spot a spineless lazy leech. I believe in compulsory sterilization for the aforementioned but *Perhaps we agree on one thing: through no fault of their own children are brought into this world. You did say, "...a future that offers a level economic playing field.
Do I believe that both sides need to come together; absolutely.
I'm am deeply saddened at least two days a week when I have to listen to an elder cry because they cannot afford their copay. The medications, my pharmacy sends are often life sustaining
*****If, if we began to truly wean people off of our current system of affairs; perhaps then, and only then would our elders begin to receive the care they so deeply deserve.
Okay, so you and at least we can agree that all children should be able to receive health care. You might want to read this article from the New York Times about Obama's bill to cover thousands of uninsured children passed in February and how the Republicans fought it: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/us/politics/05he
Also, are you serious about compulsory sterilization? Hitler and the Nazi also favored that - isn't that a bit extreme - how do you think that could be implemented? Would the government just send thugs to round up deadbeats and haul them off the concentration camps for sterilization?
Habitual criminals, those who won't work >even if offered a job< I like to refer to them as sperm donors and mothers who create babies for paychecks should be sterilized -- yes; unless you don't have a problem with your taxes being continually raised: ad nauseam. *How is compulsory sterilization extreme. I did not mention dismemberment.
I also didn't say anything about concentration camps but I think in most Americans are tired of supporting not only dead beats but in many cases sure criminals. It would be a quick procedure and even though I am remarried I myself, would strongly consider the surgery for males should I produce a child with a second partner or whatever the left likes to refer to their significant other as now-a-days.
P.S. we don't need to put thugs on the streets. The left has some cleaning up to do; after all, the blue states are responsible for having enlisted as well as perpetuated 95% of the nation's violent crime.
All children are able to receive health care visit; programs are otherwise referred to as medicaid
Medicaid
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Not necessarily - lots of kids fall through the very large cracks and medicaid varies from state to state - also, it sounds like you like the idea of medicaid, a federal/national form of health care without the middle man - the insurance companies.
Not to be confused with Medicare.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (Medicaid
Medicaid is the United States health program for eligible individuals and families with low incomes and resources. It is a means-tested program that is jointly funded by the states and federal government, and is managed by the states.[1] Among the groups of people served by Medicaid are certain eligible U.S. citizens and resident aliens, including low-income adults and their children, and people with certain disabilities. Poverty alone does not necessarily qualify an individual for Medicaid.[2] It is estimated that approximately 6 percent of poor Americans are not covered by Medicaid.[3] Medicaid is the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for people with limited income in the United States. Because of the aging Baby Boomer population, the fastest growing aspect of Medicaid is nursing home coverage.
Let's talk for a moment about those folk who've never held a job and I am referring to able-bodied individuals -- for the sake of this argument. Are you okay with rewarding slothfulness? And, if not, how do you feel we should deal with those unwilling to work?
What does any of that have to do with children's health care? You insisted all children are covered and they aren't. My article was about Sarah Palin being unqualified to hold political office because she doesn't know anything, and you want to discuss people who are not willing to work because they are lazy, as if somehow my not liking Palin makes me someone who supports lazy people who don't work. My friends all work. By the way, to follow your digression, do you know people who work but don't have insurance or adequate health insurance, or people who were laid off and lost their insurance and got cancer - (that happened to my one of my friends), or people with high deductibles who are in debt or going bankrupt to cover medical expenses? Do you realize because of the insurance companies our health care system is broken, costly, and makes money by denying as many people health care as possible. Why do you think other western nations like Canada,Great Britain, Sweden, Germany, and France, to name a few, have national socialized medicine and are certainly free democratic nations?
Small businesses cannot afford to offer decent plans. And as far as children go, most liberals couldn't give a rat's asssss about their children. *I raised two boys single-handedly worked two jobs, managed to write a book and cook and clean. And, neither of my boys ever had a diaper rash under my care even though i averaged five hours of sleep a night for about four years. And, you never responded to an initial point of mine either.
Are children of Democrats or Republicans more likely to terrorize America's elders while they simply attempt to live out their daily lives? Children of Republicans, by and large, are not into carjackings or violent robberies etc, etc. either.
You are too far gone to have a conversation with - you spew venom. Where do you get all of these crazy ideas like liberals are bad parents who don't care for their kids? I'm not posting anymore of your comments and let's call the discussion quits - it's a waste of time.
"Nobody but someone with serious issues does what you do."
How's that ban treatin' ya? Learned your lesson yet?
Just when I thought it was impossible for the ultra right wingers of this country (or is that wing nuts? Not sure...) could not appear to be any more intellectually disabled (the new politically correct term for retarded...it's true!...) I had to go and read the comment from Tackle This. Man! Drink the poison Koolaid, have we?
Great hub! I am glad you enjoyed my hub on a similar subject.
The thing about Palin that is most frightening to me is that she is young enough so she could hang around for years and still come back to haunt us. She's like a female Dan Quayle, only, thank God, she has yet to get elected to national office.
I do believe, though, that Former Gov. Palin will be in the mix in 2012, if only due to the fact that now that she's unemployed, she has plenty of time on her hands!
Jim Henry
aka Crashcromwell
tksensei-
You really are out there. I check back on Kartika's article, and there you are following me even now.
I do not care about any bans on Hubpages, and as far as the rules...I somewhat instigated the 3 day ban by influencing someone in the position to influence the staff. Not, of course, what I had in mind with the way they are using it. I intended for them to ban abusive trolls. Like what you clearly are. That management cannot or will not see this is of no consequence to what I believe or know. I'm not even sure they know where they stand as far as liability. What you are doing stops just short of harassment and libel by law. I know, I have been researching it.
I will never again post on the forums, to answer your question. And if you try to follow me in any other way by email or otherwise, as I said before, I will follow up with what avenues are at my disposal.
Kartika, this was a thoroughly good read. As a Brit I have no particular affiliation to either brand of American politics, but wow, I could hardly believe it when Sarah Palin was wheeled out in last years election. Politicians should be cool-headed and articulate. Miss Palin appears to be neither. I read elsewhere that she was produced to guarantee Obama's win, which is one heck of a conspiracy theory, but I can see how that idea might have developed.
"I intended for them to ban abusive trolls."
Looks like it worked, because YOU were duly banned.
"I will never again post on the forums"
That's a lie, just like the last time you said it.
Crash, thanks for visiting and leaving comments - I agree that Sarah Palin will be in the political picture over the next few years - It's scary but she still has a following and I don't she that diminishing any time soon. There will always be these extremists and she represents them perfectly.
Amanda, as a Brit, you must think we are crazy here for fighting against health care reform! I really appreciate your leaving comments! I can't imagine Sarah Palin is a popular figure in Britain! She is really an embarrassment!
Brilliant. I have said from the beginning that McCain would be brought down by Palin and I still think he was! She makes women look dumb! I don't know how she even managed to be Governor of Alaska. If she runs for President in 2012 I believe she will be very embarrassed!
well she's certainly not the brightest crayon in the box!
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Patrice52 says:
2 months ago
Some interesting information I hadn't heard. Thanks