In what will hopefully be her political "last hurrah" as a presidential contender, Sarah Palin has revealed her small-minded approach to leadership. In a time of national mourning, Palin has seen only the attacks on her own image rather than the larger, more complex issues that the assassinations in Tucson raise. Her defensive remarks seem more like the spitefulness of a third-grader who last year got the most Valentines but this year got none than the reflections of a national leader.
In the wake of all our national tragedies - from the assassination of political figures to the attacks on 9/11 -- the nation has gone through substantial soul-searching, and finger-pointing, in an effort to absorb our grief. It is a time for national leaders to urge restraint, prayer and humility, rather than ideology or politics. In her speech, Sarah Palin turned every decent notion of leadership on its head and used the Tucson tragedy as a moment to defend herself politically.
Her empty prattle about individual responsibility and First Amendment rights bears no relation to the events in Tucson or her role as a political leader. It is simply absurd to link the right to freedom of speech with her responsibilities as a national figure. As a citizen, Palin can say anything she wants to, but is it wise for a political leader even to tiptoe, however gently, towards the bright line of advocating violence? And how can a politician who has benefited so much from media attention now complain that the media has committed "blood libel" by exploring the connection between extreme rhetoric and violence?
The juvenile narcissism and unbridled political ambition of Sarah Palin has shown itself to have no boundaries. Fortunately for our country, she also has a real self-destructive streak, which is evidenced by her ill-conceived and ill-timed remarks. The greatest threat to Palin is not from her critics in the media and on the left, but from herself. In any case, she has greatly diminished her standing by her behavior at a time of national crisis.
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