What's Up With That?

Palin Derangement

What is it about Sarah Palin that causes such apoplexy in the media and amongst the chattering classes? Why is she such a polarizing figure?

Is it because she is a woman?
Is it because she did not go to an ivy league university?
Is it her accent?
Is it because she seems so exuberant and chipper?
Is it because she is a professing Christian?
Is it because she is happily married and has a family of normal kids?
Is it because she refused to abort her Downs syndrome child?
Is it because of her political ideology of limited government and personal responsibility?
Is it because she has such traction with many in middle America?
Is it because she refuses to play the normal political games?
Is it because she is from Alaska (i.e. the boondocks)?

We are not sure that the derangement over Palin, the incessant smears, the never-ending attempts to demonise her, or the loathing can be explained by any of the above--or even all combined. It remains a puzzle.

One thing is clear: if trial by fire proves the character and worth of a person, Palin rises in our estimation by the day. Ironically, she is also being blooded politically in a way that few have been. If she does rise to higher office in the future, few will have been better prepared. Her boot camp has been the toughest we can ever recall.

If any readers have any further insight into why she is so hated and reviled, we would appreciate your advice.  Maybe you can help clear the mystery up.