Friday, January 15, 2010

Going Rogue, Eh? Or Should It Be 'Going Vogue'?

Sarah PalinI may have mentioned Ms. Sarah Palin around here once or twice--the population of Alaska just isn't that large so when one of us hits the Big Time the rest of us finally have something to talk about. I started out as a fan, was cautiously optimistic of her possibilities as a vice president, but it wasn't too long after the campaign that my feelings for America's most famous Russia-sighting-hockey mom soured.

Call me fickle, call me unrealistic, but I kind of figured she'd stick around and finish her job here instead of abandoning us for the likes of Bill O'Riled and Pox News. Maybe I've got a bit of the scorned-lover syndrome but it ticked me off that she used Alaska and her mad moose-hunting skills to get people's attention then dumped us once she got a taste of the good stuff. And for the record the way she talks is NOT an Alaskan accent. We don't have accents, thank you very little.

My husband laughs when I tell him this and asks me what my problem is--after all, when she scurried out of the governor's mansion it left us Sean Parnell as a replacement who is actually a much better executive, and one with a less volatile relationship with the press and legislature so it's been a win-win situation for we hicks who are still stuck feeding chickens back at the ranch but still . . . I'm irritated at her and not a little bitter over the whole breakup thing.

So I no longer find myself on Team Palin. And please don't call her "Governor" Palin because, darn it, she's not anymore--remember? She quit. Because after all, if I recall correctly the biggest gripe against her as vice-president was her lack of experience so it makes perfect sense that she'd abandon the only job that would have actually made up for her shortcoming and given her more political clout and wisdom. Ugh. I'll stop there . . .

But my husband disagrees with me and it's caused some friction. He firmly dislikes Obama (not that I myself am sporting one of his bumper stickers or anything) and has promised to hold his breath unless the man resigns so naturally Andrew gravitates toward the only visible Republican alternative. Which deeply disturbs me and has led me to ask on more than one occasion, "Who are you? Because I don't feel like I even know you anymore!"

"How can you like her? She a flake!" I've been known to say. Sometimes repeatedly. Because if you can't convince them with brilliant rhetoric and deep political discourse go for the easy kill and call your opponent an idiot.

"How can you stand Obama? He's evil incarnate!" He might have replied. Or hissed.

And round it goes. I think the last time we clashed over the issue we realized that if we wanted to salvage our marriage we'd need to find some common ground so he very nobly admitted that it seemed as if Obama could possibly be a halfway decent family man and I conceded that time might prove Sarah to be only a partial extremist-whacked-out-nut job with guacamole for brains. Just as Brittney Spears might run for office herself some day. It was big of me.

So I think we're making progress. And yesterday at lunch my dear husband and I were calmly and rationally discussing our former governor over the phone and in the course of the conversation one of us mentioned her new book: Going Rogue and the conversation went something like this:

"You know," he said thoughtfully, "being a rogue really isn't that great."

I considered the word a moment before saying, "Yea, I guess you're right."

"I mean," he continued, "if you look it up in the dictionary [which he straightway did] it says:
1. Rogue: a dishonest or unprincipled man.

2. An elephant or other large animal driven away or living apart from the herd and having savage or destructive capabilities.

3. A person or thing that behaves in a faulty, aberrant or unpredictable way. An inferior or defective specimen among many satisfactory ones.
And after a pause he concluded with "Rogue. Hmmm. . . "

"You're kidding," I said, "That's the dictionary definition? Does the woman even read?"

There was silence on the line for a moment as we had little response to that revelation. What can you say? Because apparently our dear former governor likes to think of herself as either a male crook or as a savage elephant, quarantined from the rest of normal humanity, who needs to be sedated because she's trampling people to death with her unpredictable and savage ways.

Then we laughed hard because really, that's just poetry I tell you.

I think our marriage will survive politics. Irony like that is worth its weight in gold.

* And you know I'm kidding quite a bit here, right? I mean I don't care for Palin and Andrew doesn't like Obama but I'm playing it all up a bit though this was in fact an actual conversation we had.

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61 comments:

Unknown said...

Lucky for me, my husband and I are on the same page as far as politics is concerned. But I definitely have friends and family with whom I cannot have a calm, rational discussion. Brilliant post, Michelle. It's one of my favorites. ;-)

PS: I've often wondered about that "Going Rogue" title.

Mom24 said...

Great post. I must say though, I haven't understood the Sarah Palin phenomenon from day one.

Not to be too political, and I don't always agree with everything he does, but I also don't understand the Obama's evil thing.

Didn't Katie Couric clearly establish Sarah Palin doesn't read?

RoeH said...

I have never been able to see what Sarah Palin sees in herself. I sure can't. I watched her O'Riley debut...if only accidentally. She's got an air about her that I just can't get into. Besides the fact that I just don't trust her. But that's just me. I'm so-so on Glenn Beck, too. He makes me uncomfortable.

illahee said...

funny!!

...and i hesitate to ask, because i really am that ignorant, but is that a spoof magazine cover? :D

Edi said...

I was a fan at first - maybe b/c she was a Republican and offset McCain...but the longer she's been around the less I have liked her as a future Republican Presidential/Vice Presidential candidate. Some folks you can only take in small quantities...

If she's all the Republicans have got - or the best that they have - that's pretty scary!

I did check her book out from the library - flipped through it - looked at the photos and started to read. BORING. I didn't get very far at all before I tossed it aside.

Jo said...

I always flinch a bit when politics comes up b/c I'm such a mix of dem & rep (& ready to throw them ALL out with the bath water on some days), that there isn't a single person in America who wouldn't take issue with at least SOMETHING in my political world view. I'm a political misfit, if you will.
BUT. When it comes to Palin? You are my kindred spirit. And I think I love you for it. (savage elephant...snort).

Becky said...

Finally someone speaks what I wondered. When I see the word rogue, I think of a noun...with a synonym of "cad". "What a rogue"...or..."What a cad".
That can't be good -

While I do think the media has been brutal toward her, I'm not a fan. I don't get her either.

Anonymous said...

Not a Palin fan, but I do not appreciate how the media has treated her.

This spoof cover is very funny though.

Cure or Bust said...

LOL. I liked the insight into your relationship with your husband. I'm glad y'all still get along despite your political differences.

The "rogue" thing is sorta like the time Chevrolet named a car Nova and then wanted to sell it to Spanish-speaking people, to whom No va means "It doesn't go."

WHOOPSIE!

Cure or Bust said...

LOL. I liked the insight into your relationship with your husband. I'm glad y'all still get along despite your political differences.

The "rogue" thing is sorta like the time Chevrolet named a car Nova and then wanted to sell it to Spanish-speaking people, to whom No va means "It doesn't go."

WHOOPSIE!

Megan Cobb said...

Sorry, that's me up there as Cure or Bust! Can't figure out which hat I'm s'posed to be wearin' these days!

An Almost Unschooling Mom said...

I looked up rogue at Merriam-Webster.com, because I thought, surely there's an additional definition, that you left out. There was, but it wasn't nice either. But, even more ironic, was that at the top of the page, listing all the terrible meanings of rogue, was a Google Ad that read "Support Sarah Palin's official PAC Fighting for what's right!"

Anonymous said...

They're all nutz, I tell you, they're all nutz. Could any one of them stand grandly and with honor beside our forefathers? No. Only Kinky Friedman could do that. :)

Suburban Correspondent said...

I'm one of those moderates that doesn't believe in demonizing the other side (except as a joke, of course). People only do that when they don't really have good arguments to back up their side, right? I had to listen to all my right-wing friends last year call Obama the anti-Christ (seriously) and Hitler and whatever else they could come up with. I lost a lot of respect for them. And I had to listen to my left-wing friends take potshots at Ms. Palin's family (nasty, but please remember the Obama campaign never went there) and make fun of her fertility and drag her daughter through the mud. In my opinion, these people just made themselves look bad.

And then I had to listen to my right-wing friends raise their hands in horror at such behavior, although they never said a word in defense of Hillary when she suffered equally vicious personal attacks.

I could go on and on.

That said, I would never vote for Ms. Palin - her worldviews are too simplistic (which is what makes them appealing, by the way) and (IMO) she lacks the analytical mind required to make decisions that affect the lives of millions of people. She is a very charismatic politician, however, which is a valuable skill in itself. She's probably found her niche at Fox News and will be very popular with its viewers.

And Jon Stewart is happy - he'll never run out of material.

Janelle said...

I can't stand the woman. There is no end to how much I can't stand her. Yet, I'm strangely drawn to wanting to read her book. Probably mostly so that I can laugh at her.

A couple of Sarah Palin funnies for you: No Required Reading and The latest updates to Barack Obama's Facebook news feed (I thought of this when you made your comment about "does she even read" -- just keep going at last until you get to the Yemen part).

Scribbit said...

It is a spoof cover--I'd give the originator credit but it's floated around the net so long that I couldn't possibly find the source.

Jackie-that's something Andrew and I can agree on. I don't like how the media went after her though it is to be expected. She was such an unknown that they panicked a bit and it was a info-hunt frenzy for a while there. Then she hasn't handled the media well at all. It kind of surprised me actually because not only did she handle the media here while governor pretty well (she was very popular) but she was in broadcast journalism before politics if I can remember my facts correctly.

I guess I felt that she got kind of strange after stardom hit and once she got a taste of possibilities that's all she could see. She checked out of Alaska once she got McCain's call.

FLmom7 said...

If you read her book, she explains why she left her position as governer- she was driven out by expensive lawsuits from the same people who wanted to destroy her from day 1. I think she tried to do the right thing, even if it was misunderstood and unpopular.

FLmom7 said...

Sorry, I meant "governor". :-)

Chris said...

That was hysterical! Guacamole for brains? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kris said...

Might I also add that if you are someone who prides themselves on proper grammar and usage, one cannot be in the state of "going" rogue. You either ARE rogue or you are not. There is no in between. Kind of like being on fire...you either are or you aren't. There is no in the process of becoming on fire, you know? GAH!
K.

Michelle said...

Oh, that's too funny. I try not to give the woman any thought time whatsoever, so I never pondered the significance of the title. Apparently, either her editors were playing a trick on her, or they can't read a dictionary definition either. No matter what, I think it is definitely a fitting title. Thanks for sharing!

Jennifer said...

oh drat....you are my best friend and you always write exactly what I am feeling but for the first time I disagree...I love Palin :) But I won't let it ruin our long distance blogging friendship :)

I enjoyed the blog :)

Tracy M said...

This is awesome Michelle. I love it- and am tempted to just put the definition of Rogue up on my site, and let it stand. Wow...

SimplyAmusingDesigns.com said...

*biting my tongue* People really need to pay more attention to their choice of words. :) Have you ever looked up what "radical" means? Not to turn this into a political diatribe, but I find it so interesting when people apply that to terrorists and their "faith". They're of the "radical xxxx faith" and not like everyone else. Going rogue...pfffft.

NikoleHahn said...

I'm am so glad my husband and I are on the same page. I hope your marriage survives.

Kayris said...

I was very interested to see what Palin would/could do when she was first tapped. But now I'm completely soured on her, for lots of reasons, the biggest one being that she's crazy. :) I've pretty much had it with politicians these days, and I never thought I'd say this, but I'm so so glad Palin isn't in office!

Stephanie Frieze said...

Ms. Palin needs to consult a dictionary. Nowhere is "rogue" defined as something positive. I realize she's trying to "own" the disrepect.

Great post!

J said...

The thing is, it shouldn't be an either/or. Just because you don't like Palin shouldn't mean you have to be a fan of Obama, and just because you don't agree with Obama doesn't mean you have to like Palin.

Bottom line, they're both politicians. The job description includes breaking people's hearts.

Oh, except Palin isn't a politician anymore. She's a nutjob TV personality, which requires checking your brains and running your mouth. She's good at those things, so she should be a huge success.

My Trendy Tykes said...

OMG! That magazine cover....LOL!

I can't focus on anything else now.

Tammy said...

Ok. I am not a Sarah Palin fan/follower. And my feelings about her might be different if I lived in Alaska. But I'm not a hater, either. And I find it non-productive to call her or anyone else names or make assumptions about her intellectual abilities. Your husband pointed out that you're better off now. I think that was exactly her point in leaving. (I'm NOT defending her departure; I think she should have stayed.)

Katie Couric did NOT establish that Sarah Palin doesn't read. Palin was irked with the dumb question and didn't answer.

As for her debut on FOX News - my favorite news channel, btw - I guess I think she fits in better there than running for the White House.

And I LOVE Glenn Beck. Like me, he is sick of all the politicians. The biggest reason he likes Sarah is that she ran against her own party and tried to clean things up.

I think it's scary that so many people have bought into the opinions of others like the brainiacs on SNL, and consider them fact when it comes to Sarah. You or I could be next. I'd like to reserve my judgment of her personality and character until I could meet her face to face and find out for myself.

Unknown said...

funny...i laughed and I like Sarah Palin.

subarctic mama said...

Well, put, Michelle. I really enjoyed reading this.

Superdumb Supervillain said...

I really thought everyone would stop arguing about the candidates once the election was over but... not so much. Ugh.

Jill in MA said...

You are hilarious! Thank you for looking up the word rogue!

gerwegirlie said...

you are hilarious! love your writing ... when's your book coming out (but don't forget to research the title!)?

Daisy said...

"Does the woman read?" Well, remember, she couldn't name any recent reading material when asked. Magazines, books, or more. Dictionary? Never mind.

Stephanie Frieze said...

It would be helpful for me if those who like Sarah Palin could articulate why or what makes her a good politician. I do think she is perfect for Faux News.

GR said...

C'mon now. Here's a rogue definition from dictionary.com.

11. no longer obedient, belonging, or accepted and hence not controllable or answerable; deviating, renegade: a rogue cop; a rogue union local.

Remember that Sarah was placed by the people of Alaska precisely BECAUSE she did not cowtow to the existing political heirarchy of either party. She was a non-conforming GOP member; a rogue elephant, if you will. An independent lot, we Alaskans.

She's also explained why she left office, Michelle. YOU deserve a leader in state government that can serve without the distractions created by her national exposure. Sarah leaving office saved the state tons of money, and allowed her to further her own career and finances; a win-win situation IMO.

Now, I'm not a big Palin fan. I don't think she was anywhere near ready for the national stage, and probably never will be. But to attack the grammar of her book title, post photoshopped glam shots, and accuse her of "checking out of Alaska" puts you in cheesy tabloid territory. Attack the substance of her arguments, if you can find any. But understand that there are few among us capable of withstanding the scrutiny she's endured this past year. Why anyone would wish to make a difference in the world through politics is beyond me. We seem to be desperately short of leaders, and I'd challenge you or any of your well read, grammatically correct commenters to take the stage!
I enjoy your blog, love your food, crafts, and things-to-do-in Anchorage posts. I raised a few daughters and get a kick from your family stories. I was even fascinated by your remodel. I never comment, but don't think you deserved the free pass your followers gave you on this one. OK, I'll crawl back in my hole. Hope you have a great year, and that you keep thinking and writing. K

Stephanie Frieze said...

Sarah Palin is interested in making money whether it is from her book or a television show where she can "sparkle." You are right, there is little to no substance to her and the citizens of Alaska must have been vastly disappointed to discover that there was nothing beneath her smile. I think the post is hysterical. Palin insists on keeping herself before the public. I wish she's crawl back into HER hole and take care of her family. As a Sped mom I'd like to know who's taking care of the family.

Anonymous said...

Have any of you read her book? The phrase "going rogue" is how some McCain staffers described Palin to the media in the last stages of the campaign because she wasn't doing everything they wanted her to do, exactly the way they wanted her to do it. The title of the book is in reference to that.

Also, you can hardly judge someone fairly based on how you see them represented by the media. Consider the source! I'm not saying that she was or was not qualified, but the media would have portrayed her negatively regardless of her qualifications because the media is liberal and she is conservative. For the most part, I really liked her as governor. I read her book and found it fascinating, not at all boring, and not at all consistent with the picture the media has painted.

Stephanie Frieze said...

It was my understanding that she had a ghost writer. I don't think someone who doesn't know how many Koreas there are knows enough words to fill an entire book. She reached the pinncal of her ability in Alaska and may have cost McCain the election.

Lori said...

That definition made my day! I can't wait to bring it up in a conversation with my Grandma *who loves Palin, but she does get her news from National Inquirer).

I've become much more of a democrat as of late to defend Obama in a family of die-hard republicans. I know the feeling of needing to salvage a relationship and get out of an argument fast!

My father-in-law was a big Palin fan since about seven months before she hooked up with McCain she sent him a letter thanking him for his work and asking if she could help or align himself with his place of work (a company who finds positions for those who are socially, physically, or mentally handicapped).

She's since never contacted him, despite his reply letter, he's been burned. Not enough to join me in Obama defense, but I've got an anti-Palin ally at least!

Rhonda Martin said...

Thanks for the early morning laugh~! When I read "I conceded that time might prove Sarah to be only a partial extremist-whacked-out-nut job with guacamole for brains. Just as Brittney Spears might run for office herself some day." I just lost it laughing~!!!

Mimi N said...

Brilliant and well said post! What a great way to start my day. :)

~Mimi

Unknown said...

I recall an earlier post in which you expressed some optimism for your Alaskan gov. I understand your feelings now. Two points: Here in Honduras, we have the original "going rogue" chief exec. in the form of crazy Mel Zelaya who is still holed up in the Brazilian Embassy in the center of town. Secondly I have a friend who has a sandwich shop. They serve a "Sarah Plain and Tall" dog in honor of the family movie. People all over her southern town called it the Sarah Palin and Tall, and order it with a vengeance.

Christine said...

The comments are too funny! My husband & I aren't on the "same page" either when it comes to politics - he would take EVERY joke or negative comment about Bush personally! Politicians are a nutty bunch - getting into heated arguments only makes you a little nutty, too. Palin looked like a breath of fresh air in the political arena (I was hopeful & am a Dem.)until she opened her mouth. I only hope she is able to give her family the time they deserve!

Michele said...

From the moment I was "introduced" to Sarah Palin, she left a bad taste in my mouth, and it hasn't left. As a life-long Democrat, this was the first election that I considered voting for a Republican for President...until...they introduced their Vice-Presidential candidate. Just because she is a woman did not make her a good balance to the Republican ticket. Needless to say, they did not get my vote, and I don't regret it for one minute.

Anonymous said...

I'm with you. Ms Palin has turned flakey. I'm not sure she will even be considered Presidential material again and not sure I want her to be. I would like to find someone solid and committed.
I'm no Obama fan either. However, he is our President.
I simply don't see a hopeful contender on the scene I really like. Hope someone comes forward.

Kim said...

"extremist-whacked-out-nut job with guacamole for brains"? Ouch.

Anonymous said...

Michelle, I've been a lurker here for as long as you've been blogging. I read your anonymous post at that other site (unnamed) and my heart aches for you! I wonder just how long you'll be able to live like you are at present? Perhaps this quote will help? "Whatever people do, say, feel or think - don't take it personal. Others are going to have their opinion based on their belief system. What they think about you is not about you. It's about them. And the reverse is true, also." Start an additional blog and leave this one alive, too. SPEAK YOUR TRUTH, Michelle! I think you will be amazed at how many people will embrace the real you. Lynn

* said...

While my family is quite politically minded, I think it's a carnival.

Great post, love the humor!!

NYC Single Mom said...

Thanks for the great post especially from an alaskan who lives there. I try not to listen to the hype about her or anyone else because at the end of the day, they are all politicians and its all about money and power.

That said, as a lifelong democrat, until she was on the ticket I would have voted for McCain.

BTW loved the rogue definition. BRILLIANT!! I hope that gets picked up by the MSM, as usual they never do there job because they should have done their homework and looked up the word a long time ago.

I guess we will see where it all ends.

Wander said...

Since she wasn't my governor...I cannot criticize her. As for her book title....I don't think it's meant to assume she's a criminal as in the definitions mentioned. I think it was meant to say..."Hey...I'm not following protocoal and stepping out with what I feel is important!".
I don't KNOW her....but I gotta say she's got more guts than most Americans.
I sense near hate in your tone (all in humor, right?).

I'm certainly not in a position to blast her but I have to say she stands for many things that I as a Christian American stand for than Obama and what's his name (Mr. I stick my stupid foot in my mouth every chance I get, Biden).

I just don't understand the mean-spirited stuff thrown her way. She's a woman that has stepped into a world of lying, cheating and greed called politics. Yet so many want to ridicule her and laugh about what a joke she is.

I can't agree!

This would be a problem in my family if we were on different sides. Being conservative is part of who we are.
God bless her for trying to make a difference in the USA.

Sarah said...

I'm a Palin fan and was disappointed in your post. Oh well to each his/her own.

miriama said...

I kept my mouth shut when you made a post about S.P. (you were for her) a LONG time ago because I like you. :)

My husband and I are Obama supporters and rather than rant about Palin and waste my time...I will say this. I like your husband's sense of humor. And we can't always be right all the time, right?

Mary@notbefore7 said...

Laughing so hard...tears in my eyes.

Seriously - that is brilliant.

I have often seen the title and wondered what she was getting at. Now it is cleared up :)

Susan said...

Ack, it's so true, you are hysterical...but give the girl her due, she probably didn't actually write the title of the book. I know of many authors who've been burned by publishers giving the book a "jazzy" title.

Flea said...

I'm right there with both of you. Gah.

tara said...

ha. hahaha. also, i was worried for a second that the cover was for real. yikes.

Cynthia said...

Just a note--if you read the book, the title makes sense. She was accused of "going rogue" anytime she went "off script" from the campaign. Her explanation for resigning as Gov. made me understand that better, too. You yourself said it was a win-win situation, and I really think she knew that it would be and wanted to do what was best for Alaska. Just my opinion, of course. I can truly understand being upset by it, and I was at first even though I'm not an Alaskan! I enjoyed her book.

Sarah (GenMom) said...

ROFL! Oh, my word. That is poetry. I am reading her book now before heading to CPAC in DC this week and though I went to practically every rally she attended here in Philly, I have to agree with you. She lost my love when she quit her job. I have yet to get to that part in the book where she defends the move and I am impressed with the sheer female umph that got her there to begin with - but quitting? Definitely not a good move.