LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Sir,  

Upon reading the recent column by Paul Jackson regarding Sarah Palin and the Tea Party movement, I decided to respond by email, since his address is prominently displayed under his name. My point to him was that he had a very comfortable distance from which to view US politics - meaning that he would not have to live with the consequences as US citizens would. He was completely missing the highly-justified sense of alarm with which thinking people view the very real phenomena of Palin and her mininons. I wrote:

“We are talking about tiny minds here, not capable of reasonable discussion. These people serve as a distinct  barometer of exactly how crazy the US society is becoming. Even in the light of the horrendous oil explosion, deaths, and environmental destruction, these people are calling out for LESS regulation. As the facts of the nefarious, convoluted banking, trading, and investment scams that have broken the US and international economy come to light, these people want LESS regulation.”

I was treated to not one, not two, but three prompt replies from Mr. Jackson, each one more full of pompous, egotistical bluster than the last. He informed me of his great experience interviewing various world leaders...and I quote:

“That’s all I have done all my life: Write on politics for big city newspaper chains. What have you done for a living? 

Cordially, Paul.” 

So, I replied back, well, why don’t you interview Ms. Palin and see for yourself. He sent me two more messages informing me that he “almost” interviewed Palin before the nomination and that “Had I had, it would have apppeared the very week of McCain’s announcment, and I would have been seen as a great oracle.” Evidently he was unaware that she and that entire campaign were a complete disaster. To me, that sort of renders his opinion of her and her movement useless.

He (Jackson) went on to send me his entire resume, complete with a list of all the celebrity friends he had/has. I was so-o impressed. This tiresome barrage has only confirmed my opinion of conservatives (like certain Midwestern relatives who have sent me the most offensive and ignorant messages I have ever received) as living in some sort of parallel universe where feelings are facts and facts are irrelevant.

I have enjoyed mutually beneficial exchanges with other Canadians and Europeans regarding US politics and current events here at lakeside, and welcome their perspective.

Cordially,

Micki Wendt

Ajijic