Sunday, July 12, 2009

SMALL CLIFFNOTE IN CASE YOU WERE SLEEPING IN US HISTORY CLASS

If you can read Frank Rich's July 12 column in the NY Times, you'll get a bristly liberal take on Sarah Palinism... but if you paid any attention in your US History classes, Rich's roast of Barracuda Sarah is right out of the 1890s, the 1930s and then again the 1960s...for if his charge is correct that her "politics of resentment is impervious to facts," your teacher was talking about some similar examples when you were dozing.

For historical details see (1) William Jennings Bryan from the angry Midwest in the 1890s (2) Huey Long from the angry Louisiana in the 30s (3) Barry Goldwater from the angry America in the 60s (4) subtly and sweetly, from Norman Rockwell's Americana artwork throughout some of these very same years.

Frank Rich quotes Palin fans Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and 'Morning Joe'...he concludes Palin is the "self-proclaimed representation of the 'real America' as if white rural America still was the nation's baseline... putting a happy, sexy face on ugly emotions that can solidify her followers."

This isn't to say Frank Rich is worth the time reading. But it is to say Ms Palin's supporters will take the time to passionately deny him. It's also to say between now and 2012, Sarah will make 100 times as much as Frank

2 comments:

  1. You know what...? I probably WAS dozing that day. More's the pity!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You know what...? I was one of the history teachers trying to keep students like you awake. I guess we both failed!

    ReplyDelete