Back in July, I interviewed Tom of The Liberty Pen, and he shared the following thoughts about Sarah Palin.
I would first like to state that believe McCain did not do the requisite research into her political background as carefully as he should have. I cannot help but think it was more of a stunt to pander to voters than a genuine attempt at seeking a qualified female running mate. It is my personal belief that she lacks experience within the arena of foreign policy and economics, and her political resume is not that extensive. But then again neither was Obama's. As a Senator he was ineffectual and did not accomplish anything of significance or distinguish his political potential which has unjustifiably led to his cult of personality. In fact, during his campaign Obama stated that his judgment overruled his lack of experience. Hmmm, so how is that working out for us?
I find that the continuous attacks on Palin and her family to be abhorrent and low class. In fact, when I hear from certain people in the media or in politics degrading her it shows me two things; first, they worry about her potential within the political arena and view her as a threat. Second, people who purport Palin to be obtuse are themselves displaying evidence of their own idiocy. I would like to see her prove them all wrong, that would just give me ammo.
As a caveat I must state that I do not follow her career as closely as others, therefore what I have provided is only cursory.
Now, I like Sarah Palin. I believe she shows a lot of potential. One thing that has concerned me though, is how little we know about her politics.
Obvious to me, was that the McCain camp didn't want her discussing anything beyond his campaign rhetoric. And the mainstream media ... Well, all they're interested in are trumped-up charges, various soap operas, and "Trig-Truther Conspiracies."
Because of this, I believe the assumed lack of "vetting" Sarah Palin to be inaccurate. I believe instead, her political views were purposely ignored.
Let's face it ... McCain knew how popular she'd be, which is all he wanted. McCain is an opportunist. Palin's politics weren't of interest to him. And the mainstream media? C'mon ... they HATE freedom!
Now, being unaware of Sarah Palin's political philosophy is a legitimate concern. And finally, that's all starting to change.
Now that she's not running for the second highest office in the land, "we the people" finally get to learn more about the "Hockey Mom" from Alaska. And so far ... I like what I'm hearing!
Palin Attacks Fed on Hong Kong Visit
Former Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin used her first trip to Asia to attack the Federal Reserve for creating asset bubbles and encouraging excessive risk-taking that hurt working-class Americans.
The Fed and the government sent a message to companies that “the bigger that you are, the more problems that you get yourself into, the more likely the government is to bail you out,” Palin said in the closed door speech, according to a tape of the event given to Bloomberg News. “Of course the little guys are left out then. We’re left holding the bag, all the moms and pops all over America.”
Palin criticized Obama’s plan to give the Fed powers to monitor risks to the financial system. A meltdown last year led to $1.6 trillion of bank losses and writedowns and triggered a global recession.
“How can we think that setting up the Fed as monitor of systemic risk in the financial sector will result in meaningful reform,” she said. “The words ‘fox’ and ‘henhouse’ come to mind.”
Go Sarah! AUDIT THE FED!
I haven't decided if I would consider myself a Sarah Palin fan or not. But she calls it like she sees it and she doesn't back down and I like that. I got to see her speak at a campaign rally last October and she really fired up the crowd. Hopefully she helps to further the conservative cause.
I have some serious reservations about her, but she does come through more often than most. Like I said, I'll give credit where credit is due.
Sarah will surprise (in a good way) a lot of conservatives.
I think your right about McCain being an opportunist.
Everyone knows McCain swings both ways, but more importantly is who his political hero is ... Progressive Party Teddy Roosevelt! 'Nuff said.
Sarah Palin was Chris Christie before being Chris Christie was cool.
I don't believe that Palin should comment on a topic of which she has absolutely no knowledge. The Fed's role is to specifically buy t bills and bonds as well as make loans to private institutions.
But of course her degree in journalism gives her license to dictate monetary policy to a former Princeton University professor of economics with an eco phd from MIT. Really Palin? Really?
@JohnS-You stated "The Fed’s role is to specifically buy t bills and bonds as well as make loans to private institutions."
Besides being the lender of last resort, the Fed is legislated to stabilize prices and promote full employment.Nowhere is it mandated to monetize debt.
If our politicians were all required to possess expert credentials prior to rendering an opinion,most wouldn't have much to say. Sarah Palin's views are shared globally in condemning QE2.
The fact that Bernanke believes QE2 is necessary is a rebuke of his efforts in response to 2008. You are placing his qualifications on a pedestal, yet it was his policy mis-steps that now require further action, at least in the mind of the Fed.
I dont see where it takes any special qualifications to see the risk in the Fed purposely inducing inflation. I would question the basic premise their policy is derived from. They are attempting to spur investment and consumption, yet the data doesn't reflect pent-up demand.
Liquidity is a non-issue already with in excess of a trillion dollars in the market. Demand is not outpacing supply. We risk a currency war by devaluing the dollar. Maybe Ben is a little too smart for his own good. And ours.
5etester
You say nowhere it is mandated to monetize debt... but nowhere have you refuted where the Fed is not supposed to buy government securities. That is exactly what the Fed is doing, and that is their job.
Bernanke may have had some missteps, but the accumulated bad debt that prompted them is because of greedy banks. We have never been here before, so if missteps do occur, I am willing to give someone as qualified as Bernanke more than one opportunity to address the issues, and not follow the global opinion of an ignorant alarmist.
It is also the job of the Fed to support private institutions as the lender of last resort. I am so glad you took the time to Google the Fed, but Palin backs her opinion with erroneous facts stating that inflation is already occurring. The CPI has risen at the lowest rate since it has been recorded. The truth of the matter is that Sarah Palin does not shop at supermarkets. Palin gets her ideas from the empty space between her ears, or perhaps the inside of her palm.
Well, you have certainly shown your hand, now haven't you? You are just another liberal Palin hater who spends their days regurgitating talking points. It's old and tired for a candidate from 2 years ago. I'd suggest you move on to a fresh target.
Why would I refute the Fed buying debt? I only said they aren't mandated to do so. When you make your smart-ass comments about googling the Fed, do your own research first. You need to watch your step if you wish to play holier-than-thou and impress us with your ability to navigate the internet.
You don't like greedy banks? Evil corporations? Move to a third-world country and you won't have to deal with it.
Bottom line is simple. Bernanke missed the whole recession by mis-reading his magic box of indicators. Your OK with giving him an A for effort. I say we can't afford anymore learn as you go mistakes.
I'm the one with the Holier than thou attitude? When someone disagrees with you, you tell them to leave? to move to a third world country? This is my country, and I am a born and raised patriot, why don't you leave? You don't think what banks did to Americans is evil, why don't you ask all the people who have had to foreclose because they were duped into a mortgage on an overpriced house they could never afford? And please don't make the excuse of people have the power of choice, because as clearly demonstrated by this blog common sense is scarce and not everyone has it.
I don't hate Palin, in fact respect her first amendment rights to make a fool out of herself, something she continues to do with regularity. However it is painfully obvious she is an opportunist who has no real agenda other than dividing the nation and make a buck for herself. Doesn't Palin regurgitate talking points? If she had an independent thought of her own hell would freeze over. Sorry, but God did not tell her to run for office. I don't subscribe to Coulter who says you can't be a believer and not be Republican. If she and Plain were a true believers they would use her celebrity to unite the country.
However opinions are like sphincters... Prices will always rise, despite what theCL and the greatest economists think. The great thing is that Palin and any other politician has no ability to influence what the Board of Governors will do. Palin should stick to cookie comments and because her goal is not to help the country. she is out there to help herself and continue the polarization. Instead of arguing who is right and wrong our government should be putting resolutions into law. If Bernanke is such a quack then why did Bush appoint him? Don't hate me because I'm capable of critical thinking and developing my own opinions.
I am not a Democrat, but I believe in Progress, I am not a Republican but surprise, I advocate fiscal responsibility. I am an American, and I don't care for Sarah Palin.
You don't like greedy bankers, yet you support Bernanke and the Fed who are? Yes, greedy bankers. Can't follow your logic there.
So everybody is just a poor sap, taken advantage of by greedy mortgage providers. If we're all just stupid fools that can't think for ourselves, then none of this even matters because we're toast anyway.
I don't care if any person doesn't like Palin. I'm hardly her biggest fan. But I don't personally attack her and accuse her of having empty space between her ears. Hate you? Can't, don't know you. Just like you don't know Palin. You like being able to express your opinion, yet you don't think Palin should express hers.
That's why I say holier than thou. You like to judge but don't like it reversed.
I say leave the country because the evil, greedy corporations you so despise played a huge role in building this country. They're not leaving. If you can't co-exist, you might have to go elsewhere.
I won't convince you as you won't convince me. I'll still say it anyway. Rather than attacking Palin, why don't you look at the history of the Fed. The dollar appreciated 8% in the years prior to 1913. Since then, dropped over 90% depending on whose number you use. They've failed at full employment. They've failed at market stability, rather they have created the boom/bust cycles. You stated yourself that inflation is natural so the Fed can't meet that mandate either. Why do you have such faith? You think it's great that the Board of Governors acts with impunity? Greedy bankers with no accountability? Only beholden to their private shareholders that profit at our expense? End the Fed today and we'll take a giant stride toward fiscal responsibility.
I'm not a Republican. Don't like Bush, didn't vote for him. Your wasting your time thinking I'm defending his appointment of Bernanke.
I believe in personal responsibility. I don't believe in the victim mentality. I believe in the land of opportunity, not the land of dependency. I only support candidates that strictly adhere to the Constitution. I believe in liberty and private property rights as of the utmost importance. Bernanke and the Fed and most in government are stealing it. I believe we had all better get our priorities straight quickly and not waste time worrying about Sarah Palin.
The Fed buys that debt with magic money it creates out of thin air. in other words, via counterfeiting. So, if counterfeiting is so good for the economy, why is it illegal? We should all quit or jobs, get good printers, and print our way to riches beyond our wildest dreams.
Bernanke is a quack. In this case, Palin's opinion is backed by the greatest economists of the past 100+ years, Mises, Rothbard, and Hayek. And food prices are rising:
http://the-classic-liberal.com/food-cost-rising/
BTW-don't you shop? You don't see the prices increasing? Do you only rely on the c.p.i.? Look at the futures prices. You already know where commodities are going to go from QE2. Bernanke has stated he's OK with inflation at 4-6% for a short time. You really think he's capable of picking the right time this time and know when to withdraw? One only needs to study the Fed's track record to know what the odds are of that.