It's all fun and gaffs until the idiot gets elected.

You've probably heard this story. Sarah Palin gave her first policy speech the other day. She began by saying something good: education for special needs children needs more funding. To secure the funds for this increase, Palin pointed to earmarks. Her specific example: fruit fly research. Here's the hilarious/tragic part. The research she was referring to at the University of North Carolina is using fruit flies to research a protein that is essential to nerve development. This research may very likely lead to new breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of autism. But Palin says that's a waste of money.

Oops.

Here's the video.


Edit: It's possible she was referring to this research, which while it is not directly related to autism or any mental condition, is still important scientific research. Palin's offhand dismissal, like McCain on bear DNA and planetarium projectors, shows a callous disregard for science.

These Lulz Are Clever

From Edward Current, a YouTube satirist.

Truth Kicks Palin's Ass

Because of the damage she is doing to the republican party, I love Sarah Palin like I love Bob Barr (a.k.a. the Republican' Nader).

Harris 1, Palin 0

Sam Harris tears Palin to pieces, in a Newsweek article.

Her fans seem inclined to forgive her any indiscretion short of cannibalism. However badly she may stumble during the remaining weeks of this campaign, her supporters will focus their outrage upon the journalist who caused her to break stride, upon the camera operator who happened to capture her fall, upon the television network that broadcast the good lady's misfortune—and, above all, upon the "liberal elites" with their highfalutin assumption that, in the 21st century, only a reasonably well-educated person should be given command of our nuclear arsenal.

Bush ran on this ticket, now Palin is taking it. She's just a regular person like us. Ordinary people are great. But when it comes to serving as Vice President of the United States, ordinary is just not good enough.

Another gem.

What is so unnerving about the candidacy of Sarah Palin is the degree to which she represents—and her supporters celebrate—the joyful marriage of confidence and ignorance.