Unleashing the Palin Factor

I had an interesting experience over the week-end while attending an international biomedical conference in Rochester, Minnesota. During one of the evening social get-togethers the conversation made its way to the American presidential campaign. The gathering included several American and Scandinavian scientists. I noticed that the Europeans were slow to join the conversation. Perhaps out of courtesy or a sense that it was not their place to critique Americans on their own turf. This, however, did not prevent the American intelligencia present from spewing forth a litany of libelous attacks against Governor Palin that sounded as if they came straight from the Daily Kos. She banned books in Alaska. She didn’t even know what Charlie Gibson was talking about when he asked her about the “Bush Doctrine” (trouble is Charlie didn’t know what he was talking about either); she tried to ban evolution from schools, etc. etc. etc. Of course Obama was portrayed as exceedingly intelligent, articulate and accomplished having gone to Harvard and all. Eventually, the anti-Palin diatribe was more than one Scandinavian guest could take. He blurted out, and I paraphrase, you know I have read a little about her and these things you say are simply not true. From what I have seen of her she is compelling, intelligent and genuine. I really think you are selling her short and are missing something very important about her that is attractive to many Americans. There were subtle nods of agreement from others in the European contingent. Which makes me wonder why hasn’t the McCain campaign unleashed Mrs. Palin? She is not being used to her maximum advantage. Not only has she become scarce, when she does speak she seems to be restrained to McCain-speak rather than the electric personality we saw at the Republican Convention. This is not a winning game strategy. She should be allowed to be herself in order to spread her uplifting brand of conservatism to the electorate and the American can-do spirit to the world.

Insulin from Skin Cells

Last week researchers from the University of North Carolina reported in the Journal of Biological Chemistry their success in transforming human skin fibroblasts into insulin producing cells, providing encouragement worldwide to those seeking treatments for diabetes. Indeed, more and more research is demonstrating that "adult stem cells" can be induced to form pluripotent cells with astounding flexibility and potential for treating human disease. It may even be that these cells are more useful than anything that could be derived from human embryos? Certainly, the problems of availability and immune rejection are much diminished. Alas, this will not make the intellectual and political elite very happy. That is those who would love to continue using the embryonic stem cell issue to drive a wedge between pro-life and pro-life leaning Americans, and to promote their "whatever it takes", utilitarian agenda. Thankfully, the vast majority of citizens would be thrilled to see cures developed without the need to degrade innocent human life. What we are seeing now is that given the resources, time and scientific will this goal is achievable. Let's hope California is taking notice.

Reaganesque, Thatcheresque...

Whatever you call it, we love it in our conservative heroes. Capturing hearts and minds while elegantly eviscerating the Left…ah, it’s a pleasure to behold. Paul Kengor and millions of others have observed this rare essence in Sarah Palin ,

“…it was positively invigorating to see a conservative Republican finally fight back—and with wit and charm. Palin was a throwback to Ronald Reagan, with that unique ability to deliver a memorable dig with a smile. She went on offense, entertainingly and engagingly so, and it was fun to watch.”

Our Excellent Strenuous Week-End

This past week end, I rounded up my two boys (ages 9 and 14) and made the 6 hour drive to La Jolla to participate in the 87th edition of the "Rough Water Swim." Although the boys are accomplished swimmers it was our first experience with open water ocean swimming so it was not without trepidation that we approached the beach Sunday morning. Our optimism grew though with the spectacular sunny weather and the comfortable water temperature. The youngest was first to compete finishing a strong 7th out of the 9 year old boys on a 250 meter triangular course. The oldest competed in the afternoon and finished 5th among the 13-14 year old boys. He cruised through the one mile course like an open water veteran, until he was unceremoniously dumped onto the beach stairway by an enormous wave as he finished. Dad was sandwiched in between with the other old guys. I made it though, and kept from embarrassing the boys (I think). We are excited to come back next year, but until then we will be on the look out for other strenuous challenges.

Huricane Sarah Makes Landfall

We all saw it. The absolutely fantastic VP acceptance speech by Sarah Palin at the Republican National Convention. Then, to witness the liberal pundits and spinners trying to bluster their way through some drivel about her being a little too tough, which will now force the Dems to "take the gloves off." What a riot! As if they haven't been digging in the manure pile non-stop since Friday trying to find something, anything that might tarnish the new GOP superstar.

Interestingly, I needed to listen to her speech on the radio as I was driving to pick up my son from his swim practice. Even with just audio it was evident that not only was she proving her record of leadership and accomplishment, but she was delivering a most withering assault upon the Democrat pretenders. However, it wasn't until I watched the highlights that I fully appreciated the determination, poise and steel that accompanied her oratory. Indeed, the entire speech was so strong that it is difficult to pick out a favorite or defining line. Perhaps it was "Some candidates use change to promote their careers. John McCain has used his career to promote change. "

Now, it has been reported that because of a TelePrompter malfunction Governor Palin gave the second half of her speech from memory ! The legend grows. Joe Biden you're in a heap of trouble when that VP debate rolls around. The Lefty Bloggers are tying themselves in knots trying to convince themselves that they didn't see and hear what they actually saw and heard. Finally, Peggy Noonen you owe Sarah Palin and home town America an apology. I doubt any of the other more "qualified" or seasoned VP hopefuls that you had in mind when you dissed the Governor Palin choice could have done anything near as powerful for the McCain candidacy as she did last night.

An Active Memory

The Journal of the American Medical Association reported today that Australian researchers have demonstrated decreases in progression toward Alzheimer's disease with modest increases in physical activity. In this study over 300 people, 50 years and older, with some memory deficits were randomly assigned to either usual care or to a 24-week home based program of physical activity. The activity consisted of three 50 minute sessions per week. The most common activity used in the study walking. However several individuals participated in light resistance training. The authors of the study concluded that "An important merit of this trial was to demonstrate the potential benefit of a simple intervention that is almost universally available."

Overcoming Failure

Hugh Hewitt’s blog reinforced for me what I have been pondering all day as the story of Bristol Palin’s pregnancy rapidly evolved from a family’s private issue to a top national news story (If it wasn’t for a hurricane the coverage would have been unrelenting). During this process the difference between those with conservative Judeo-Christian values and secular Leftists could not have been clearer. It is not that the mistakes conservatives and liberals make are so different…it is the way they deal with their mistakes! Too often when liberals make mistakes they reflexively look for someone else to blame, someone to bail them out, and some way to escape personal responsibility. They become victims. When conservatives in the Palin family mold confront their lapses they are much more inclined to buck up, take responsibility and strive to do the right thing. They overcome! Even more telling...they battle through problems together.

Sarah Palin: "Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family.”

We also tend to "cling" to our faith, because we have often seen God turn our biggest mistakes into incredible blessings. TSL hopes this is the case for Bristol Palin.