Getting Out of Dodge

As the Washington Post explains in "Sarah Palin's July 4th Message Posted to Her Facebook Account," the recently resigned governor of Alaska is using her notes on the popular social network site as a way to communicate with her base while she is out of the public spotlight.

It's interesting to see how the tone of her latest message moves from a meek request for the reader's indulgence to a complaint about the liberal media and blogosphere that she sees as persecutors, including the online wags who Photoshopped her family to appear like demons from hell.

If I may, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the last 24 hours and share my thoughts with you.

First, I want to thank you for your support and hard work on the values we share. Those values led me to the decision my family and I made. Yesterday, my family and I announced a decision that is in Alaska’s best interest and it always feels good to do what is right. We have accomplished more during this one term than most governors do in two – and I am proud of the great team that helped to build these wonderful successes. Energy independence and national security, fiscal restraint, smaller government, and local control have been my priorities and will remain my priorities.

For months now, I have consulted with friends and family, and with the Lieutenant Governor, about what is best for our wonderful state. I even made a few administrative changes over that course in time in preparation for yesterday. We have accomplished so much and there’s much more to do, but my family and I determined after prayerful consideration that sacrificing my title helps Alaska most. And once I decided not to run for re-election, my decision was that much easier – I’ve never been one to waste time or resources. Those who know me know this is the right decision and obvious decision at that, including Senator John McCain. I thank him for his kind, insightful comments.

The response in the main stream media has been most predictable, ironic, and as always, detached from the lives of ordinary Americans who are sick of the “politics of personal destruction”. How sad that Washington and the media will never understand; it’s about country. And though it's honorable for countless others to leave their positions for a higher calling and without finishing a term, of course we know by now, for some reason a different standard applies for the decisions I make. But every American understands what it takes to make a decision because it’s right for all, including your family.

She's also using Facebook to promote her political action group, SarahPAC, where she is soliciting funds for another national run.

What's also amazing about Palin's Facebook page is the lack of moderation and the brawling style of multiple voices engaged in polymorphous flame wars about religion, sex, money, and everything else associated with her campaign for vice president.