Speaker Privilege

How about that, Canada is being invaded again, by yet another American whose reputation as a brilliant speaker goes before her. Sarah Palin to speak in Hamilton, Ontario? Wow, that's some distance from Alaska, en't it? She is touring North America. Speaking volubly about her politics, no doubt, and voluminously about the ruination of the United States under the lamented auspices of the Democratic Party.

The first black president of the United States. Who has accomplished what no other president has (t)heretofore been able to, through the power of his persuasive personality, and a whole lot of arm-twisting. Congratulations, America! Finally dragged yourself away from Third-World status to join the rest of the civilized wealthy democracies of the world whose first duty to their citizenry is to protect them with universal health coverage.

Sure, it's just a start, and it's universality American-style, but that's somethin', truly. And about time. The pain is intense, obviously. And the backlash makes quite the spectacle, with all those sign-toting enraged citizens of the U.S.A. slamming their president as a "socialist", a "Marxist", and a "Nazi". Yes, it is expensive, and painfully so, particularly at this unfortunate juncture in the country's sagging economy - but necessary.

So get over it, eh?

Is it not ironic that a portion of the proceeds from Sarah Palin's speaking event in Hamilton, originally meant to benefit two Hamilton hospitals withdrew themselves as beneficiaries? "There was a bit of a push back from donors due to Gov. Palin's opinion on Canadian health care", according to a spokesman for CARSTAR Automotive Canada, one of the event's sponsors. "We knew those views going in and thought, 'It's always good to hear from the other side', but some people weren't as open-minded."

Right. This is, of course, the same Governor Sarah Palin who, on a previous visit to Canada's western provinces casually mentioned in her cute little offhand way, her familiarity with the Canadian health care system, first-hand. Of the times that she and members of her family had slipped over the border to take advantage of the 'free' health care? Remember that? A sweet little revelation that.

Speaking of revelations, how about the ones about her insistence on first-class air travel or private jets, hotel suites and other little comforts. That she has earned about $12-million - presumably through speaking engagements, as a hot commodity, since leaving office as governor of Alaska. And her insistence that all questions be pre-vetted and audiences screened in advance of her appearance as that aw shucks, spontaneous hockey mom.

A speaking contract, apparently hauled out of California State University's trash bin where Governor Palin is set to give a June speech, stipulates: "For Q&A the questions are to be collected from the audience in advance, pre-screened and a designated representative shall ask questions directly of the speaker." There's that off-the-cuff, simple and direct speaker fer ya.

Oh, yes, and that she be provided with a hotel suite along with two single rooms in a "deluxe" hotel complete with "laptop computer and printer (fully stocked with paper) and high-speed Internet" and "all meals and incidentals". Well, that simply represents what is due, does it not?

Who's to quibble?