To Hate Like This Never Felt So Good -- Taking Revenge on Sarah

From the get-go, I've been pretty Machiavellian about this election. "Do what you gotta do, Obama, Axelrod et al. I won't criticize too much as long as you make it to the White House." Winning campaigns are a lot like sausage, I figured. While you enjoy the tasty finished product, you don't always want to see what happens to get there. But unlike in 2004 where my enthusiasm for Kerry was really just motivated by distaste for Bush, my happiness with Obama was much stronger than my dislike of McCain.

And Then Sarah happened. And it got personal.

On the night she gave her acceptance speech and the RNC, like so many devoted liberals, I couldn't contain my rage. She really got under my skin.

Oh, it's on.

And then I jumped off the deep end.

I don't just want Obama to win. I want this woman to lose. Badly. I want her destroyed. Publicly. And I want her to suffer.

As I told my boyfriend this the day after her speech, (in the interest of self preservation he hadn't even watched it) he rightfully looked at me like I was a lunatic.

Maybe I was.

Reading about her all day as I edit blogs here at HuffPost probably didn't help with my anger. I started to tell friends and family outside of work that in the interest of my mental health, wecouldn't talk about her.

I tried to let my feelings mellow, but the woman has the ability to get my blood pressure to rise instantly.

Then a couple days ago, my friend Alex Leo sent me an email:

This has been going around. I think it's fabulous and thought you would too...

Instead of (in addition to?) us all sending around emails about how horrible she is, let's all make a donation to Planned Parenthood. In Sarah Palin's name. And here's the good part: when you make a donation to PP in her name, they'll send her a card telling her that the donation has been made in her honor. Here's the link to the Planned Parenthood website:

https://secure.ga0.org/02/pp10000_inhonor

You'll need to fill in the address to let PP know where to send the "in Sarah Palin's honor" card. I suggest you use the address for the McCain campaign headquarters, which is:

McCain for President
1235 S. Clark Street
1st Floor
Arlington, VA 22202

PS make sure you use that link above or choose the pulldown of Donate--Honorary or Memorial Donations, not the regular "Donate Online"

A couple of bloggers have since mentioned this idea, including Patt Morrison who started this trend of donating in "honor of" Bush to Planned Parenthood 8 years ago. But with Sarah it feels like an even more appropriate place to donate since she's the newest poster girl of anti-feminism.

And today in the New York Times, Hillary Clinton and Cecile Richards made the urgent case for why we need to support women's reproductive rights now because of new rules the Bush administration is proposing that could greatly limit women's access to reproductive services.

I'm not sure how exactly to calculate a dollar amount that I should give in honor of Sarah that would appropriately counteract all the aggravation she's caused me. The formula might look something like this:

Number of times she's lied about the bridge to nowhere + number of nights I couldn't fall asleep because I was thinking about her + number of blogs I've read about her + one quarter of the cost she charged victims for rape kits in Wasilla + number of times she's compared herself to Hillary Clinton = ????

The idea of giving to Planned Parenthood seems like a healthy channeling of my frustration. I have, in fact, noticed that everyone is worried about money since we are in the middle of a massive financial crisis. But sometimes you just have to do something nice for yourself. And for Sarah.

UPDATE: Blogger John Neffinger gave me the following pertinent info:

I heard about this from someone else today and we were discussing this: The problem is the McCain campaign is run by contemptuous little anti-choice staffers -- no one who cares will ever see those cards. A better address might be the Palins' home, where at least her local postal workers and neighbors will notice:

PO Box 21

Wasilla, AK

Happy donating everyone!

Follow Katherine Goldstein on Twitter: www.twitter.com/KGeee

Comments

[SteveWeisert]

My objections to Sarah are first Troppergate, which she badly mishandled. Then she received 312 days of per diem pay TO LIVE AT HOME !! She needs to explain this, and publicly promise to refund the money. Also, she was for the Bridge to Nowhere before she was against it. Further, she hired lobbyists to get money for her small town, such that the dollars per head was higher than anywhere else. And she claims to be AGAINST earmarks ?

This is the first time I have ever disliked a good - looking woman.

[BobLablah]

Why do dems hate so much? It's a very unattractive trait.

[Angelus2007]

As an independent, both the left and right are full of hate. How they go about it is different. The right will needle, and make quips and jabs (watch Palin's speech and her little community organizer jabs). The left will stand on their self rightous soap box and scream without letting an opposing viewpoint in (go to any protest).

This is why I don't let those on the left or the right guide my decision. I make my decision based upon each candidate. I will probably vote for Obama, mostly because I like McCain less than Obama. Neither fills me with warm fuzzies.

[reasonshouldrule]

Dems do not hate so much as they are frustrated by the lack of care and humanity exhibited by the today's conservative republicans. Dems care about people. Republicans do not appear to care for anything except money.

[vegas9999]

Dems care about people? Lets see. They have been running our major cities for decades. They have been in bed with the unions for years. Thats worked out real good for the unions. They have been in bed with the teachers union for years. Thats worked out real good for our schools.

[viewfromuphere]

when someone is made to pay for their own rape kit.....that's attractive is it??

Palin's bounced ,guys......time for hard look at the candidate and see if she holds water.

[desertbloom]

Dems hate? The blogs I've been reading are filled with Republican vitriol. Except, of course from the growing number of those who have come to their sense and are now supporting Obama!

[RepugsOut08]

While I certainly understand the rage this woman can bring out (her convention speech was infuriating) I've never doubted my initial elation when I realized McCain had gambled on her as his VP pick.
I know the country seems to have come unglued in recent years, but no level of insanity outside of bat crap crazy could get anyone but a diehard Republican to vote for the annoyingly inept Sarah Palin. After her Gibson interview debacle, I've just been enjoying watching her slowly self destruct on the campaign trail.
I think the PP donation idea is great, and will pass it on, but I wouldn't lose too much sleep over Gov. Palin. Just remember that, by November, she will be one of the main reasons people will be voting for Obama. It might even make you feel a little bit grateful to her for doing us all a favor, unintentional as it may be. Yup yup! ; )

[GotRights]

... "no level of insanity outside of bat crap crazy could get anyone but a diehard Republican to vote for the annoyingly inept Sarah Palin."

Go back eight years and substitute the words "George W. Bush" for "Sarah Palin." That's what I thought at the time.

[oafishcad]

Me too. How could anyone have ever voted for him? I don't get it. It's beyond reason.

[RepugsOut08]

It's different this election. Times were good when Bush stole, I mean, won the 2000 election, and Kerry wasn't a strong enough candidate to allay people's fears in '04.
The country's in bad shape this time, and everybody knows it. Most people know who caused it as well.
McCain and Palin are becoming national jokes, so sit back and enjoy the show. Obama's your next president. History is on our side this time.

[nutty4tahoe]

I, like many others, have been motivated to donate to Obama as a slap to McCain in addition to helping Obama. We have practically donated ourselves into the poorhouse, but I am going to take your advice and also donate to Planned Parenthood in the name of Sarah-cuda, aka Wasilla the Hun.

Also: For those of you who, unlike Sarah-cuda, appreciate animals and don't see them as targets to be maimed, tortured and killed, you can also donate to http://www.defendersofwildlife.org to help them run their TV ad which is currently running in Florida and Ohio, and hoping to expand it to other states.

To see the ad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQobIUE1zTU&feature=related

Not for the faint of heart.....

[missjabez]

I am sure I would be heartbroken if I saw that video. I love animals and I hate to see them hurt. Sarah Palin evidently does not value animals, which is one reason I dislike her. I can't stand that picture of her gloating over that caribou she killed. I don't mean to stereotype, but she seems too gun-crazy for a woman.

[happycat]

I share your frustration. I am so disturbed by Palin also. The one word that comes to mind when I think about her is "disgusting." The donation to Planned Parenthood is a great idea. At least I will feel less powerless and can also contribute to an important cause. Palin is the anti-feminist, a 21st century Phyllis Schafly. The Repbulicans are even talking about putting that crazy lady on the ticket in 2012. What could be more detrimental for our country and for the rest of the world than a President Sarah Palin? Excuse me now while I go donate to Planned Parenthood and then take 2 aspirins and get into bed.

[NevadaDem]

I agree with you, Katherine. It got personal.

I am a registered female Democrat and I was FLABBERGASTED when John McCain picked Sarah Palin. I was like....WHO??????

And then I read everything about her....and I realized this WOMAN...if elected with John McCain...was going to put Women's Rights back in the Dark Ages...and not even blink doing it.

She is a scary POLITICAL BEAST, folks. Her Freudian slip at the rally yesterday...saying "The Palin-McCain Adminstration"....she REALLY means it.

[rbrinega]

I was so crazy frustrated that I was getting depressed. I then decided, that every time I heard some crud from the McCain campaign, I'm going to donate time and money to getting Obama elected, including talking to my fence-sitting friends and relatives. I also donated to hurricane relief efforts, because I was going to make this a big cause, not only political. I now feel less funky and more in control.

Hand evil a defeat and save sanity, vote Obama/Biden 08!

[Gib]

This is a recipe for going broke.

[ewoman]

So is the AIG bailout - at least the PP plan gives one some control over "brokedom."

[OutragedMom]

Katherine,
I, too, have been consumed by rage, disbelief and fright, ever since this silly, scary woman was nominated. Cannot even sleep well at night. I read Patt Morrison's blog this morning and send a donation to Planned Parenthood in honor of Ms. Palin.
I have been smiling all day.
Thanks for spreading the word.

[hopeless277]

I'm sure she'll return the favor by arranging a nice getaway for you to a re-education center at taxpayer expense. I believe Rick Warren is building a number of them across the country as I type. Gimme that ole time religion!

[Kindheart]

Thank you for your post with the fabulous idea. I will pass it around to my friends and family. It will be poetic justice for Sarah to receive the donation cards from Planned Parenthood. She is a female anti-feminist. She can't go away soon enough for me.

[idealist615]

I am totally with you, Katherine. Watching Sarah Palin become the darling of the GOP has made me lose my lunch and my sanity. But what's more troubling is the op-ed piece in the NY Times you linked to......this would basically allow all physicians and health care providers to decide how women should be treated medically based on their personal beliefs. Doesn't this go against everything the Hippocratic oath stands for? It reduces medical treatment to a political argument, and that is truly scary.

Keep the faith, Katherine. Sarah Palin will soon be a distant memory.

[Jennifer]

Yea, she is pretty bad for women in general. I like Arianna's 'Trojan Moose' analogy. It is good to hear that there has been a 20-point switch on women voters to Obama since the Palin nomination.

Giving to PP is a terrific idea! - Jenni

[thesimulacra]

It's about time liberals got as angry as they should be!

When my more "even-tempered" liberal friends cautioned me not to be too interested in Bristol Palin's pregnancy, my response was this:

"Any liberal or progressive in this country has had to grow up with fearmongering, hateful and snide conservatives like Sarah Palin telling us incessantly that WE are the cause of all of society's ills, that we don't care about families, that we have no values, that we all hate America and that we couldn't possibly go to heaven for our beliefs. So pardon me while I take a little pleasure every time one of them is exposed as a hypocrite."

[eshalom]

I just reviewed Obama's keynote address at the 2004 Democratic convention. I recall how inspired I felt as I watched the proceedings on TV. Until early June 2008 I was a lifetime - very passionate - Democrat. Since leaving the party and registering as non-affiliated, I've been trying very hard to follow Obama's leadership and become bi-partisan. You recall what he said: this is not the red states of America or the blue states of America; we are the United States of America. Gradually, I've become better able to evaluate people as individuals rather than members of a particular political party. I try to look at the details of policy proposals, the candidate's record - all that boring stuff - in making my decisions. Again, I try to follow in the One's footsteps. I want to rise above the old hate-mongering politic. But when I look for community on web sites that support Obama, I'm overwhelmed by the hatred, the vicious personal attacks, the smears, the sensationalist headlines, the photo-shopped pictures, etc., etc.

Please explain what I've failed to understand about Obama's leadership? Have I misunderstood everything he has said about the new politics? I just don't get it. Maybe someone among the thousands of Obama's netroots supporters can offer me some guidance. I feel so confused and seriously, I don't want to hate anyone just for disagreeing with me. I don't think that's what our great leader wants us to do. Please help me understand!

[sime0n]

Smears = "on web sites that support Obama, I'm overwhelmed by the hatred, the vicious personal attacks, the smears, the sensationalist headlines, the photo-shopped pictures, etc., etc."

Do you want to provide links / context for your own smear or just let it hang out there like it's true? Bob Cesca's recent post lays out where a lot of the "hatred, the vicious personal attacks, the smears, the sensationalist headlines" of the right wing are originating: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-cesca/enough-heres-why-the-poll_b_127167.html

You should read it, then write something similar about Democrats. ie - Call out the Democrat attack dogs spreading "hatred, the vicious personal attacks, the smears, the sensationalist headlines". Easy huh?! Looking forward to reading it.

[eshalom]

Simeon, I would gladly respond to your comment and with all due respect; however, I can't understand what you'r asking me to do in that final paragraph. You want me to call out the Democrat attack dogs? In my comment above, I was expressing the desire to follow the One in his high-minded leadership of the Democratic party toward the new politics. Seriously, how does this Web site and the netroots in general reflect the teachings of the great Obama? He is the One who would help us transcend bi-partisanship and lead us toward peace and harmony in our nation and throughout the world.

[OrganOfThought]

Sorry Simeon, you got suckered in.

The phrase: "I don't think that's what our great leader wants us to do." should have given it away, but may I suggest you check the profile of the person you are responding to.

He/she was trolling and wanted someone like you to respond and you just made their day. The Re-Reply seals the deal with their intentions. Next time just ignore them.

If it makes you feel better, just imagine how this person will feel on Nov 5th when they see President Elect Obama on TV!

[latituded520]

Wow - you expressed what I have been feeling/doing for the last couple of weeks and I feel like a banshee woman completely obsessed with Sarah. I sometimes stutter for the words to come out because there is so much I need to express to any and all who will listen! I shudder at my "friends" when they say how they admire her. And these are well educated women! I shudder at the thought that she might somehow be in power should jm meet his demise in office. omg. Why aren't more people and rebups in general outraged? I have a sick feeling in my stomach when I think the smartest statement she has made was that she can actually see Russia from Alaska. What about all those other well-qualified, albeit different than my positions, republican women who have truly the education, experience and tenacity to be in the wh? In the words of Cathy aaaaakkkkkkk!

[missjabez]

I was actually rather intrigued when she said she could get see Russia from her window. But that doesn't mean she is qualified to hold high political office. Plenty of Vice Presidents may start out not knowing much about foreign policy, but they are usually bright and trainable. Palin seems so smug I doubt she would admit that she needed to learn anything new;she seems to think she already knows everything. Anyone who would charge rape victims for rape kits is not a decent human being. She is definitely anti-woman.