It’s not me, it’s you, explained Gov. Sarah Palin, R-Ala., throughout the 2,610 words of her resignation speech, while “passing the ball” to Sean Parnell.
The dominant reason for her resignation appears to be doing what is best for Alaska and using their financial resourceswisely, or so her speech sang. By doing what most politicians do best, Palin left the big question hanging: What is the underlying purpose of her resignation?
Creating another media frenzy, which the Spinnaker gladly ignored (excluding this editorial), Palin’s resignation has raised questions of her motives and future political moves. Ironically, she included the media on her list of “Everyone Who Caused My Resignation: Excluding Me,” all the while exemplifying herself as an attention-addicted icon simultaneously. Plenty of allegations and lawsuits concerning her ethical practices have caused bumps on her political path, as well as time, effort and most importantly, money, from the state.
Palin and her staff members have had 18 different charges for alleged ethical infractions, and subsequently, Palin denies breaking any ethical codes. Alaskan officials reported a total of $1,963,840 being spent on record requests concerning these potential ethical infractions.
“I cannot stand here as your governor and allow the millions of dollars and all that time to go to waste, just so I can hold the title of governor,” Palin said in her speech, published by The Huffington Post via the Governor’s Office. She ends the paragraph by explaining, “This decision has been in the works for awhile…”
Luckily, she realized the perfect moment when her position as governor transformed from being right for Alaska, to being a poor financial choice for this majestic, icy wonderland. Time Magazine also suggests resignation being a lucrative personal decision for Palin.
According to her attorney, Palin does not have another job lined up. This could either mean that she will be spending her free time with her four children and grandchild at home, or she will continue furthering her political career by traveling, giving speeches or fundraising.
If the second option is true, then her future plans may very well include playing a role in the 2012 presidential elections, although her speech mentioned the importance of her family numerous times. 2012 is the end of the world as we know it, at least according to the ancient Mayan calendar. Ironic choice of a year to exchange a major world leader, yet tradition usually does outlive superstition.
Whatever her reasoning may be, it took courage for Palin to step down while already having to deal with criticism coming from all angles. According to her speech, she considered staying governor as the easy way out, and she truly believed she was doing what is best for her frozen homeland.
Whether her decision was based on caring for her handicapped child or boosting her book sales, the underlying purpose of her resignation remains unknown. Hopefully this mystery reveals itself before 2012. Or we may all be doomed!
