So this is what I took away from the Palin spectacle

[Union Thug]

1. Republicans hold in contempt the concept community, and don't believe in the value of political activity that does not directly involve their self-aggrandizing, sanctimonious selves
2. Republicans hold in contempt the idea of rule of law ("they want to read 'em their rights.." sneer, sneer)
3. Republicans are self-righteous hypocrites who demand that everyone else abide by their ideas of morality while conspicuously ignoring these same moral convictions for their own.
4. Republicans have no sense of irony (think flip flop, think respect for those that have served their country...)

The contrast between the spirit that animates the two conventions is stark. One involves hope and the power of democratic principles applied to building a better society. The other builds monuments to itself, while contemptuously mocking anyone who disagrees with their tired cliches.

[CBHagman]

1. Right-o.

Number 4 is particularly pertinent. The 2004 RNC was virtually a festival of John Kerry-bashing (Remember the grotesque woman with the purple heart bandage?), i.e., spitting on a decorated veteran. To be fair, I don't think either Hagel or McCain participated in that.

This time out it's all glory be to Our Veteran.

It's also interesting to see Huckabee jettison his nice-guy image. We all expected Rudy Giuliani to be his usual asshole self when in the presence of a microphone, but Huckabee, who is on the cover of Sojourners with John Edwards, was a disappointing revelation.

[liberal N proud]

2. And it was a spectacle

Or maybe a side show

[Pacifist Patriot]

3. Nail meets head.

[gratefultobelib]

4. Republicans lie.

[lady lib]

5. Republicans apparently have to be reminded

that it's "country first."