>>>>IMHO, two totally different situations. In Obama's case, it's more an issue of taking a stance but doing the opposite. With Palin, it's typical political cleaning house and bringing those whom you trust into the fold.
>>>
>>>Bringing in those you trust and who are proven in government is one thing. Putting family members on salary is very different. If Obama were to become president and then bring in his family to salaried positions, I'm pretty sure it would suddenly not be so acceptable to the right. I absolutely agree that both things are wrong, but one should not be treated as acceptable while the other is denigrated.
>>
>>I missed the part that stated a family member was on salary. Who was that and what was the position?
>
>Nope. You're right. I got it backward. The lawsuit is about her supposedly wanting her ex brother-in-law fired and Monegan refusing, so she fired Monegan (supposedly). Assuming this is for real, I wonder if she'd have wanted him fired if he wasn't an ex brother-in-law. Either way, it's about abusing one's power. If it's true, it's a noteworthy story. The idea that it's ok because other politicians abuse their power (in whatever way) too, is (imho) an unacceptable argument. If it's not true, then I have to wonder why the governor would be involved in trying to have some lowly trooper fired in the first place. The argument seems not to be about her wishes to fire the trooper, but her reason for firing Monegan. Too coincidental for my taste.

It isn't exactly inspiring that Palin is stonewalling the investigation, either. She (really the McCain campaign) made an announcement the other day that she would not cooperate. Then the first day of the inquiry had to be postponed because half the people called to testify didn't show up.

Seems to me if the charge of improper influence in getting the trooper fired is spurious it would be easy enough to refute. It would actually be a boon to her because it would show the investigation to be a politically motivated attempt to get her. If I were in her position and were innocent I would want the investigation to proceed, with as many reporters on hand as possible.