Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin continued to leave her mark on American politics just days before leaving officer early. In a speech before a wildly enthusiastic group, Palin told fans that good Americans should “never apologize for our country.” It was a curious lesson to give children at a picnic — no matter what our nation does, we should never apologize because we are Americans. Apologies are for non-Americans to make (who should presumably also apologize for not being Americans).

After chastising an unnamed reporter for trying to get her to say that she has had a tough week, Palin told the crowds not to let the media try to get them down. After saying that she spoke to her son Track that week (and that reporters can’t understand why that would make it a good week since he is safe), Palin added “I wish that some in the media would keep things like that in perspective, what is really important in our country. And what is important is our freedoms, America’s security, our liberty.” She then said, “Let us continue to love our country, be proud of our country, never apologize for our country.”

This is why bloggers and reporters are so fascinated by Palin. It is like listening to an adolescent speak in a government studies class — yet she is the governor of a state and one of the leaders of one of the two political parties of the most powerful nation on Earth. What is equally fascinating is that there are people who want to hear such comic book renditions of patriotism and politics.

Under this logic, our country should not have apologized for slavery, the internment of Japanese Americans in World War II, the Dakota massacres, the use of American citizens for nuclear testing, and other great wrongs. More importantly, we need to teach our children that no matter what we do as a nation we are too great to apologize.

Palin’s comments to the children at the picnic is a counterpoint to such unAmerican songs as “I’m Sorry”:

This is the story of two friends at play.
One bumped the other, but she knew what to say.
What did she say?
She said, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”
That was the thing to do.
And there are times
I need to say it, too. YOU?

When I get angry or don’t like to share,
I take a deep breath and show my friends I care.
It¹s only fair!
I say, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”
That is the thing to do.
And there are times
you need to say it, too! WHO?

Palin seems to want a political version of ‘Love Means Never To Have To Say You’re Sorry”:

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