Well it certainly didn't take any longer than expected. Indeed, I'd say the generally published attitude toward Governor Palin as a stupid hick spread rather efficiently and rapidly in this campaign cycle.

That's Governor. Palin.

So — what is the sin of Sarah Palin? Why should she be anathema to so many, when she is running for an office that is a cut above "figurehead?"

As moderator, I would be asking the Vice Presidential candidates perceptive questions about attending State funerals and what is the best way to grip a shovel when posing in a "groundbreaking" ceremony.

Governor Palin has sinned in the eyes of the media, and in the eyes of many amateur pundits like me. And so, she must be castigated at every turn, examined with double-plusgood scrutiny, and labelled when referred to as a rube or a fundy.

Her sin is not being a woman aspiring to higher office. We've seen other women, with less on their resume, get far more positive press, despite being laughably qualified (Hillary Rodham Clinton running for Senator in New York State comes to mind).

What then, is her sin?

It is belonging to the wrong political party.

That is, she belongs to the party that — in spite of evidence to the contrary, for years upon years upon years — is continually stereotyped as being hostile to women and minorities. The party that is "keeping them in their place."

The same party that puts women and minorities on the Supreme Court, and in the presidential cabinet. And up for election on the presidential ticket.

What is happening in the parallel universe where Governor Palin is on the Democratic ticket? Is that Palin undergoing the same amount of flippant derision? Are the cognoscenti in them thar Big Cities laughing down their noses at her in public?