Global palinization.

You might think living in Australia would protect a person from palinization. If only it were so. During a network TV news break last night, a clip was played of the GOP's bubbly, syntax-challenged lobotomized pit bull of a VP candidate heralding the McCain campaign's final, nation-tearing strategy of racially charged insinuation, distortion and lies about Barack Obama's character. There is an antidote: Recognition.

Palinizing is above all the art of distraction, with the goal of diverting attention away from a fault (in Palin’s case, ignorance) and towards the glittering veneer of hollow talking points which dazzle but do nothing in terms of answering the question presented. For Palin’s most ardent fans, the evasiveness is perceived as a much-deserved slap in the face to the "mainstream" media. For her detractors and even those who are ambivalent towards her, Palin’s verbal hopscotch is infuriating.

Spread the word and help raise the nation's immunity to this destructive force. The fate of the world may depend upon it.