Palin makes sense, sorta

Sarah Palin regaled the Fox Business Network today with her – ahem – insights about American aid programs to foreign nations: "Even foreign aid and the level of dollars that are sent to these foreign countries, that shouldn't be some sort of Holy Grail where we can't even discuss the level of financial assistance given to countries. We need need to pull back in those countries where the money isn't doing any good."

You’re thinking: Um, howzat? Is there a translator in the house who speaks Palinese? And about that Holy Grail reference – What'chu talkin' about, Willis?

You're in luck. Allow me to untangle the words of the gentlewoman from Alaska. English translation: “We should consider cutting back foreign aid to countries where it isn’t effective. The subject is not sacrosanct and we should at least discuss it.”

It’s a first, but her point is not unreasonable. I do wonder how well we measure what works in foreign aid and what doesn’t. So, sure, let’s talk about it. Palin – gasp – is right. Now, as for why she evoked the Holy Grail – the cup Jesus used at the Last Supper – in her remarks ... well, that’s simply beyond what my mind can grasp.