PALIN IS VERY COURTEOUS -- EXCEPT WHEN SHE ISN'T

Sarah Palin is a really friendly person. According to an AP story from 1999, the then-Wasilla mayor wore a Pat Buchanan button to a Buchanan appearance in Alaska -- but according to the McCain campaign, she was really a Steve Forbes supporter, not a Buchanan supporter, and she just "wore the button as a courtesy to Mr. Buchanan." What a nice lady!

The McCain campaign also says, contrary to some reports, that Palin was never actually a member of the pro-secessionist Alaska Independence Party, and insists that "she visited them when they had their convention in Wasilla in 2000 as a courtesy when she was mayor." Courteousness again!

And earlier this year, she delivered a video greeting to the party. That must have been Palin being courteous, too!

But, um, sometimes Palin isn't so courteous.

Here's a message from the African American Historical Society of Alaska:

As for Governor Sarah Palin's involvement in the African American community, the Governor's office hasn't participated in any of our Alaska Juneteenth Events. All previous Alaskan Governor's have traditionally attended and participated in our annual Juneteenth Celebration. Gov. Palin was the first governor not to send out a congratulatory letter or assist us in any way with our Juneteenth activities.

So Sarah Palin is such a courteous politician that she'll show up at appearances by (right-wing) politicians she doesn't support, and even don their campaign buttons. She'll extend warm greetings to rival (right-wing) political parties, and even show up at their meetings in person.

But send one measly telegram to an African American group, on the anniversary of a day of great historical significance to African Americans?

Nahhh. Too much trouble. Courtesy has its limits.