For a while, it appeared as if Sarah Palin's coming out party as a non-governor, freelance Republican crusader was going to be an August 8 speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. That was a logical move for her. If there is a base for Palin, it's Reagan worshipers. These people tend to appreciate politicians who position themselves as freedom-luvin' promoters of good ol' American rugged individualism and who are eager to stick it to those over-educated Eastern establishment elites. Palin at the Reagan Library -- what could be better packaging for her?

Well, it's not to be. As Politico reports, she's skipping this gig. A spokesperson explains on Palin's Facebook page:

As repeatedly stated to several in the media over the last week, former Governor Sarah Palin is not committed to attend the Simi Valley Republican Women's event at the Reagan Library and in fact is not attending the event. Neither the Governor's state staff nor SarahPAC has ever committed to attending this event or speaking at this event, and even requested that the Governor's name be removed from the invitation several weeks ago. The Governor has other work and commitments to take care of at that time. She looks forward to visiting her friends in California soon.

A miscommunication with the Republican ladies of California? Perhaps. But a similar episode occurred several weeks ago. Palin was booked to be the keynote speaker at a big GOP fundraiser in Washington. Then she wasn't. Then there was a dust-up over that. Then she showed up but didn't speak.

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PD toolbar!What happened with the Reagan library speech? The Simi Valley GOP's Woman Club had put out a statement declaring that Palin was aboard and that no media would be allowed into the speech:

Thank you for your expressed interest in our August 8th Event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. This event is an Anniversary Party paying tribute to our club's charter, and the Republican Women of Simi Valley, a non-profit group of volunteers.

Governor Sarah Palin is one of several featured guest speakers, and is slated to attend. Reservations are made by invitation only, and non-refundable. There will beno press passes or media passes issued.

Regarding Sarah Palin, "She embodies the values that we hold dear: Faith, Family, Country-first & Service. We are honored to call her our friend and advocate. Palin is noble, and admired by so many of us. She is an amazing human being whose aspirations are simply to bring out the best in people.

We are celebrating a golden anniversary (our charter)...and it is the 50th anniversary of Alaska's statehood. Sarah Palin loves Alaska and she has a huge following in California. (Her family roots are in southern California.)

Our event is being held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum...most of us view Palin as a "Reaganesque" figure, in her approach to policy.

So there's no doubt the GOP gals of Simi Valley had the impression that Palin was a done-deal. Can it be that Palin doesn't have a staff that can handle routine scheduling matters? She wasn't ready for prime-time when Senator John McCain picked her as a running mate, and nearly a year later that still seems to be the case.

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Did you know that the feds recently arrested a white supremacist and his associates for their alleged involvement in a racist bombing. I didn't. Perhaps in the aftermath of the killing of Dr. George Tiller, an abortion provider, and the fatal shooting of a security guard at the Holocaust museum, federal law enforcement is cracking down on violent right-wing radicals. It's about time.

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