While I agree with you that obamasbrainisdead is the worst kind of troll as well as a clearly unintelligent and misinformed person -- your proposed solution amounts to censorship and would establish a bad precedent. It would also deprive us of a chance to see and analyze the various pathologies of the opposition -- thereby limiting our capacity to develop tactics and arguments to counter them.

There are three workable solutions that don't involve muzzling that dog.

1. Microsoft was just awarded a patent for the "page up" and "page down" buttons. Try using them.

2. Engage this creature in debate, not in the hope that you will change its mind (not possible as it clearly doesn't have an operating healthy one) but to inform other readers as to the idiocy of its positions.

3. Advocate for a labeling system such as slashdot.org uses that allow users to "label" such commentators as trolls and further, allowing us to set our preferences to render such individuals invisible. It's a good system and it works. It's also long overdue here at Salon, as their current commenting system is hideously outdated and primitive.

As fun as all this sounds, Obama has the low-road vote with the stories of his escapades with Larry Sinclair and the blow/blow.

...but I think Gary's right on the money. We may all decry this as "sexist" and "fetishist" but I feel that human nature being what it is, Ms. Palin appeals to the lowest common political denominator. It may be an unconscious appeal, but it's there, nonetheless. Mr. Kamiya just dares to voice it.

Does anyone want to argue that politicians aren't subject to parody and caricature?

Does anyone want to argue that Palin hasn't set HERSELF up as a snarky, tough-talking Whip Woman who chastises "bad boys"?

Does anyone seriously doubt that her steamy package of sexy-librarian looks and fake-virtue aren't being sold as stroke-material to uptight conservatives who are weary of jacking-off to Reagan photos?

Seriously, the indignation here is laughable...but not nearly as funny as the article.

Mr. Kamiya, This race has always been a personality contest. Obama has no demonstrated command of issues. He is a fairly good (not great) speaker with an admittedly pleasing personality. Nothing else. No experience, no workable plans. Why can't we Republicans reply in kind with a good speaker with a good personality (oh, and a nice rack)? Also, with some actual governing experience and a proven record as a reformer (not a pose) thrown in. She can dominate me any time! At least she would probably respect me in the morning.

You're right, Gary, it's not working at all.

She's ruining johnnymac's campaign, except in fundraising, enthusiam, crowds, media attention and the polls.

Oh, and, Dude, you might want to talk to someone about your childhood and your Mommy/spanking issues.

Bill Owen (September 10, 2008 06:20 AM):

"Advocate for a labeling system such as slashdot.org uses that allow users to 'label' such commentators as trolls and further, allowing us to set our preferences to render such individuals invisible. It's a good system and it works. It's also long overdue here at Salon, as their current commenting system is hideously outdated and primitive."

An excellent post in every way, Bill. One of the things I've written to Salon about (but never heard back from them concerning) is the feature of being notified when someone responds to one of one's own posts. I don't know what it's called, but I've seen the feature made available on several other fora I've contributed comments to.

In a lengthy thread, it's easy to overlook what someone has written in response to one of one's posts, and as a result, the respondent may understandably think that one is ignoring him or has been reduced to silence, if it's a critical response.

How difficult to set up is that, and what are some of the other improvements of Salon's commenting system you can recommend?

More than 500 letters regarding this article and not a single one selected for "Editor's Choice" as of Wednesday morning.

Salon readers, the editors of this magazine really do want to know what you think and will spend time considering every word you send them!

Maybe one has to be a male with testosterone overacting to see Palin as a dominatrix. Most of us see her as a pretty stupid, uneducated, inexperienced desperation move for trophy VP to McCain. And God knows, he is about to have cardiac arrest watching her butt and trying to twist off his wedding ring. Sorry, John. You're an old and senile man. She's not interested in you. Get used to being stepped on.

Where are the intelligent and educated voters? We can only hope they see through the Sarah sham.

Congratulations to Gary for both offending (many) democratic women while simultaneously energizing republicans. You should be on McCain's payroll.

Thanks also for your little contribution to exposing the myth that 'progressives' are more open minded and tolerant of diversity. Diversity of everything save opinion.

What a stupid crapy article about nothing other than crap for your sick liberal bloggers.

Finally you got a poster with smarts. Osamaisbraindead know his stuff.

Could Salon post an article as to why Michelle Obama provided the View a list of situations or items not to ask her when she made her appearance on the View, and it would be nice to see what was on the list. Hasselbeck said there were a dozen items they could not ask her about. Hmmmmm, Michelle, something to hide, or afraid you'd open your mouth again and display your racist side.

Wonder if Palin would give them a list of things not to ask her about, I doubt it, because democrats have sifted through everything but her bowel movements the last two weeks, and the best they could come up with is this article you wrote.

Will someone please tell me how to inform the proper authorities that this outlet of "media" is committing violence against all women and their children? Is there an office to call or email. This picture and article are vile and unrepentant misogyny. The author and the handler should be fired. Apologies should be posted. You are effectively saying "Any woman who wants a political voice can be dateraped, recorded, and spread through the air and the net in her appropriate position as our plaything." Again, just appalling, unsocialized, antisocial, psychotic nonsense. You are truly evil. Let me guess,you're Obama supporters. Cynthia McKinney 2008. Go Green.