The choice of photo for the cover of this week’s Newsweek is unfortunate. When it comes to Sarah Palin, this “news” magazine has relished focusing on the irrelevant rather than the relevant. The Runner’s World magazine one-page profile for which this photo was taken was all about health and fitness – a subject to which I am devoted and which is critically important to this nation. The out-of-context Newsweek approach is sexist and oh-so-expected by now. If anyone can learn anything from it: it shows why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, gender, or color of skin. The media will do anything to draw attention – even if out of context.

You know how you can make sure that you never appear on the cover of a national news magazine in your shorty shorts while leaning on the American flag? Don’t ever pose for a picture wearing shorty shorts while leaning on the American flag.

When I first read that Sarah Palin was complaining about the cover of Newsweek, I assumed that Newsweek had photoshopped the image. It didn’t even occur to me that she would pose for a photo like this.

That’s what I get for assuming.