Republican Panties in a Twist Over Denali

Denali

what eye thynk:  Is there any issue, any at all, that Republicans aren't eager to turn into a partisan battle?

On Monday, President Obama changed the name of our tallest mountain. The majestic peak, which was called Denali by Native Americans prior to 1917 when a gold prospector suggested renaming it for our 25th president, Ohio native William McKinley, will once again be known as Denali.

Republicans are (Surprise!) unhappy. 

• Presidential candidate Donald Trump (R) via Twitter: "President Obama wants to change the name of Mt. McKinley to Denali after more than 100 years.  Great insult to Ohio.  I will change back!"
• House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) was "deeply disappointed in this decision."
• Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) via Twitter:  "This decision by the Administration is yet another example of the President going around Congress"
• Representative Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) "This political stunt is insulting to all Ohioans" adding that the move is unconstitutional and claimed the President was using the name change to "promote (his) job killing war on energy."
• Political Activist Karl Rove (R) "The 25th president gets overlooked too much already." Of course, Mr. Rove, who is currently writing a book about President McKinley took the opportunity to get a little free publicity via Twitter. "Seems like a good time 2 learn more about 25th POTUS. Pre-order 'Triumph of William #McKinley."

In all fairness, not all Republicans are opposed to the President's announcement.

• Alaska Governor Bill Walker (R) via Facebook: "For decades, Alaskans have been urging the federal government to recognize Denali by its proper name.  I am pleased that the White House and the Department of Interior have taken the necessary steps to finally make this important change."
• Senator Lisa Murkowski (R) "For centuries, Alaskans have known this majestic mountain as the 'Great One.'  Today we are honored to be able to officially recognize the mountain as Denali.  I'd like to thank the President for working with us to achieve this significant change to show honor, respect, and gratitude to the Athabascan people of Alaska."
• And, though this will probably give the half-term governor indigestion for a months, Sarah Palin signaled support for the move back in 2009 when she referred to the mountain as Denali in her farewell to Alaska address.  (It should be noted that while Ms. Palin was only too eager to publish negative posts about the President's climate change speech in Alaska yesterday, she has been uncharacteristically silent on the name change.)

Must be tough to be Ms. Palin right now.  She gets what she wants, but acknowledging the victory would mean she'd have to thank President Obama.  Her silence is simply a sign of the smallness of her soul.