I believe that openness to questioning and debate is a part of traditional Judaism and is not a modern, American phenomenon.

There are many other reasons to respect Governor Palin, but for those people who think blind following of conservative Christian principles is a good thing, Palin, Bush, and others of their ilk will garner respect. For those people who believe blind following of mere charisma is a good thing, Obama and others of his ilk will garner respect. It's two different sides of the same coin. In both cases, if questioning were allowed, rather than shut off with orders to "fall in line", if people were encouraged to truly think for themselves, there would be far less mind control, far fewer cults. But when questioning is not allowed, some get brainwashed, and some become disaffected.

My young friend and I became disaffected by a religious tradition that did not respect our questions. I find that sad, because (at least in my case) there was hope for peace and inspiration in that tradition. But we were forced to leave behind the previously comforting religion of our youths, in order to be true to ourselves. I still feel anger over that.