OK, so I occasionally get off-the-wall press releases mailed to me, most of which aren't worth the pixels they're printed on. This one, though, induced a prounounced and immediate "WTF??" moment. Holy crap, I though, these loons are serious. Someone not named Andy Borowitz actually thinks this is an honest-to-God issue, worthy of actual talking points. Someone is actually getting PAID to promote this crap as if it was something worthy of actual debate.
Man, this just makes me want to play Russian Roulette in my bath tub, knowhutimean??
Press Release
Indoor Tanning Association
September 15th, 2008
Contact: ITA Media--202.420.7865
Sarah Palin Said to Have a Tanning Bed in Alaska Governor's MansionTanning Beds Provide Much Needed Vitamin D in Northern Latitudes
WASHINGTON - Today the Indoor Tanning Association addressed rumors that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who was recently chosen as Presidential Nominee John McCain's running-mate, had installed a tanning bed in the Governor's mansion.
According to online reports, a Palin spokesman confirmed in 2007 that the Governor "did have a tanning bed put in the Governor's Mansion," Adding that, "It was done shortly after she took office [in early 2007] and moved into the mansion."
In locations such as Alaska, tanning beds provide important health benefits as a source of UV light. In the bleak winter months, many Americans experience vitamin D deficiency and the best way to manufacture vitamin D is through exposure to UV light. But it is impossible to get the requisite amount of vitamin D from the sun in cities north of 37 degrees latitude for as many as 6 months out of the year; people living as far north as Juneau, Alaska, are deprived of vitamin D from sunlight for even longer.
In addition to increasing the risk of many types of cancer and heart disease, vitamin D deficiency is also linked to many common wintertime complaints such as fatigue, depression and aches and pains.
While partisan bloggers and the sun scare industry will use this as an opportunity to undermine Gov. Palin and demonize the indoor tanning industry, the fact is that Governor Palin's decision to get UV light from a tanning bed positively impacts her health.
"Moderate amounts of indoor tanning allow Governor Palin to experience the many health benefits that come with exposure to UV light," said Dan Humiston, President of the Indoor Tanning Association and candidate for United States Congress (R-NY27). "Especially in dreary northern locations like Alaska, indoor tanning can help guard against wintertime depression and ward off diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency."
"Kudos to Governor Palin for standing up to dermatologists and other members of the sun scare industry who are trying to frighten Americans away from UV light."
To schedule an interview, contact the ITA Media department at 202-420-7865.The Indoor Tanning Association represents thousands of indoor tanning manufacturers, distributors, facility owners and members from other support industries. The ITA promotes a responsible message about moderate tanning and sunburn prevention.
Uh, so what's next? We'll be regaled by lobbyists for nitrate manufacturers because Gov. Palin has a yen for hotdogs?? Excuse me, but when do we get to listen to Republicans express a willingness to talk about actual ISSUES?? Who cares if Gov. Palin had a tanning bed (or a stripper pole) installed in the Governor's mansion? The economy is circling the drain, we're stuck in an endless war in iraq...and we're talking about tanning beds??
