So we’ve seen another blast of bad publicity following Sarah Palin’s choice to use a private jet for her recent book tour. I don’t understand it. Sarah’s publisher have the means to pay for it and have clearly recognised the benefits. So I ask a simple question – why not?

I obviously have some bias here but it’s a very efficient way to travel particularly if you have a busy schedule.

According to the blog Palingates, which first reported the story, Palin took the plane on Nov. 21, 23 and 25 between book tour stops in Rochester, N.Y., Roanoke, Va., Fort Bragg, N.C., Birmingham, Ala., and Orlando, Fla. On Nov. 25, she then flew to Pasco, Wash., for Thanksgiving and was met at the airport by a bevy of journalists who filmed the landing.

On Sunday on ABC’s Good Morning America, Diane Sawyer introduced a segment on Palin’s private-jet use by saying that Palin “frequently can be seen photographed in front of the bus that she took on the road. But … you don’t often see photos of her in front of a very expensive private plane she’s been taking.” Correspondent David Wright then noted that Palin was traveling in style even as “her fans camped out in the bitter cold, just for the chance to meet her.”

Are they suggesting that her fans should be with her on the jet? Or that she should not be warm and comfortable because her fans aren’t?  This style of reporting just suggests bitterness and jealousy. What’s the big deal? Many people travel by private jet every day and don’t warrant news coverage as a result of doing so. I’m sure the publicity has done a world of good for her book sales.

Palin responded to the reports on her Facebook page. “If you’re scratching your head wondering why my flight and hotel logistics warrant news coverage, join the club,” she wrote.

Some are suggesting that she has been dishonest by giving the impression that it’s a “bus tour” and then using a jet. There seems to be no evidence of Sarah actually lying and in fact she seems to have been very open about the fact she was using a jet and even tweeted about it on twitter.

So I have to ask – in reality what it is that people are actually finding issue with?