Cheers to Palin for smiling and waving, seemingly unfazed by (or oblivious to) the boos. Jeers for dragging her children along in the hopes that it would convince some of the fans in attendance not to boo. (Who knows, maybe it did.)

And jeers to Flyers owner Ed Snider for subjecting all of his team’s fans to his political agenda. Way to go, Ed.

For some background on Snider’s political views, and how politics and sports shouldn’t mix, check out Will Bunch’s column at Philly.com.

Snider was host for a Sept. 26 Palin campaign event at the Irish Pub in Center City in Philadelphia. According to records of the Federal Election Commission, Snider donated $50,000 to the Republican national campaign effort between June 24 and June 30, 2008.

Now he is donating the stage of an NHL pregame ceremony for use as a pep rally for McCain’s presidential effort. Now he is intent on transforming a sports arena into the political arena. He is creating an environment in which partisan politics, not hockey rooting interest, might well create dangerous disruption in the stands.

The Republican vice presidential nominee will join the team’s “Philadelphia’s Ultimate Hockey Mom” contest winner on the ice for the opening faceoff.

I wonder if the Philly fans will boo her like they boo’ed Santa Claus at the Eagles’ game.