Palin calls Obama actions 'appalling'

Washington (CNN) - Calling President Obama's handling of the budget showdown "appalling," Sarah Palin is adding her voice to GOP clamor that he is playing politics with the U.S. military in an effort to get his way on spending.

In a posting on Facebook Friday, Palin blasts Obama for his refusal to sign a Republican-backed bill that aimed to cut spending by $12 billion and fund the Pentagon for the remainder of the current fiscal year.

The president and Democrats opposed the measure because of the programs it would cut, including a provision that would prevent Washington, DC taxpayer money to be used to fund abortion providers.

But Palin charges the president's real concern is about funding such organizations as National Public Radio.

"Essentially, he's holding military funding hostage to NPR funding. This is a perfect analogy for what is wrong with this entire budget showdown," writes Palin. "Our federal government has strayed so far from what is constitutionally mandated that they are blind to the fact that NPR funding is not a constitutional duty. Funding our military at a time of war is!"

"It's about time the President step up to the plate and lead responsibly. Our troops who are putting themselves in harm's way deserve a Commander in Chief who is not AWOL from the debt debate," Palin continues. "The American people deserve a president who will take on the tough challenges and understand that funding 'Car Talk' is not as crucial as funding our troops at a time of three wars."