Last Stop on Sarah Palin's Straight Talk Express

I had never heard of Sarah Palin until she was named as the Republican Party Vice Presidential candidate. From that point, I started searching for information on her.

What came to light were Associated Press articles about TrooperGate from which I learned that she did not respect the concepts of Personnel Law. She (and her unelected spouse) applied pressure to a State management employee to fire an employee for personal reasons--not for a job-related cause. Next came the article on how she professed to be a political reformer yet took kickbacks and placed friends and supporters in government jobs. Then came the article on how she manipulated the bidding process on the natural gas pipeline. I consider all of these issues to fundamental ones of integrity and ethics.

I guess the final shock came when I started reading the Washington Post and New Yorker articles about how she had PR'ed herself two years ago with the conservative (male) writers who visited Alaska on cruise ships. She has been telling us that she is outside the political establishment of the East Coast, yet, she worked very hard to get insiders to promote her cause--two years ago.

From all this, I can only surmise she has carefully crafted an image of herself which is not consistent with her actions.

Also, given that my ancestors immigrated to America from the Austrian Empire (as soon as they were allowed to), I have not forgotten why it is so important that there be a separation of Church and State. I pray that the wisdom of the Founding Fathers (who knew the importance of keeping the two separate) will not be undone by individuals such as Ms. Palin who again bind the two together.

Then, there are the allegations that she is tied to two extremist Christian Prayer Warfare factions. One of these organizations claims that they prayed Mother Theresa to her death. I cannot find where Gov. Palin has established that she is not part of these extremists who claim her as a member. As I am close to several Catholics, I cam concerned that she would belong to organizations which denounce Catholics.

I am also concerned about an individual running for the office of Vice President who, apparently, does not understand the concept of States' Rights. This came to the foreground in her break from Senator McCain on the issue of a Federal Ban on Gay Marriages. Senator McCain, understands his government concepts. Ms. Palin's position indicates that she does not.

Then there is the issue of her apparent ignorance of foreign affairs. I am personally embarrassed that we have a Vice Presidential candidate that gives windows to detractors of our County. Following is a excerpt from an AP article which pertains to comments made by Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, --in response to Gov. Palin calling him a dictator: ‘ "The poor thing, you have to feel sorry for her," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand. Palin, he said, is "a beauty queen that they've put in the role of a figurine." Chavez said one must do as Christ did: "Forgive her, for she knows not what she says."‘

Inflammatory rhetoric--from either side--really doesn’t address the issues of qualifications for the position. I encourage others to read all they can find about Gov. Palin.

Samsara of TX 2:55PM October 29, 2008