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

How dare you change around Mr. Obama's name to something so vulgar! You should be ashamed of yourself! After seeing that. A sopomoric attempt at humor I totally ignored everything you had to say. My advice to you is GROW UP! And some advice...before you go to bed make sure you brush your tooth!

BarackisGod of IL 9:51PM October 28, 2008

Throw enough mud and some is bound to stick I suppose.

I think Sarah Palin is sorta like Jimmy Stewart's character in, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

Simple, but straight. Naive, but knows right from wrong. A little insecure but determined to stand by what he thinks is best for America.

I guess you could say she's old fashioned in her ideals and morality. She and her husband knew the hardships they would face by raising a handicapped child - Abortion would have been the easy, irresponsible road - Most would have taken it. But it would have been wrong to take a human life and they had sense and courage enough to understand what that means - Never mind the inconvenience, they did what was right. Most have lost that simple ethic here in America. It’s all about “me”.

During the Civil War, there was an uprising by the Sioux Indians in Minnesota. It became known as the Minnesota Massacre. Dozens of families and hundreds of people were killed, raped, tortured to death and burned alive. When the military finally regained control of the countryside they held a tribunal and condemned more than 330 Indians to death. Lincoln heard of the hasty trial and sent word to stay the executions until he had time to review each and every court file. During the greatest crisis in our nation's history Lincoln found the time to read a few files every night. The country was enraged - The newspapers and politicians screamed for vengeance. Lincoln told them to wait. After several weeks Lincoln had reviewed all the files and commuted over 300 of the sentences. The country scorned and ridiculed Lincoln. When the Congressmen and Senators approached Lincoln and told him he would surely lose Minnesota in the election of 1864 - The most important election in our nation’s history, Lincoln told them, “I’m sorry gentlemen, but I can’t hang men for votes.”

You know, I suspect that most of those who rant against Sarah Palin would forgive all if she would only kiss the feet of the Abortion Idol - Like a “real” feminist. But, I know she can’t kill the unborn for votes either...

R.L. Schaefer of CA 12:51PM October 28, 2008

I do not consider my self a ‘lefty’; however, she is not the brightest bulb. All she does is spew forth the typical right wing conservative mantra with NO substance. She does not understand the basics of our government; she really does not understand foreign policy and her conservative beliefs are troubling to say the least. She is where she is because the Republican party is desperate for a win. This is the same tactic Bush Sr did by picking Dan Quayle, an ultra conservative. It worked for him; I do not believe it will work for McCain.

If you really watched the Couric interview, you know she is a dunderhead. She evaded every question she could and when given THREE chances to explain her foreign policy experience, she evaded again. And lets face it, Couric is not a tough journalist. If you can’t pass that bar, then you are a loser extraordinaire.

She reminds me of Al Sharpton/Jesse Jackson except she is a right wing nut job and they are left wing nut jobs.

of FL 11:51AM October 28, 2008