Initial Take on the Palin Effect

To be honest, I was shocked at John McCain's choice for running mate. There were a myriad of possible candidates, all bringing their own experience, perspectives and visions to the oval office. But despite all of the more logical choices, John McCain chose Sarah Palin because she is a woman and it's his only way to be part of the monumental first time in history ballot category too. And let's be honest, he chose her because she is a woman, not for her years of experience or their long-running professional relationship, which would only make sense in this circus of an election.

My concerns with Sarah Palin, potential VP.

1. Her experience. She was mayor of Wasilla, a relatively small city, and then she was elected Governor of Alaska. But she lacks major relevant experience required for such a position. Foreign policy and relations are crucial for American interests. Granted, she may know a lot about the issues facing middle class families and domestic understandings are also important. But what understanding does she have for the business world? Lobbyists? The Bill of Rights? The list goes on...

2. She doesn't know what a VP does? She clearly stated that to a reporter. How could she be a serious candidate for a position if she doesn't know what that position entails? Shouldn't she be presented with a job description before being offered the position? And shouldn't she have some understandings of the various roles of government to successfully perform her job in the first place?

3. Her religious influence. Religion is a beautiful facet in people's lives, enabling people to find solace and hope in our very troubled world. But one's relationship with God is a private one, so regardless of the path of your faith as a Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindi, spiritual but not religious, it should remain within your folds and not for public display. It's the very fact that this nation was built upon freedom of religion, clearly stated in the First Amendment, that helps us grow together within our differences. Palin is openly and outwardly religious as a Christian. This in it of itself is fine. But it's when politicians bring their religion into the political sphere, that is what I have problems with. She's positioned strongly for Christian-influenced legislation, including a push for pro-life and overturning Roe v. Wade.

4. Her position on Abortion. Choosing to have an abortion is a horrible experience that is not decided upon lightly; but this is a personal decision between the expectant parents, not Congressmen. In her personal life, Palin gave birth to a baby with Down's Syndrome, her 17 year old daughter is five months pregnant, and Palin is once again pregnant herself. She's the poster woman for pro-life in her personal life, but not everyone's life works like that. Sometimes it's the only option. If we outlaw abortion, desperate pregnant women will be forced to seek underground abortions or fly overseas, which will endanger the lives of many. Some people should not have children, meaning people who will abuse a child as he/she grows up. Regardless, a woman's choice with her body is no one's but her own.

5. Energy and the environment. Palin's record on the environment is dismal and short-sighted. In order to maintain oil drilling in the ANWR, she's chosen big business over the environment, despite her love for hunting and fishing. She's dismissed claims that global warming is caused by man and, therefore, could be corrected by man. She even sued the Bush administration for including polar bears on the endangered species list because it would interfere with oil drilling. If Palin became VP, it's highly likely alternative fuel research would be eliminated or severely underfunded, which is so crucial in today's day and age.

6. McCain's age. McCain just turned 72. For argument's sake, let's say McCain wins two terms. By the end, he'd be 80 years old. This is a man who recovered from skin cancer and currently lives with many age-related conditions. He could die. Yes, anyone could die at any time for a number of reasons. Bill Clinton could have died from a heart attack while jogging. George W Bush could have died by choking on a potato chip. But the probability of McCain dying during his term is exponentially higher. Which would mean, Palin could suddenly become President of the United States. People tend to hold the VP to lower standards, but would they really back her up as president?

Now, I do want to commend McCain for selecting a woman as his running mate; this shows that finally women are receiving the respect and equality they truly deserve from men. But I believe women should be nominated the same way men (ought) to be nominated: by selecting the best possible candidate for the position and keeping gender, race and religion out of the picture.

I do not support Sarah Palin.

Vanessa Villa of FL 5:26PM September 02, 2008