Hi All,

Have stayed away from the political threads for a week or so. Trying to get grounded in my own perspective regarding this election year. Several points I'd like to make as I pondered the idiocy of the repugs to put Palin in as VP candidate.

1. She is not qualified, period. I'd have trouble voting for her for dogcatcher!

2. It's not like she is interviewing forthe 8-5 x 5 days a week = 40 hours job. HELLO!!! She's interviewing (rather poorly I might add) for a job that will require her to put this country first, and her family second. She will be working 7 days a week and many hours per day. It will be even worse for her if McCain (heaven forbid) were to expire.

3. She is not going to get the "womens' vote" that would have gone to Hillary--they don't even put forward similar policies--they are as far apart as we are from Mars!

4. She is being "shielded" by the repugs--IMHO, because they know she isn't qualified, and they have advisors ready to script her VP life for her. Karl Rove would be the number 1 advisor--doing just what he did for the two bushes.

5. Complaints are coming in that the media is against her and are trying to destroy her (at least the media is telling us the repugs are saying this); so if it's true, tough babe, you signed on to play with the big boys, so you've got to work hard to stay up there with the big boys, and that means having every inch of your life examined. No more privacy. Stop playing the gender card--it's not working.

6. Of course she wants to drill in AK--she's the governor--it will look good on her resume--and don't you think that there are going to be millions of dollars coming to AK if they drill--lots of jobs, and some more pork barrel spending.

7. She wants creationism taught in the schools, books banned from the libraries, no abortions, and drill drill drill in ANWR.

She's got to go go go, back to the bush where she belongs. She will not make our country any better. I just can't vote for someone who thinks that being tough means acting like a pit bull. We have enough of that breed in this country, and we don't need to have people in power who act like a ravaging dog (no offense to pit bull owners--especially the responsible ones who train them with love).

And finally, I want to put forward something to think about. We have a huge problem in this country with the selection and election of the VP of the United States. The selected Presidential candidate "choses" the person she/he wants for VP on the ticket. Well, that was fine years ago when we didn't have people like Bush, Cheney, Rove, McCain, etc. in positions of power. Years ago the VP was a figurehead--went to the Vatican to meet w/Pope, went to funerals of dignataries in other countries, and other fluffy type events, as well as breaking the tie vote in Congress.

So, I ask all of you, if we have VPs being elected like Cheney (and I'm not saying this just because these people are republicans, I'm going by the personality and behavior expressed while in office), shouldn't we be voting on whether or not the person is the right on for the job? Where are the checks and balances? How come more power is being given to the VP and does that mean there is a change that needs to be made? I don't know what it is--I just think we need to talk about this. Not only are they given more responsibilities than before--THE VP ASSUMES THE PRESIDENCY IF THE PRESIDENT CAN NO LONGER DO THE JOB!!. This is scary to me. I think there should be some serious vetting of these candidates--and there doesn't appear to be. If the job of the VP is changing, then somehow there needs to be a way for the American public to have a voice in this process of electing the VP. To me, this is a serious defect in the election process in this great country of ours.

What do you all think? 

And as for McCain--he has yet to state specifics in what and how he would make changes. He answers questions in this vague roundabout response like he's talking to young children. Does he want to be the "father" of this country? I have watched his interviews, and there are no specifics. I want: This is what I will do, and this is how I will do it. Until then, I will continue to consider him a poor choice for Prez of this country. I've sat on many hiring committees, and if a candidate for an administrative position answered questions in an interview as he has in the last few interviews, he wouldn't even get a second invitation to meet with the Pres or Chancellor of a company or school district. He would be deemed unqualified for the job! JMO. 

I just got this a few minutes ago via email:

I'm a little confused. Let me see if I have this straight.....
* If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're "exotic, different."

* Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers,  a quintessential American story.

* If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.

* Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.

* Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable.

* Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded.

* If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor,  spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of  13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience.

* If your total resume is: local weather girl,  4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.

* If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian.

* If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian.

* If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.

* If , while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant , you're very responsible.

* If your wife is a Harvard graduate laywer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America's.

* If your husband is nicknamed "First Dude",  with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.

OK, much clearer now.

Yeah, that's on the money!

Here's a quote from conservative pundit Richard Cohen:

McCain has turned ugly. His dishonesty would be unacceptable in any politician, but McCain has always set his own bar higher than most. He has contempt for most of his colleagues for that very reason: They lie. He tells the truth. He internalizes the code of the McCains -- his grandfather, his father: both admirals of the shining sea. He serves his country differently, that's all -- but just as honorably. No more, though.

His opportunistic and irresponsible choice of Sarah Palin as his political heir -- the person in whose hands he would leave the country -- is a form of personal treason, a betrayal of all he once stood for. Palin, no matter what her other attributes, is shockingly unprepared to become president. McCain knows that. He means to win, which is all right; he means to win at all costs, which is not.

Did you hear about the anti-Palin rally in Anchorage?  It was the biggest rally in their recent history.  Mostly women.  You know you're a divisive politician when people from your own state are willing to stand in the rain to oppose your VP nomination.     

The McCain campaign is smart to keep her away from reporters, but how much longer can they get away with that?  Her favorable ratings are already sinking.  And without her, McCain just doesn't sell.  Did you see all those empty seats in the arena where he was speaking on Sunday?       

She's not cooperating w/the investigation because McCain's spokesperson claims that 2 of the members of the committee have made it clear (way before Palin was announced as VP candidate) that they support Obama. Okay. Well, then, wouldn't the opposite be true of the repugs--they would be supporting Palin/McCain--so, this hypothesis is true, then we can presume that it wouldn't be possible for there to be a bipartisan committee to determine if she did the deed. Of course, that doesn't make any sense. This isn't about the election, it's about whether a candidate is appropriate for the job she's interviewing for--and I still say she's qualified for returning to AK and be their governor and a stay-at-home mom. That's it. What the media has uncovered so far, is that she will use the power of her position to singly determine the punishment of anyone who crosses her. We don't need an individual with those low ethical and moral values to be the second in command to become Pres of this great country.

I'd like to see all the candidates tell the truth--and stop picking little bits of sentences and making them seem like that's the truth--all this out of context stuff is just plain stupid. I know that people are smarter than this--and everyone around me keeps telling me that we have to realize the middle of the country thinks differently--I just don't buy that--I will continue to believe that the American public is smarter and intelligent enough to know that a President who is past his prime and a VP with no experience running a government should not be voted into the wh. We can't afford to have 4 more years of Bush regime politics. This country will go down. Look at what's happening in all areas of our economy--Bush has done this--he has ruined the reputation and standing of this country in the world.

Another thing Palin "lied" about: Alaskan oil bringing 20% of it to the US. NOT. The oil from Alaska is 3%. And if she's so good at running government and reducing costs--me thinks she needs some more classes in economics seeing that she doesn't know the difference between 3% and 20%--that's a 17% "mistake," because her supporters will say, she didn't lie, she just made an "honest" mistake. How many more honest mistakes has she made and will she make if she were elected VP.

I'm getting a little irritated with Obama and Biden right now. I'd like to sit them down and give them a talking to. Biden needs to address the Repugs regarding Palin, and Obama needs to really start hammering at McCain on his economic plan (there is one, right?), heathcare (he better take him on on this one as I understand JM will do nothing about healthcare if he is elected.

Amy--My hubby and I spent almost 6 weeks travelling through Canada and Alaska. Trust me, it would not be a fitting place for you! No one ever talks about the racism that exists between the "settlers" and the First Nation peoples. I witnessed it first hand on many occasions. In fact, there is tremendous resentment by the "settlers" of the native peoples--as they have historically been given a yearly amount of money, fishing and hunting rights that other citizens don't have, and probably some other things including land ownership. I talked to one social worker (a white woman) who spoke very truthfully to me about what life is like for the First Nation people in her state. She was assigned to cases pertaining to native peoples and tried to get them what they needed--housing, jobs, etc.

We went to one museum that provided tourists with a true look into the First Nation peoples' cultures and customs, as well as their wonderful arts and crafts--many that were for sale. There were native homes set up for each of the different tribes. In one, I was able to talk to a young man (probably just at college age) and asked him if he would attend college. It was evident from his response that he had not considered it, because none of the adults who could and should guide him (like school teachers,counselors) had given him any hope or suggested that he consider college. We talked about Alaska's policy to pay for 4 years of college education if the citizen enrolls in an Alaskan college. He seemed to be unaware of this, and was quite surprised that the program existed. I encouraged him to seek out more information. I hope he did.

At a "roadhouse" we stopped for one of their famous cinnamon rolls (they were delicious). As we finished our meal, I asked if I could use the bathroom and was told yes. When I returned to the table, I noticed a group of First Nation people sitting at another table. They were getting ready to order, and one of the young men asked to use the bathroom. The owner became rather irate, and grabbed the menus from the people and pointed out the window at a portapotty as he said,"You can use that one, since you are only ordering coffee. Now get your selves out of here." I was shocked. We didn't leave a tip but I'm sure he didn't get the message. LOL

It's a state that needs a lot of growing up to do, and some serious diversity training! So that was my experience there. I saw very few First Nation people employed in jobs. I would compare jobs held in this country like tourism to give you an idea--they were all pretty much white--and many of the jobs are considered "summer" jobs and are held by white high school and college students.

That's our experience with Alaska. If you go, go for the beauty of the landscape and the animals indigenous to the country. It is a trip of a lifetime that I will always remember. If I moved there (and we won't) I'd probably get thrown out for my rowdiness in fighting for the First Nation peoples' equitable treatment. You know me, just a troublemaker when it comes to race, class, gender--and I might add a few other "isms" to the list. Hee-Hee!!

He smiled at me today! And waved.

Barak spoke at my work place today. I wasn't one of the fortunate few who got a ticket, so a bunch of us waited outside the health clinic at the Colorado School of Mines. He was speaking across the street at the new rec center. We watched his motorcade come in, entertained the police escorts while he spoke (listened to the speech on the local Air America radio station) then stood outside to watch him leave.

Once the crowd heard that he wouldn't be giving an impromptu speech to the throngs outside, they left. We didn't. He finally made his exit to the bus, then made an about face and walked up the road toward us. As we waved and cheered, he smiled and waved back, a mere 20 feet away.

I felt like I was watching the Beatles or something. I still have goosebumps.

Hillary had my heart, but Barak has my vote.

Anne

Anne, I'm so jealous!  I guess Obama really is focusing on Colorado.  Karl Rove was in the building adjacent to where my husband works in Orange County today, but I can assure you, he wasn't rushing over there to catch Rove's smile.     

Interesting story about Alaska, Grace.  You made me hungry for cinnamon buns.  I have a good friend who grew up there, but she never talks about the Native Americans.  I'll have to ask her about them. 

Obama and Biden are definitely stepping up the economic attacks.  Did you hear any of Biden's speech today?  He was on fire.  Hopefully once the media grows tired of new shiny penny Palin, they'll spend more time covering Biden.           

Reminds me of the Kennedy/Nixon campaign battle for Prez. My dh and his family lived in NY at the time. My MIL was downtown for a parade and rally. She said this about Kennedy: I was waving as his convertible went by slowly. We made eye contact (at least she thought they did) and I wanted to melt. His gaze was mesmerizing. People were inthralled with the Kennedy's--specifically Jack and Jackie O.

Yes, Alaska was very interesting, as was the Northern Terratories in Canada. Amazing to see trees that had been growing for 1,000+ years that were 2 feet high!! So much of the state has permafrost. Hard to imagine what it's like in the winter! There were several villages that we loved staying in--where the pop. was very small and not a lot of tourists. That's as much as we got off the beaten path. I can see where living in this state can be about the ability to survive--and not like going down a dirt road in our wilderness. Cell phones rarely worked outside of the larger cities--no instant AAA road service. Getting stuck out there could mean hunkering down until someone finds you, or hiking back to the "highway" and waiting for a car to come by--hopefully that day!

Hey, now would be the time to let Alaska secede--that would most likely eliminate Palin. Interesting how McCain is keeping her right by his side! Must be worried she's going to say the wrong thing!!

Speaking of wrong things said, a big OOPS goes to Carly Fiorina. She was talking about who was qualified to run a large corporation, and she firmly pointed out that in her opinion (and she named each of the Prez & VP candidates) none of them are able right now to run a large corporation. Shortly thereafter, McCain camp pulled her out of some speaking engagements and is monitoring what she says by preparing her talks. So, as with the Repugs, we are back to canned speeches and teleprompters!

Obama is criticized by some Repugs as ahing and hming too much. Actually I find his pauses very refreshing, and at least he doesn't talk the way Bush does--pausing because he can't remember what word he wanted next! Obama is very steady, and not going to be pulled into the Repugs attack type campaign (on a personal level). Obama is sticking to the issues. When will McC answer the questions about the economy? I notice he doesn't let Palin answer questions from the press. No wonder she is getting poor reviews from the press. Don't think most women who would have voted for Hillary are going to move to the McCain/Palin side.

I'd like to see more of Biden. Hey Joe, when are you going to really press Palin into real campaigning instead of hiding behind McC's trousers??? 

Sandy, you are most welcome here.  I know it can be hard to support and vote for someone whose stands on particular issues diverge from your own.  There are things about Obama-Biden's platform that I'm not crazy about, too, but looking at the big picture, I think they're by far the better choice.  My in-laws are extremely religious and are avid Obama supporters, so I don't think those two are necessarily mutually exclusive.  (I'm volunteering to be a poll worker for the first time this year.  Looking forward to it!)

I wonder if Fiorina's retort had anything to do with Palin's comment that she's against "golden parachutes" for CEOs.  Fiorina got, what, a $32 million severance package from H-P?  And now H-P is laying off almost 25,000 employees!  You wonder why McCain keeps these controversial people on his team.  Phil Gramm is another one.  

I think the press is getting tired of the GOP's stonewalling.  What's funny is that there are hordes of reporters around Palin, who won't speak to them, and about 6 who are following Biden, who, as we know, loves to gab to anyone who'll listen.  

Predictably McCain/Palin are making a big deal about Streisand and Obama's Hollywood fundraising.  Are they going to reveal how much Hollywood money they raised a couple months of ago in Beverly Hills?  Or how much money they've gotten from those golden parachute CEO's?  The GOP needs a new script.              

Hi LAphoenix.....Thank you so much for your welcome.....And what was funny, was that while I was reading your post, and preparing to answer you, the Obama people called, asking me to help out.  Of ourse I said yes.....I will be doing some phoning, and maybe some canvasing....if I can get up the nerve.

 I agree that Obama/Biden is a much better choice than McCain/Palin...And I think the press will soon tire of Sarah Palin.....Already some Republicans are saying aloud what they have thought privately....Sarah is not ready to be president.

Congratulations for working in the polls.....You will love it.  That reminds me...I have to call the Election Board and make sure they have my name....They usually call before now.  

I think that this is a very important election...More so than many others...Either way, historoy will be made, and that alone is exciting.  

Do you watch Rachael Maddow's new show?  She's great...And I enjoy Chris Matthews and Keith Oberman.....And...I love to hear Pat Buchannon talk....He's getting a little nutty, though. 

Thanks again for your warm welcome.....We all have to pull together now and elect our guy.

God Bless,

Sandy

Since I can't return to work this week (in Houston) I've been watching the cable news.  Chris Matthews and Norah Odonnell have never been my favorites, but today they were actually doing their job, holding the Republicans' feet to the fire, asking where's Bush (this country happens to be in the worst financial crisis of our lifetimes - shouldn't he be addressing the Nation???), and how can the Republicans possibly claim to be the party to "fix" Washington, when indeed they are the ones who BROKE us, both morally and financially, over the last 8 years.  The only thing they can do is try and blame Pelosi and Reid because Dems have *barely* had control of Congress for the last 22 months!  How lame can they get?

We will be lucky if can we survive this disaster of an administration for 4 more months, much less 4 more years!

Shokk, I am not Sandy, but let me give you my opinion. I am pro-life too (not for religious reasons, because I am not religious; but for my own ethical reasons. Incidentally, it is entirely possible to have high ethical standards and be an atheist at the same time). This is why I chose to not have an abortion. But I don't see why other women should have to adhere to my own ethical stance. I don't judge women who have chosen abortion, I am just not one of them. Therefore, I am pro-choice.

Women who are pro-life should not have abortions. Women who are pro-choice should be free to choose. As simple as that.

Yeah, the wheels seem to be coming off the GOP wagon, at least this week.  McCain can't figure out which past president to quote--Reagan or FDR.  He can't decide if the fundamentals are strong, or in the tank.  He can't figure out if government should get out the way of the market, or have stringent oversight.  So much for clear vision and a steady hand. 

And don't you love McBush's explanation for why his ads are so nasty?  It's all Obama's fault because he didn't want to do town hall meetings.  That's like the bully saying that if only the smart kid had given him his lunch money like he demanded, he wouldn't have had to beat him up.  And this is the kind of temperment we should want in our leader?  

Palin's numbers are slipping fast, as more people are figuring out that there's not much "there there" and they really do want their leaders to have some understanding of how the economy works, not just an ability to repeat the campaign talking points.  But I'm sure she'll continue to energize the religious right base and might help local GOP candidates in close races. 

Amy, I agree that Rachel's show has improved.  It was nice to see sidekick Kent Jones with her again.  He was on her radio show, then left a few months ago.  I'm getting a little tired of Keith's anti-O'Reilly-Murdoch-Limbaugh rants though.  Those guys are such paper tigers to me. 

As far as I can see, the only difference between Lady Rothschild, the working class aristocrat, Cindy McCain, the beer heiress, and Barbra Streisand is that Barbra can sing.  You get music with your donation.  Wow, that's bad.  Those Hollywood types should be ashamed. 

And I guess it's bye-bye to poor foot-in-mouth Fiorina.