McCain and Palin: A Bad Choice for America Today
As I watched both Democratic and Republican conventions last week, it was evident that both candidates intended to electrify their parties and the voters. If the truth be told, it seems as if both parties were successful in doing their jobs, to bring a longing energy into their parties and candidates. As someone who loves to talk about politics, and who cares about the future of America, there are many real issues which loom large for me, as a woman, and as a mother.
Statistics show that August had the highest un-employment rate yet in the US, over 6.1 percent. Moreover, the foreclosure rate for homes was also up, 9 percent, another all time high. Many Americans do not have jobs today, and their homes are in jeopardy, which is a real fact in this country. Moreover, in California, we are still paying $3.85 for a gallon of gas. It is curious, how the price has decreased suddenly. Moreover, the country is in trillions of dollars of debt from the Iraq war, and millions of jobs are being outsourced. Another fact, which is becoming more and more real, because of our reliance on oil, is that those in Dubai and the Saudis are beginning to buy up American companies. If anyone has been courting the Arab countries, and making them rich and even richer, it is this current administration, under the umbrella of Bush and Cheney. Could it not be the case that one day, America will belong to these nations if we continue our business relations and make decisions that favor those abroad rather than at home. America under Arab control may one day become reality.
When all is said and done, when the lime-light begins to fade, and reality surfaces, let us take a look at these two candidates and their running mates. Frankly, John McCain is a good man. He has made efforts to reach across the table in to both parties during his time in the Senate, and in the past, I believe the label maverick (someone who is willing to beat to his own drum) was appropriate. Sadly, today, with the selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate, it appears as if this die in the wool label no longer applies to McCain, and today, he is an instrument of the religious right, who will do whatever is necessary to become elected President of the United States, even if it means selecting a vice-presidential candidate who seems unqualified for the job.
What do I mean when I say the Governer Palin is unqualified to be Vice-President. First of all, let us look at her education. With a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Idaho, this appears to be the only degree that she holds. Neither a master's degree nor law degree are pieces of paper that she can claim to possess. Moreover, she recently applied for a passport last year, and has only been outside of this country less than 5 times. Is this a woman who has the personal experience to debate and decide issues of national security and foreign policy. Curiously, Ms. Palin has yet to give an interview with a major newspaper, television commentator, and appears to be cocooned in safety from speaking about these very real issues that face us as Americans. If G-d forbid anything were to happen to John McCain, is this someone who you would want to be President of the United States of America. Experience, although not necessary (look at John Kennedy) is important. I could go on and on with facts regarding her lack of qualifications, but to keep this post readable, I will stop now.
It is refreshing truthfully that a woman was chosen to be part of the ticket, and although Palin believes, falsely, in my humble opinion, that she can reach those 18 million cracks in the ceiling from Hilary Clintion, the old thing that these two women have in common are XX cromosomes. Their views on the war, abortion, the role of government could not be further apart.
Although both McCain and Palin have compelling biographies, personal facts, standing alone, and some from more than 40 years ago, are not what will change this country, and the horrible damage that was done by 8 years of incompetent leadership under Bush and Cheney. Curious, is it not that we never saw Cheney's face at the Republican convention, or even heard either party mention his name, nor the name of Bush for that matter.
Facts are supreme in this election. We as a nation are deeply in trouble now, with our economy, our health care system (which neither candidate mentioned either), and our level of government, including choices Judicial choices which will eventually be made for those men and women to sit on the United States Supreme Court.
As Americans, let us act intelligently, appeal to real facts, and not emotions and platitudes without substance, when making a decision about who we want to lead for the next four years. We had this same decision four years ago, and look at where our country is today.
Thank you for your minds.
Statistics show that August had the highest un-employment rate yet in the US, over 6.1 percent. Moreover, the foreclosure rate for homes was also up, 9 percent, another all time high. Many Americans do not have jobs today, and their homes are in jeopardy, which is a real fact in this country. Moreover, in California, we are still paying $3.85 for a gallon of gas. It is curious, how the price has decreased suddenly. Moreover, the country is in trillions of dollars of debt from the Iraq war, and millions of jobs are being outsourced. Another fact, which is becoming more and more real, because of our reliance on oil, is that those in Dubai and the Saudis are beginning to buy up American companies. If anyone has been courting the Arab countries, and making them rich and even richer, it is this current administration, under the umbrella of Bush and Cheney. Could it not be the case that one day, America will belong to these nations if we continue our business relations and make decisions that favor those abroad rather than at home. America under Arab control may one day become reality.
When all is said and done, when the lime-light begins to fade, and reality surfaces, let us take a look at these two candidates and their running mates. Frankly, John McCain is a good man. He has made efforts to reach across the table in to both parties during his time in the Senate, and in the past, I believe the label maverick (someone who is willing to beat to his own drum) was appropriate. Sadly, today, with the selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate, it appears as if this die in the wool label no longer applies to McCain, and today, he is an instrument of the religious right, who will do whatever is necessary to become elected President of the United States, even if it means selecting a vice-presidential candidate who seems unqualified for the job.
What do I mean when I say the Governer Palin is unqualified to be Vice-President. First of all, let us look at her education. With a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Idaho, this appears to be the only degree that she holds. Neither a master's degree nor law degree are pieces of paper that she can claim to possess. Moreover, she recently applied for a passport last year, and has only been outside of this country less than 5 times. Is this a woman who has the personal experience to debate and decide issues of national security and foreign policy. Curiously, Ms. Palin has yet to give an interview with a major newspaper, television commentator, and appears to be cocooned in safety from speaking about these very real issues that face us as Americans. If G-d forbid anything were to happen to John McCain, is this someone who you would want to be President of the United States of America. Experience, although not necessary (look at John Kennedy) is important. I could go on and on with facts regarding her lack of qualifications, but to keep this post readable, I will stop now.
It is refreshing truthfully that a woman was chosen to be part of the ticket, and although Palin believes, falsely, in my humble opinion, that she can reach those 18 million cracks in the ceiling from Hilary Clintion, the old thing that these two women have in common are XX cromosomes. Their views on the war, abortion, the role of government could not be further apart.
Although both McCain and Palin have compelling biographies, personal facts, standing alone, and some from more than 40 years ago, are not what will change this country, and the horrible damage that was done by 8 years of incompetent leadership under Bush and Cheney. Curious, is it not that we never saw Cheney's face at the Republican convention, or even heard either party mention his name, nor the name of Bush for that matter.
Facts are supreme in this election. We as a nation are deeply in trouble now, with our economy, our health care system (which neither candidate mentioned either), and our level of government, including choices Judicial choices which will eventually be made for those men and women to sit on the United States Supreme Court.
As Americans, let us act intelligently, appeal to real facts, and not emotions and platitudes without substance, when making a decision about who we want to lead for the next four years. We had this same decision four years ago, and look at where our country is today.
Thank you for your minds.
11 Comments:
You're so correct... I would say: you're Right... But of course, you're Left... And that's CORRECT... These two are a nightmare...
Dear Barbara,
First let me say that I haven't decided whom to vote for. This may be the first election ever in which I vote for a major party candidate (instead of libertarian)
To be honest, while I admire attorneys, your comment about Palin not having a law degree or grad degree, but "just" a bachelors degree is rather elitist. Only 8% of our population has a grad degree. Only 23% has an undergrad degree. And frankly I think Washington would do well by having fewer lawyers. (I have nothing but a lowly BS degree in Business Admin.)
Obama and Palin have about the same amount of experience in politics.
With that said, my greatest concern about Palin is the issue with the librarian who wouldn't censor the books kept in the local library. Freedom of Speech is so, well, American.
I read a phenomenal book while on vacation entitled "Murder in Amsterdam," by Ian Buruma. It's tightly written and addresses the clash between "liberal" western cultures and fundamentalist Muslim cultures in Europe.(the catalyst for the book was the murder of Theo Van Gogh) It made me recall the murder of Daniel Pearl and of course 9-11.
My concern about Obama is his apparent desire to reach out to the enemy and treat them equally, let them in the door and set them down by fireplace with the family. Yes, that's a very broad generalization, but that's the nature of blogging sometimes. A characterization.
Anyway, I love your blog, the intelligent nature of your comments, and the comments of your followers. This will be an eventful election if nothing else!
WW
&
Skittles, The Huntress
Ahhhh Barbara, You know how I feel. I will be voting for McCain/Palin when it comes time to vote. AND this is voting for the lesser of two evils. I do NOT wish to have Obama as my president...He is the most liberal I have ever seen and he has more than one tie to terrorists.... I think he will lead our country down the merry path to destruction.
Yes, people are out of work; they are paying too much for gas; over extended themselves with houses they could not afford and are in debt up to their eyeballs. There are also people who genuinely need our help, but socialism is not the answer.
I am looking forward to the debates to see if Obama can come up with answers that are not spoon fed to him.....I would like to see what some of his real plans for this country are.
Good to see you again....Hope things are going well with your family.
Thank you all for your comments.
Skittles, I appreciate what you have to say about being undecided, and know that you will take a look at the real issues facing us as Americans today. Certain educational requirements are necessary for various jobs in America. For example, a teacher is expected to have a teaching credential, a lawyer a law degree, a scientist a knowledge of phsics. It is not unreasonable to expect that the man or woman who is going to be governming this nation to have all the best tools at his/her disposal to understand the complex issues that face America today.
I'm rushing off to work. More later.
Dear Barbara,
I am glad to see that you are posting again.
In defense of Palin, I watched the C-Span broadcast done recently of the 2006 Alaskan Governor's debate in which Palin debated the then current governor who was running as well as others who were running. She did an excellent job. Of couse she went on to be elected governor of Alaska. Her approval rating is about 80% and that can't be just because she is a pretty woman.
Sarah Palin is a smart woman. No doubt about it. In spite of the fact that she only has a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Idaho, she is nobody's fool. Just a reminder, but Harry S. Truman who is noted by historians as being one of our greatest presidents never graduated from college himself. Some people are self-made and self-educated. I believe this is what we may have in Sarah Palin. The upcoming vetting of her by the mainstream media and the debates to follow will tell us what we need to know about her.
Maria Bartiromo of CNBC conducted an hour long interview of Sarah Palin several months ago up in Alaska. The focus of her interview was energy and the kind that Alaska has to offer. Palin showed herself to be well-versed in this subject. Bartiromo remarked later that Palin is well-read. Palin spoke fluently and intelligently about the subject without all those "uh's" and "um's" characteristic of Senator Obama's off-the-cuff speaking. Now I don't fault Obama necessarily, because I realize he is gathering his thoughts together when he uses these fillers. But with Sarah, her thoughts in this case are so well gathered that she knows them like she knows the back of her hand.
Henry Kissinger was asked recently if he had any concerns about Palin's lack of experience in foreign matters and how that might affect her performance if she were suddenly thrust into the position of POTUS should McCain get elected and pass away while serving. Kissinger was not concerned. He explained that there is a machine in place at that level of government consisting of all kinds of people with the necessary expertise who would be there to guide Palin if she found herself in that role.
Like Lucy, I will be voting for the McCain/Palin ticket. I believe Senator Obama to be an intelligent man who truly loves our country and wants to do good things for its people. But like Lucy, socialism scares me and that is where Obama wants to take this country.
Keep writing, Barbara. I have always enjoyed your blog.
While I respect those who disagree with me, let me ask you these questions, please.
How, and to what extent do you believe the state of our economy today, including unemployment, foreclosures, and the trillions of dollars spent on the Iraq war, can be addressed to change America today? Somehow, although these parties have interesting biographies, there seems to be very little attention on the substance of the issues. To me, it is like a form of brainwashing, something I believe Rove did when he was the lightening rod to get Bush elected. Look at where we are 8 years later. That scares me.
Obama wants everyone to be able to have healthcare, regardless of income, or illness. Frankly, McCain, as someone with a history of cancer, would not qualify for health care under the current state of events. Since he has so much money, this is not an issue for me, but there are many good Americans, who cannot afford health care, and who are without it for their families and children because of the state of our system today. These facts worry me. Going into another Presidency with such a broken country today worries me too.
Susie, I appreciate the fact about Truman, which I did not know. Just as a President is required to be US born, perhaps some safeguards need to be put into place regarding education to run this country. As I say, would you want someone teaching children without a proper creditential, or practicing law without a law degree?
Biography does not trump substance or knowledge in my humble opinion.
Thank you for your comments.
I know this is dipping back in history to a time when circumstances were different, but neither George Washington nor Abraham Lincoln graduated from college. Yet they were exemplary leaders.
This is not to say that a formal education means little. It means a lot. I doubt that it would be necessary though to establish education safeguards for the presidency as you suggest. We weed these people out early before they get to the point of running for president or vice president.
Palin's education credentials from the University of Iowa along with her life experiences to date are sufficient enough. What is important beyond that is whether she possesses the leadership qualities needed to lead the country should she be placed in the position.
Ronald Reagan, who was another exemplary American leader, graduated from a little college in Illinois, Eureka College. It has a little over 700 students. Hardly Ivy League quality. But see what small was able to produce.
With regard to teacher's credentials, I guess we all know teachers who have credentials but are lousy teachers nonetheless. The same goes for lawyers. I have known mothers who had no teaching credentials who did a wonderful job homeschooling their children. This is not to suggest that our schools hire unqualifed teachers though.
I want to make a correction to my post above. Palin graduated from the University of Idaho, not Iowa.
I suppose what is truly most important is whether a president and/or his VP have the ability to enforce and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.
Although one's personal faith and religious beliefs are significant, the US Constitution specifically has a provision which requires the separation of church from state. The framers were smart, and they had the understanding that America is in fact a diverse nation, and not everyone is of the same religious belief, and some, if they choose have little belief. That is what makes America a great country.
Last night, I saw speeches from Palin given at her church where she basically professed that it would be up to G-d as to whether certain military, and or governmental events would come to pass or not. Although this may be one's personal belief, it is frankly scarey to articulate these stances in a public forum, especially when someone is a governor of a state. It makes me feel as if personal belief would replace that which is set forth in the Constitution of the United States of America.
Frankly, I do not believe that Palin has the ability to lead this country in these decisions. Not only is this based upon her lack of experience, but on lack of knowledge of the real issues facing this country today. Why is she not speaking to the media? I would guess it is because she is not ready, that the lean machine has not programed her yet to say anything other than what is written in front of her.
As for McCain, I used to respect him a great deal, and at one time he was a true mavrick. Now, he has sold his soul to the religious right, just as Bush did 8 years ago. Look at where our country is at today from that decision. Do we want to dig ourselves even deeper into an economic and social hole?
I agree with you completely!
When John F. Kennedy ran for president, I was a young adult. I remember that many Americans back then were scared to death that if Kennedy was elected the Pope would be running the country and we would turn into a theocracy.
I agree with Senator Obama who, in response to this new controversy, said that Sarah Palin is a very religious woman and that is a GOOD thing. Senator Obama is religious, too, and has made many speeches in front of church groups.
I watched the Youtube videos of Sarah's talk before the Assembly of God congregation where she used to be a member until 2002. She was there that day to garner their support for her natural gas pipeline project that promises to bring prosperity to Alaska if accomplished. She asked the congregation to pray for this project. She asked them to pray for our military and to ask God to give our leaders wisdom and so on. The pastor who baptized Sarah when she was a child said prayers at the end of Sarah's talk. He prayed that they would all be "rooted and grounded in love." I really do not think you need to be afraid of Sarah Palin and her religious beliefs.
Reporters and others have swooped down on Alaska recently in order to find out all they can about Sarah Palin. Some are up there merely looking for dirt, any they can find on her. Reporters have been cornering her former pastor of the Assembly of God church in Wasilla eager to find out if Sarah has ever "spoken in tongues" as if this is newsworthy information.
I believe that Sarah Palin is a genuine article. In the remaining weeks before the election, we will be finding out more about her. We will find out how much she really knows and understands about the issues facing our country. We will find out if she has what it takes. I am willing to give her a chance before I pass judgment on her.
BTW, John Ashcroft who served as U.S. Attorney General from 2001 through 2005 is a member of an Assembly of God church. Ashcroft was also the Governor of Missouri and a U.S. Senator from that state. I am not a member of any Assembly of God church and never have been in case you have wondered. I grew up as a Catholic. Later as an adult I turned to mainstream Protestantism.
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