Political Blinders

So the GOP is finally running a female candidate on the most prestigious ticket in the country. But seriously, Sarah Palin?? I'm sure I wasn't the only one who though that, after an incredibly successful and energizing democratic convention, John McCain might try to budge his way into the spotlight by announcing his Veep candidate. I'm also sure I was just one of the crowd who laughed hysterically when the announcement was made, choking out the response of "Are they kidding?!?". Let's review what we have here: Old, white haired dude (the one and only time I will EVER thank Paris...) who very well might die from the shock of being elected, and a pit bull in lipstick... Great, better for the Dems, right?

But now I am worried... It seems that some people (and not just super conservatives) are now more behind McCain than ever. While that, in itself, would be only mildly troubling, I do find it extremely alarming that the largest demographic to throw their weight over the fence to the right is.... WOMEN?? I want to see a woman in the White House with all my heart, but Sarah Palin is not the right one. And really, it is honestly more likely than it has ever been that, were McCain to be elected, his VP would ascend to the oval office during his possible 8 years in the white house. He would be the oldest man to ever be sworn in as president, and he suffers from an illness that claims 34 % of its victims within 10 years... So we really have to look to second in command, more then we ever have, as a real possible president. So, Sarah Palin... She doesn't know what the Bush doctrine is. Well, in fairness, many people do not know what it is, but she is RUNNING FOR VICE PRESIDENT!! Shouldn't she at least have SOME idea?? Next, foreign policy experience: She can see Russia from her home state. Well, jeez, that makes me feel a lot better, how about you? Ok, fine, something she is supposed to be good at: Family values! Except that she is willing to sacrifice her family (daughter, Bristol and son, Track) to the wolves of the media for a little positive spin if she can... Hmm... Really then, what qualifications does she have? She was the runner up in the Miss Alaska pageant! That must be it!!

Seriously, though... We have some major issues on our doorstep, and as much as I would LOVE for this to be the year where we make history with a woman in the white house, we cannot afford to let demographics prevent us from addressing the problems that the next administration must solve. It is time to make history, not because of who takes the oath on January 20th, 2009, we will have that no matter what. No, it is time for us to choose a person who will do what needs to be done to pull this country back from the edge of the cliff that we have been blindly lead to over the last eight years. It is time that government became once again "Of the people, by the people, and for the people."

Vote as you like in November, just please, know who and what you are voting for.

Pros and Cons