When I first heard the news this morning that John McCain had picked the unknown Sarah Palin to be his running mate, I was not too happy. But I have warmed to this ticket as I have learned a little more about her.
My first reaction was he is only choosing a woman in attempt to lure Hillary supporters. It did not make sense as I would think they would see right through that, and maybe almost be offended by it. Then there was her lack of experience, which also didn't make any sense as he has been knocking Barack Obama for this very thing.
Her background may be brief, but extremely impressive. Throughout the day I was hearing a little bit about her, including that she took on fellow Republicans over some ethic violations, but I was not hearing the details. I searched for some info online and found a story that ran in the Weekly Standard back in July 2007, titled "The Most Popular Governor." I recommend that you read the entire article: http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/013/851orcjq.asp, but I will share a little here.
Her rise started after she resigned as Chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in January 2004. She had complained about fellow Commissioner Randy Ruedrich (also the Alaska's Republican Chairman) over ethic violations and corruption. First he was fined, and ultimately resigned, with Palin proclaimed as the hero.
Since she has been governor, she has stuck to her guns on ethics and good business policies, not letting anyone get in her way - no matter what party they may be from. She fired the entire Alaska Board of Agriculture in order to stop the closure of the Creamery Board, which was important to keep Alaska's economy diversified.
Her overall politics may not be completely in line with mine. I am a fiscal conservative. I don't necessarily agree with all of the Republican party's social views. But someone who is pro-business is a must. It is business - small to large - that carries our country, and makes it possible for all of us to work and succeed. It comes down to simple economics. This is really the compelling reason why there is little chance that I will ever vote for a Democrat. The fact that she is also fighting for good ethical standards makes her a stronger choice.
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7 comments:
oh David, we have a serious political conflict. McCain CANNOT get elected. What really scares me is how old he is (older than Alaska) and if anything were to happen and render him unable to execute the duties of the office, she's running the joint. Are you kidding me? I absolutely agree with capitalism and small government. But we are in such a bloody mess thanks to the GOP I cannot see another 4 years of the same. I'll be out on the street. I AM small business and getting my ass kicked. I AM one of the 47 million without health care. Not to mention the state of the arts and the virtual elimination of the NEA and any art/music programs from the neediest of schools (to help fund the dismal situation in Iraq). Don't forget ecological challenges. This election is beyond important. It is imperative we make the right choice. We need to get up to speed with what is currently going on in this country and the world and not look back to the past. It is about business, but we are eroding from the bottom up. I should know. I'm at the bottom. It sucks down here and I'm fighting for my very existence. I'm also one of those who stand to inherit a boatload of $$ from my parents (also bleeding heart liberals despite their financial status). I'll still be middle class though since my net worth, albeit a couple million, will be under 5 million. God bless America we can have this discussion and I don't have to worry about going to jail. Well, after Cheney's gone anyway.
I know about being at the bottom. I had a small business myself and lost a ton of money on it before being forced to sell it - only to cover a small portion of the debt. Now I am in a commission job, where I'm not getting much in the way of commissions. There are many reasons why our economy is in a mess right now, but I point to things like all the restrictions that are put on business, making it even harder for them to succeed (especially here in California). Employees are given way too much latitude, and little latitude is given to the guy or gal who is taking all the risk. Programs that Democrats put in place are all to blame. If we end up with the subsidized health insurance the dems are proposing we will be in a huge mess. Do you want our country to become a Socialist society? I don't think that is what you want. I'm certainly not happy with everything Bush has done, but McCain is nothing like Bush. If there was a more middle of the road type Dem running - who was at least somewhat fiscally conservative I might consider voting for him, but there is no way I could vote for the most liberal voting Senator.
I'm with ya Dave! I am so stoked for Sarah palin I had to design a shirt!
http://www.zazzle.com/sarah_palin_for_change_shirt-235977407421083336
I loved her speech, I think she will balance Johnny Mac pretty well and I share many of her values. She had me at "Servant's Heart!" since that is something most politicians do not have!
Nice shirt, Russ! Maybe you can offer one up as a prize in the next poker game.
For whatever reason I thought you were more left leaning. Glad to hear you're on the right side!
Actually David, I am registered Republican, but in all truth, I would make a great Socialist! Neither party does it for me as I have agreements with both and disagreements with both. I think we should have a small government that stays out of our business, except for social healthcare, a large military and care for the aged. Otherwise, let us have our guns, you are free to choose pro life or pro choice, let gays and lesbians do as they please, leave the copies of the 10 Commandments on the Supreme Court walls, leave the Pledge of Alligiance as is and in school acknowleging God, and get our precious troops out of Iraq so we can have a strong standing army here at HOME in case we need them on our own soil! Most of all, work out a plan so our economy can thrive and create millions of jobs in the renewable energy sector. There, that is my platform for the Revolution!
I have to tell you David, that as a former North Westerner my heart swelled with pride as I watched Sarah Palin return to Alaska. North Westerners are small in number and more liberal than conservitave but...... as a former conservitive Oregonian and current resident of southern California I couldn't be more proud of our Republican Ticket.
6' Snowdrifts in San Diego couldn't keep me from the polls on November 4th. It is time to go "All In" my friend. See you in October.
Tahoe
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