2008.08.29
Maverick McCain strikes again!
John McCain has done it again. He did the unexpected. Mitt Who!? Tim Whatever?
Nah, the man -- or actually WOman -- picked by the maverick Arizona senator to run as his vice presidential running mate is Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
Known to fight corruption and government waste, Palin enjoys the same reputation in Alaska as McCain enjoys nationally.
I like McCain, but I understand why "Dan," a strident Bush supporter who called me Thursday, suggested strongly he doesn't really trust the Republican presidential nominee fearing he'll say whatever he needs to say now and then do whatever he wants if he gets to the White House.
This bombshell move has honked off Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty, who now realize they were strung along as "decoys."
But back to us mere mortals, who actually can keep count of the numbers of houses we own: What does Palin's selection do for the race? Will she draw the vote of disgruntled Hillary Clinton supporters McCain's way in November?
Or will it backfire because Hillary backers will see it as a transparently patronizing move, insulted that McCain thinks they'll vote for a woman, any woman?
s
Addendum
Removed from the cloud of deadline, I've now had some time to think about McCain's move. It's politically shrewd. Palin's addition brings another twist to an already exciting 2008 presidential campaign. It's a different campaign with a woman on the ticket and makes the Obama campaign have to adjust.
I felt from the beginning and still do, that John McCain is a decent, honorable, and courageous individual, but I was very dismayed by the fact that he might have been allowing himself to become a pawn for the right-wing rogue conservatives (cowards cloaked in the flag)or the self-righteous religious kooks (hypocrites cloaked in the bible) of which he has stood independently steadfast. His selection of Governor Palin proves this. Unfortunately, John and his VP selection cannot undue the corrupt Republican recipe for governing over the past eight years, from Dick Cheney to Ted Stevens of Alaska.
Comment by Bobby Buck — August 29, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
I see it as transparently patronizing, but I was going to vote for Obama already anyway. The VP choice shouldn't cause anyone who supported Hilary to switch their support to McCain/Palin since Palin's views and political experience are as far from Clinton's as one can get, but it probably will anyway.
Comment by SJ — August 29, 2008 @ 2:00 pm
Her selection brings youth (and inexperience, but how much of that does Obama have), conservatism, and diversity to the GOP campaign. And insofar as attracting former Hilary supporters, we don't even WANT the vote of anyone foolish enough to fall for her and Bill's B.S. I think this selection shows that there won't be "eight more years" of Dubya's failures.
Comment by Mike — August 29, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
I'm seeing some interesting signals here.
Obama supporters say they don't vote for him just because he's black. But wait, those white yokels won't vote for him just because he is black. He's not experienced, he brings fresh ideas. Joe Biden? Yes, he's experienced, but totally not the reason that Obama selected him...
And women didn't vote for Hillary just because she's a woman. But those darn yokels will die before they see a woman in office...
So now we have someone accusing McCain of being a pawn to the right-wing (some needless derogatory adjectives were added)...because he selected a young woman. I guess he wanted to lose that right-wing yokel vote.
It's going to be great to see how many Obama supporters that appeared to take the high road by talking of Obama's fresh ideas, strive to unify, no partisan line-toeing, etc...will echo the same hollow words of how McCain is simply "checking the box" by selecting a woman for his Veep slot.
"What does Palin bring to the table, Ed?" you may ask? Well, I'll tell you the truth. The announcement was made this morning, it's a workday, and honestly I haven't had enough time to research her and make a final determination. How's that for refreshing honesty? From what I have read of her so far on media releases and her web site, I think she may bring some conservative values that will bring back part of the base that was alienated by Bush. But I'll have to do more research to know for sure.
If she has the right stuff (har!) and the circumstances are right, maybe those that were leaning towards Barr will go to McCain.
Comment by Ed S. — August 29, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
I am unsure what Mike's reply is saying. Does this selection mean that the bulk of the Republican party, which in both 2000, when McCain was also a candidate, and 2004, insisted that the very best available person for the job was George W. Bush? Because the Republican party today is still mostly comprised of those who insisted that then, isn't it? Isn't the collective judgment of the Republican party represented by who they put forward as the best possible leader, and the results that then ensue? If, as Mike seems to suggest, the dominance of neo-conservatives and dogma salesmen has been eliminated in the Republican party, what is the evidence for that?
Comment by Warren — August 29, 2008 @ 3:36 pm
The NOW put out a strong email newsletter, on how the NOW does not back Mrs Palin, for quite a few reasons. As a non Republican, and life long Demo , I think I'll vote for Bob Barr.{Ron Paul} who actually aspire to return this country to goverment for and by the people, not by corporate America.
Comment by Dona Wheeler — August 29, 2008 @ 4:27 pm
Dan Quayle in a skirt. How stupid do the republicans think women are? Obviously pretty stupid to fall for McCains pick. Palin is no Hillary, no Boxer, no Snowe, etc, etc. Her experience?
PTA, beauty queen, governor for 18 months? Mother of five? Member of the NRA, pro-life, against gay marriage?
A real sweetheart she is. I have been laughing all day.
Comment by A Nuffer — August 29, 2008 @ 4:43 pm
Warren..
I don't quite understand where you're going with your post. After all, with the approval ratings posted by the media, it would be very hard to not understand that even Republicans (or independent voters that the Republican candidates typically appeal to) are not happy with some things the current administration is doing.
(Of course, you could choose to believe all Republicans think Bush is perfect, but then you'd have to explain how Bush won two elections when only 19-30% [approval rating] of the country is Republican. And at the same time you'd have to admit that the DNC proposed candidates so bad, that most of the other 70% of the country abandoned them, which pretty much negates the original argument about best possible leader...)
Comment by Ed S. — August 29, 2008 @ 4:49 pm
Um, ya, sure..... old white haired man dies in office and this gal who's only been in office for less than 2 years will be at the helm of our White House? Yikes!! Almost sounds like no one else applied for the job.
Comment by Di — August 29, 2008 @ 5:34 pm
G.W Bush has killed the GOP and even his ‘Well he’s getting better’ apologists gave up on him and we all looked forward to 2008. Having McCain gaining the nominee was bad enough his role of keeping the GOP in office would be a hard task. But if the warning bells with McCain weren’t enough he had one thing going for him, choosing a good running mate. Well, he decides to skin the GOP carcass and now his chance of pointing out the in-experience of Obama is lost thanks to his choice of VP. If he chose Romney he would have had a chance… now he’s a Ford all over again and Obama will be our Carter… Get ready for a Reagan revival and that will be Romney thank you very much.
Comment by Rex Hump — August 29, 2008 @ 5:46 pm
"Palin is no Hillary, no Boxer, no Snowe, etc, etc. Her experience?"
NUFFER:
We Republicans are THANKFUL for the fact that she's head and shoulders above those "heavyweights" you referenced. And speaking of experience, does the governor have any less of that than the head man on the Democratic ticket? OH, I guess that his lack of experience will be supplied by his PLAGIARIZING running mate, Joe Copycat.
Comment by Mike — August 29, 2008 @ 11:14 pm
Warren:
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, since it is equally applicable to you as it was to the one who perceived it as a "compliment." ...
Often it is better to remain silent and appear foolish than to open one's mouth and remove any shadow of a doubt.
Comment by Mike — August 29, 2008 @ 11:17 pm
Seems McCain went for the reflexively typical Republican move. They pick a VP candidate who is already under an investigation in Alaska. The charge is that she fired the Chief of the State Police. The chief refused to fire a state trooper who is the Govenors brother-in-law. This brother-in-law was involved in a divorce/custody suit against the governors' sister. With a sly wink, I'm sure she will say the chief was fired for competency issues.
I can't wait until the debates start, and the Democrat post this chief front and center near the stage. The look on Governor Palin's face will be priceless.
Comment by Shaun — August 30, 2008 @ 7:09 am
Let's see, how many houses and wind-surfers did John Heinz have?? Was this an issue then??? I am surprised that we do not champion the fact that we have two parties that have the common sense to make these nominations. I do not drink the coolade of either party, but there is enough being consumed that makes you wonder what the real motives are???
Comment by Randy — August 30, 2008 @ 3:53 pm
I recently made mention of the right-wing, rogue conservative; let's scan the horizon to see what example best fits this mold:
Here's an American who never volunteered for military service, slightly under-educated because of an undisciplined ability to navigate the collegiate halls, would never consider public service or running for political office because of self-centered personal ambitions, the sure-fire capitalist that profits as much as monetarily available for himself with little or no return in service or product, too immature to secure a wife and raise a family, spouts emotional support of military engagement to defend his safe and comfortable lifestyle, will encourage sending your sons and daughters to die in his behalf, while hypocritically claiming patriotism in their behalf. Of the $50 million made each year for the next eight years, would not consider tithing ten percent toward some notable organization like the USO...forget fifty percent. As Barnum and Bailey espouses, (paraphrasing) there's a sucker born everyday and this so-called American has a number of numb skulls following his every word in his circus...thus, "ditto heads". Are you one?
Comment by Bobby Buck — August 30, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
It is yet to be seen if McCain's surprise VP announcement was a brilliant move or a completely inept one. I am withholding my opinion until I get to know Governor Palin better and see her in the debates. It seems to me, the entire election may rest on her shoulders. I heard her described by one news commentator as McCain's "Hail Mary Pass." I wonder how she will hold up under fire. Not the little Alaska fires she seems to have handled just fine, but the looming national onslaught of 24-7 scrutiny -- yet to be fully unleashed.
Just from the limited research I have done on her background, I admire her accomplishments, grit and determination. But just two of many questions I have are: How tough is she? And how ready is she to be a heart beat away from being president? In the news clip I saw of her husband, he truly looked shell shocked. As a lot of people are right now.
I do not expect the majority of Hillary supporters will vote republican just because a woman is on the ticket. Their views are far too different. But, already the expected Evangelical movement is reinvigorated and that is certainly a plus for McCain. Right now, I am a life-long republican sticking with OBama. But let the debates begin!
Comment by Ms. Goldenwillow — August 30, 2008 @ 6:36 pm
Shaun:
Think it will look a little bit like the look on Biden's face when they ask about all the PLAGIARISM? I'm reminded of a song by BOB CUBAN AND THE IN MEN called THE CHEATER. If Biden were a rock singer, he'd probably copy that too and call it his own. And he wouldn't be far off. While Palin's face might be priceless, Biden is WORTHless through and throughout.
Comment by Mike — August 30, 2008 @ 6:47 pm
Shanna,
I see that you have returned to your old antics vis-a vis censorship, for I did not see my response to Ed in my interpretation of a right-wing, rogue conservative. One of the main reasons for corruption in government/politics is when the public's access and discussion are stunted...somewhat like cults or self-righteous religious kooks. If you can't stand the heat of open and honest rebuttal in supposedly objective and fair blog journalism, turn in your pen and become a politician.
Nah, I didn't delete such a comment. I posted something dealing with "rogue" conservatives Saturday. If that's not the one to which you refer, then I didn't get the original. Resend it if you wish. ---s
Comment by Bobby Buck — August 31, 2008 @ 3:05 am
Bobby Buck,
Ah, so now I see that was supposed to be a response to my earlier post. To be honest, I really just bypassed your posting, because I really do not see what Rush Limbaugh has to do with this thread (especially since earlier I made it quite clear that I do not listen to him).
In fact, I do hope you're not calling anyone who would vote for or support McCain a "ditto head", as the egg of hypocracy would land squarely on your face. If you use the broad brush to paint anyone politically opposite of you as a puppet, then the thinking man will surely see it is you being the "ditto head", for I certainly have substance in my reasons for backing whomever I select.
My comment had nothing to do with Limbaugh. It was simply stating that so many people who up to now said "those not voting for Obama are racist" or "those not voting Hillary are sexist" are now the ones calling McCain a sexist panderer because his Veep selection is female.
At this point, she has been selected, and his reasoning is not as important to me as for what she stands. As long as she stands for individual liberty, smaller government, and other issues that are very important to me, then perhaps McCain/Palin will get my vote.
Comment by Ed S. — August 31, 2008 @ 1:21 pm
Hi Ed,
The model of the right-wing, rogue conservative was more for the sake of argument. I can see that you are far too intelligent to be remotely classed with the Limbaugh loons. But, you must admit, there are plenty of them out there...unfortunately.
Comment by Bobby Buck — August 31, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
Ah, Mike. Let me offer a word: Relevant. When you compare an incident, which took place decades ago and was not completely proven, to an active investigation of a sitting Govenor, you fail to understand relevancy. Evidently, this issue of plagiarism didn't hurt Biden's senate career. However, the State of Alaska will be heard, likely as an October surprise.
Comment by Shaun — September 1, 2008 @ 9:48 am
WHAT A JOKE!!!! WHAT A CIRCUS!!! I guess after 8 years of two Texas Oil Crooks both parties figured the "American people" they're both always talking about needed a good laugh. And BOTH parties did their best to give it to us!!!! One side gives us the laughs of a motivational AmWay speaker that couldn't find his way home unless he tied a string to the doorknob, partnered with a 36-year CAREER CROOK to help him with his "change". hahahahahaha
The other side gives us a senior citizen candidate with one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel, partnered with....well the thing IS good looking (not at all like the GERMAN SHEPHERD looking women the Democrats always end up with).hahahahaha And then the BushMaster has his CIA operatives cook up a hurricane as an excuse not to go to the Repub Convention where is sure wasn't wanted anyway. hahahahahahaha This is HILARIOUS!!!! And did you see local Acting Congressman Rob BadSplatt giving his two cents worth of praise to McBush's pick? See the red/blue/purple sheen on his little cheeks? I believe the boy's gone to drinking again. WHAT A CIRCUS!!! hahahaha Anybody that gives a minute's time to a thought of actually wasting MORE time "voting" for any of these FOOLS is a bigger FOOL. And before someone reading this makes a FOOL of themselves and gives that silly "if you don't vote you can't say anything, and if you don't like it leave", let me remind you: Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Madison.....those homies didn't like it either, but they didn't leave, did they? No, and they didn't waste time "voting" either. And it's plain to see Republicans DO have the best looking women. Of course that COULD be because Republicans have more money too. I don't know. I guess it costs less to feed a German Shepherd.
Comment by Percy Kution — September 1, 2008 @ 12:00 pm
Mr. Kution,
I realize that you are using colorful language and humor to poke fun at the political system and express your dissatisfaction with both parties. Yet, I am somewhat lost in trying to understand what beauty and German Shepherds have to do with anything -- though, I am not asking you for an explanation. And, as far as money goes, the Dems aren't doing too badly raising money from all across the country.
Although a bit confused by your post, I am trying hard to understand the heart behind your message.
Are you advocating that we (the readers) join you in not voting? I believe you must care about influencing the direction of our country, because you care enough to speak out on this blog.
So I am asking, if you had the power to influence everyone reading this blog to take a certain action, what choice would you advise us to make in this election?
PS: I am a dog lover, so please, no more insulting dogs! <>
Comment by Ms. Goldenwillow — September 1, 2008 @ 2:56 pm
Ms. Goldenwillow:
I really appreciate your cool, common sense reply to my post. You ask what would I myself would recommend as to voting? Let me be as serious as I can for just long enough to answer you. These politicians and their corporate/special interest handlers have SEEN that they can put up ANYTHING for a candidate and people will end up voting anyway and justify it by saying they voted for the "lesser" of two evils. WHY do we have to settle for the "lesser of two evils" EVERY 4 YEARS? I think what needs to happen is to BOYCOTT BOTH parties candidates (there's NO difference anyway, they've ALL been bought and paid for), and get enough people to WRITE IN a candidate thats for the PEOPLE. IT CAN HAPPEN. IT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE in more than one state, up to and including SENATE elections. If both parties AND the corporate/special interest money sees the voters won't just settle for "the lesser of two evils" it MIGHT change things. And if not, I guess it's time for another Revolution. The first one worked pretty good for a few years.
And about the "German Shepherd". I meant NO disrespect for your dog. One of the best dogs I ever had was a German Shepherd. But it LOOKED LIKE a German Shepherd, like it was SUPPOSED to. Think about it this way: if some of these women the Democrat men lay up with were in a dog show with a German Shepherd, you couldn't tell which one was the dog. hahahahahahah Its a plain FACT. Unless they're going after another man or an underage boy, the Repubs evidently get the best looking women by throwing money at 'em. And, of course, that sure will do it. The Democrats on the other hand, especially Pretty Boy Edwards just start chanting "herepiggypiggypiggy"and sure enough, one follows them right to the room!!!! hahahahahahahahaha
Comment by Percy Kution — September 1, 2008 @ 3:45 pm
Bobby Buck,
You are correct, of course; there are many out there, though the "squeaky wheels" we hear on the radio may make it appear there are more than there are. They are on both sides, of course, with Rosie O'Donnell or Michael Moore.
And I appreciate your good natured message in response to mine which, on second reading, came out as quite snippy. I was posting hastily over the holiday and do apologize if that came across as personal.
Shaun--
Are you saying that Palin is Hillary's October Surprise?
"Percy"--
Nobody's vote will be wasted here. But elections like these only give more credence to the fact that much of the work is done locally (local gov't, state gov't, positioning good candidates for future national office) and should stay that way. I see a disturbing trend where more and more people want to give more power to the federal government, and indeed show up in large numbers for this one election (presidential). That is *not* the way it should be.
Though we went to a stronger federal system after the civil war, we should remember that keeping things more local, at the state level, will over time allow us to be a happier, stronger nation. While diversity is a good thing, look at how much happier people are when, although recognizing diverse thought and culture, we remain somewhat separated in a de-facto way. (And I'm talking about *real* diversity of thought and belief here, not just race) Sorry, this is a bit off-topic, but while I would vote for a McCain or Barr ticket, I would not expect nor want them to be a part of the solution to every problem we face. Some we must face locally.
Comment by Ed S. — September 1, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
Hello Ed,
No offense taken concerning your response. Frankly, I am elated that we are getting the vast number of varied and seemingly thoughtful points of discussion. Keep it coming, gang. Kudos to Shanna for this creative format.
Comment by Bobby Buck — September 1, 2008 @ 5:26 pm
Mr. Kution,
While I love ALL dogs, I am a golden retriever person myself. We all have our preferences, don't we?
I get the sense that behind your curmudgeon-comedian guise, there lives a man with a true heart of gold -- with an honest and deep love for our country. I do understand your disappointment in our government and politicians, along with all the unfortunate games involved and the imperfections of individuals. But this is still, as you know, by far the best system of government in the world.
As we strive for a better world and a more perfect and fair government, let's not lose our hope! Perhaps as we study the candidates, and I can tell that you do very carefully, we can try to choose the best -- even between two possible evils or write in another choice, as you suggested. I do believe that if we each do our best to make the wisest choices we know to make, overall, good will prevail.
Human nature is what it is. Our forefather's weren't perfect either. Imagine 24-7 news coverage as it might have been then!
Ok, you lost me again on your last paragraph. Praise God for Democracy and freedom of speech!
Hmmm . . . now what was our original blog topic?
Comment by Ms. Goldenwillow — September 1, 2008 @ 6:39 pm
Ms. GoldenWillow: Your posts today have made a lot of common sense. I'm humbled, but.....I remember a President who said "the United States is not engaged in flying spy planes over the homeland of the Russian people"....and while he was saying it the Russkies were laughing their tails off because they had the man that was flying it sitting right there in jail. And then you had a President that was made to look like a big hero because he "stared the Russians down" and made them remove the missiles from Cuba. What the American people weren't told, was that the Russians calmly agreed to remove THEIR missiles in Cuba AFTER the U.S. agreed to remove the American missiles in Turkey on the RUSSIAN border. And then you had the Big Fool painting his opponent as a "war monger" while the Big Fool was saying "I will not send American boys to fight an Asian war". We all know how that turned out don't we? And the next President, how about "I am not a crook". hahahahahah He forgot to add "anymore". Then you had one whose IQ wouldn't match his age, but he was the closet thing to HONEST thats probably ever been there. He was just plain to STUPID to be a good crook. So he lost next time. I can't find much fault with RR at all. He DID restore the respect (or fear)of foreign countries for the US. I've got nothing against Wild Bill except for he should have taken his belt to Hillary's rear end until she "STRAIGHTened up". Bush I and II are without a doubt the sorriest pieces of slop that's EVER been in the White House. B. Hussein Obama will be a total disaster. No telling WHO or WHAT is behind him. Johnny McBush will be just that....McBush...more of the same. So you see, I'M TOO smart to be fooled by ANY of them anymore. NEITHER party has a monopoly on liars, thieves and crooks anymore. There's not a dime's worth of difference in any of them. You bring back Democrats like FDR, Huey Long, Herman Talmadge, George Smathers, or Republicans like Floyd Landreth, Ted Dalton, James Turk, Linwood Holton, Marshall Coleman.....and I'll bust my tail to get to the polls and vote for them. But those kind are GONE and they're not coming back, and all that's left now is SEWAGE. And it STINKS to high heaven.
HUEY LONG!? Percy, what 'chu been smokin'!? That guy was the consummate crook!--s
Comment by Percy Kution — September 1, 2008 @ 8:23 pm
At least you acknowledged Palin which is more than RT Roundtable has done, even though you had to get your jabs in during the process. First off McCain knows the number of houses owned better than Obama knows how many states make up the US (that's 50, not 56 Obama). But at least HE'S proud of those 56 states unlike Michelle his belle.
Next, McCain didn't choose ANY woman, rather he chose a successful conservative governor who is an intelligent class act, and a proud American that will expand his appeal to Americans such as the religious "right" and appeal to women as well. Let's hope she gets the chance to support McCain into the White House.
Jim, you get your jabs in on everything I write. Why can't we be mutual combatants? Also, isn't the religious right's influence diminished? Bush/Rove played them. They got him in...but what did they get out of the deal? Abortion is still legal and there's no constitutional amendment against gay marriage on the books--which is what they wanted. Certainly, Palin appeals to the rr, but she has some issues in her own household...and while I'm on the subject, the child is human---which is why the rr needs to get off this abstinence-only tripe.
Comment by Jim — September 1, 2008 @ 11:33 pm
Shanna-Pooh: I included Huey Long because he was SOLELY responsible for ALL children in the public schools of Louisiana receiving the FIRST FREE TEXTBOOKS when he was Governor. Whatever else he may have done, his bringing about FREE textbooks for the public school children in his state mitigates it. And he WAS a TRUE champion of the "little man". That's why the rich elite had him killed.
I'll take your word.--s
Comment by Percy Kution — September 2, 2008 @ 12:18 am
Speaking of geography and houses and keeping count, has no one heard that our "revered" Governor, Tim Kaine, announced on national T.V. that Virginia "shares a border with Delaware?"
Maybe he meant that Maryland is the "border" or did he support legislation comparable to his infamous abuser fees to somehow ANNEX Maryland as part of the Commonwealth? And before you Dems jump me for bringing up the abuser fees, yes, I thought Morgan Griffiths must have had more than a few "tokes" before he presented his case in favor of them.
Comment by Mike — September 2, 2008 @ 2:22 am
Jim:
I agree we need to appeal to the RR, and Palin is my choice to do that as well as shake up what was a floundering campaign. But I fail to see where Shanna has taken the first jab. I'm morally opposed to abortion, but do you really think teenagers are buying this abstinence B.S.? I sure didn't, and I don't expect the youth of today to do so either. As for abortion, Roe v. Wade is there whether we like it or not, and overturning it won't stop abortions. Our kids will wind up going to tatoo parlors and the like for illegal abortions with the result that two lives might be lost instead of one. As for gay marriage, I'm opposed to giving same sex couples certain rights like family insurance coverage, joint return filings, etc., but there's no evidence that they can't adopt kids (please ignore Rosie O'donnell for the moment) and bring them up in a healthy environment. We Republicans need to get off our high horses and become a little more mainstream in our thinking, or we're going to lose it all to the other side of the aisle.
Comment by Mike — September 2, 2008 @ 2:33 am
Shaun:
"Relevant"--for definition, see
"Biden gets F in class for PLAGIARISM."
You obviously never googled "Biden Plagiarism" or you would have seen that he didn't even learn his lesson after suffering that F and finishing in the bottom 10% of his law class. He has plagiarized many politicians and other authors throughout his "illustrious" career. He even copied a speech from fellow cheater, Bobby Kennedy, (booted from Columbia for cheating in 1954). Before the campaign ends, he'll give the "I have a dream" speech and take full credit for it. Just like
Al Gore invented the internet. You really need to try to pull your head out of the sand, Shaun, or from wherever else the sun isn't shining.
Comment by Mike — September 2, 2008 @ 2:40 am
Percy,
Much of that is more the public's fault than any candidate running for office. While it is a shame that we hear of so many candidates/politicians that are frauds, shady, or outright crooks, the real blame falls on the public for being apathetic and not doing more to oust them when exposed.
That may be why Palin is a draw for some people. Of course she is taking a media hit for being "inexperienced", but some people will appreciate her not being an "old fogey Washingtonian".
Comment by Ed S. — September 2, 2008 @ 7:44 am
Wow, Mike!! Resorting to personal attacks? Must be a Republican. Oh yeah, I caught on to that. When logic is abandoned, fear and smear is the way to go. You seem to give new meaning to the word apologist. In a previous post, you noted "I'm morally opposed to abortion, but do you really think teenagers are buying this abstinence B.S.? I sure didn't, and I don't expect the youth of today to do so either". Considering the pregnancy of Gov. Palin's daughter, I don't believe she bought into it, either. Thank God, my 17 year old daughter believes in abstinence.
I believe that all that backwards-looking you've been into, a deer must be licking the salt you have where your head may be at.
Comment by Shaun — September 2, 2008 @ 8:38 am
Whoa!!!! Shaun teaching abstinence was never adopted by the Clinton's when they reigned the White House.
The only thing of importance to them was money siphoned off from the military forcing those that protect this country to go on welfare. Was it not the Clinton administration that approved NAFTA sending jobs overseas.
He approved a bill overhauling the federal welfare system, in part to fulfill a 1992 campaign promise to “end the welfare system as we know it.” I always find myself reminding people that Bill Clinton WAS the president who signed NAFTA into law.
Far as salt blocks we should take a lesson from Bill Clinton on "Morality".
Comment by Terry B — September 2, 2008 @ 4:14 pm
Shaun:
Nice copy of the "tail" end of my post. Your last name wouldn't be Biden, would it?
Comment by Mike — September 2, 2008 @ 5:26 pm
Mutual combatants? This from the person who said I should not read politics into everything you write? You're an Obamafile in the transparent guise of a fair and balanced journalist.
Republicans represent the spirit of conservatism even if they don't re-write legislation to undo un-Constitutional laws. Gay marriage? Come on Shana, this represents 3% of the population and thus is a non-issue compared to free markets, tax policy, national defense, individual rights, and Constitutional defense. If you want to play ball, talk about the game, not the uniforms.
And Mike, if you are suggesting by becoming more "mainstream" that I abandon and betray the principles I hold dear for a strategic victory then I'm playing false politics like the left which is not doing what is best for this country. You keep thinking about it buddy, and I'm sure you'll get it.
Actually, as an opinion columnist, I don't have to be balanced. I just have to be fair. There's a difference, which I won't get into now. Reasonable minds probably would agree that I like Obama. Still, several folks on this blog are right-leaning. Their political affiliation --and the various gradations of it -- just doesn't cloud their viewpoints on a myriad of issues as it seems to with you. I write about lots of things, today's column is an example. But I only hear from you when you can figure out a way to use the blog as a platform for your conservative beliefs. Example: I write a speech about violence, and you twist it into your position paper on gun rights. The point of the column actually was "hope." If McCain gets elected, I'll keep clicking along the same way I have for eight years under Bush and before him, eight years under Clinton. See, what you don't understand about me is that if Obama doesn't win, the sky doesn't fall for me. And hey, don't blame me...the rr made abortion and gay marriage a huge issue in the last campaign.
As for as "mutual combatants," I used it as a way to express the sentiment that I engage in toe-to-toe combat on issues. If you jab at me, I reserve the right to jab back. But my combat isn't limited to politics. You should have been around last year when I made my true feelings known about breast-feeding! Talk about combat, I needed a flak jacket after that one.--s
Comment by Jim — September 2, 2008 @ 11:27 pm
Only 3%?
Gay rights might seem to many as a minor issue. As women's rights, civil rights and disability rights did at one time. The actual percentage of gay individuals is not known, due, in many cases, to fear of discrimination, hate crimes, and the negative reaction of families, friends, colleagues and employers. But, why do percentages even matter when it comes to human rights? Discrimination is discrimination.
BTW, the number of GLB people currently serving in the U.S. military (65,000), has been cited in Congress and in a wide variety of media outlets to demonstrate that even in the face of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, large numbers of GLB individuals serve their country in the military.
To get back to the thread about Governor Palin: Not much is known about Governor Palin's stance on individual gay rights issues like don't ask, don't tell and same-sex adoption yet, but we do know that she strongly opposes same-sex marriage. Oh . . . and also that Palin has stated she "has gay friends."
Comment by Ms. Goldenwillow — September 3, 2008 @ 2:36 pm
I swore to myself I wasn't going to write anything else on these blogs about politics because some of you people think the right to have your own opinion also gives you the right to your own set of facts. It dosen't. Yes, Clinton WAS President when NAFTA was passed, but the Republicans were in control of BOTH houses of Congress and Clinton's right-hand man in pushing it thru was Bob Dole.
As for abortion, that's just a "hot button" issue the Republicans use as a smokescreen, just like the Democrats try to scare the old people by saying the Republicans will take away their Social Security. BOTH parties KNOW that if they can get voters to have tunnel vision and only focus on one or two "hot" issues, they can get away with their other crooked shenanigans easier. People that still believe in ANY politician (except for Dandy Dave Bowers)are of the same mindset as people who REFUSE to belive wrestling isn't fake. And, be honest. If you hadn't even known who the President was for the last 40 years, would it REALLY have made any difference in your life? Can you tell me 3 laws ANY of them have passed that really made a difference in YOUR life? How about 1? Can you tell me ANY law they have passed that said you could DO something? No, they're always passing laws saying you CAN'T do something. Free country? Bullsnot. Try to leave it without the guv'mint saying you can and see what happens. You can't even drive your car down the road without the guv'mint making a crook out of you if you don't wear a seatbelt. Voting every 2 or 4 years is just the bourgeois SCAM to make the proletariat THINK you're free and have a say. You don't and you aren't. That's it. I quit.
Comment by Percy Kution — September 3, 2008 @ 3:53 pm
Ms. Goldenwillow raises a pertinent point. Palin's relative "newness" to the arena does bring the unknown related to a short voting record. That's not a ding against her, and there is opportunity to explore here and find where she stands.
To some, lack of a long voting record will be a turn-off. But while it may provide a good up-front indicator of stance on issues, just like Janus funds "past performance is not necessarily indicative of future returns".
Comment by Ed S. — September 3, 2008 @ 4:09 pm
Jim, How's about in the future we hold you to that notion that an issue involving 3% of the population makes it a non-issue. Do we have a deal?
I suspect you're likely to point out that you said "compared to..." other issues, so we'll include that in our calculus in the future. So for example, if Alaska has no more than 3% of the nation's population, and the North Slope far fewer still, we'll follow your example and regard drilling in ANWR as a non-issue, "compared to" e.g. tax policy.
As with Barbra Bush's opinion about Katrina efforts, with such issues as the use of torture and abortion exemptions to save the life of the mother, one suspects that many regressives offer an opinion at a comfortable distance from the realities of the case.
And, if you want to use sports metaphors, include phrases like "rookie" and "minor league" when discussing the original subject of this blog entry.
Comment by PJ — September 3, 2008 @ 4:54 pm