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Palin: Betcha by golly wow
Dear Sarah Palin,
IMHO, you’re in way over your head.
Your unfortunate situation reminds me of the time I was the new kid in Skyline High School’s orchestra. Between the time I enrolled in that Oakland school and the time my violin was shipped to me a few weeks later, rumors had circulated - ones I didn’t correct - that I was some hotshot violinist who’d soon challenge the first chair spot. It was an easy ruse as long as I didn’t have a violin in my hands.
In reality, I was barely mediocre. The embarrassing truth eventually came out when my violin arrived and the instructor heard me play.
Squeak, squeak, squeak. I quickly assumed my rightful position somewhere in the back of the second violin section.
But you’re not some kid. And we’re not playing around here. To quote the son of a friend, this presidential race is not a beauty pageant. You can’t charm and bluff your way through the difficult answers. And in this contest, v.p. does not stand for very perky.
I could have overlooked how you mispronounce nuclear (new-cue-ler).
I could have accepted how you drop your g’s (goin’, runnin’ , gettin’ , hurtin’ , tryin’ . . .)
I could have downplayed your sweeping references to Joe Six pack and hockey moms (as if every guy who drinks beer and every mother whose kid plays hockey think alike).
I could have ignored your garsh-so-adorable winks, shoulder-scrunching, nose-crinkles and cutie-pie you betchas as symptoms of arrested development; leftover tricks that serve so many girls and women well on their feminine-wily roads to getting their way.
But I cannot accept the way you blatantly blew off Thursday’s debate format (abridged version here) when you said you might not be answering the moderator’s questions. Understatement of the century.
No wonder your face had that carefree, confident expression. You were like a schoolkid on exam day who’s unworried about any unexpected or trick questions because she had the answers stuffed in her back pocket. Your prepared script may have given you peace of mind, but it did not match up authentic answers to the questions posed.
If I were McCain — a guy for whom I’ve felt respect in the past, mainly for his personal sacrifices to this country — I’d deeply regret picking you. (Sarah, you must have lost major McCain points when you publicly disagreed with his earlier decision to pull out of Michigan. Bad form, don’tcha know.)
I wonder how McCain and his supporters felt about your performance the morning after Thursday. Sure, you artfully bobbed and weaved and avoided letting one question land a punch. But doesn’t it bother them to know that the reason you avoided the questions was you couldn’t provide answers? In their heart of hearts, don’t they want a capable vice presidential candidate, someone who wouldn’t shame our country during national negotiations, someone who could project herself with maturity, stature and intelligence?
Certainly, running for any office is a pressure-cooker experience. But in part, isn’t that the point of the process; to see how candidates hold up?
If so, you’re failing this test miserably. You make George Bush look like a Mensa member. Most of us have only known you a short while, but already you’ve shown you don’t think well on your feet, whether it’s about foreign policy, the Bush Doctrine, Supreme Court decisions , or even magazines you’ve read.
Hard to believe, but you even give pause to Peggy Noonan, conservative Wall Street columnist.
Naturally, you felt flattered when McCain invited you to join him, just as I felt flattered to imagine myself as first chair violinist. But I wasn’t qualified for that seat. And from the looks of things, you’re not qualified for the vice president’s seat, either. Not by an Alaskan mile.
Admit it. Don’t you wake up in a cold sweat at the thought that the world will discover just how unfit you are for this office, that when it comes to speak with knowledge and authority, you’ll only utter a silly squeak?
Don’t you wish you could roll back the clock, undo this whole mess and return to Alaska where you can continue your reign there?
Let’s say you become vice president. Let’s say - God forbid - 72-year-old John McCain (looking more feeble with each day, I might add) dies in office.
That leaves you, Sarah Palin, a woman who seems woefully ignorant in myriad categories, someone who fudged on the guidelines of a vice presidential debate.
In this nuclear age, with so much at stake in the world, I shudder to think what kinds of rules - oaths - a President Palin might bend and stretch to fit your own comfort level when backed in a corner or if you found yourself up to your neck in uncharted waters.
Nervous?
You betcha I am.
2,348 views
And as I understand, those articles in those magazines she can’t remember the names she reads, she only makes it through the opening paragraph or two and misquotes the content. What an embarrassment to the United States that we would put someone like that in the spotlight. Women have worked so hard for decades to not be stereotyped …secretaries don’t have to get the boss’s laundry anymore, we can be doctors, lawyers, anything we choose. But we still face hurdles. Even though this person is the governor of one of our states (women can do anything now, you know), she is NOT qualified. Her “high morales” are very threatening to say the least and would send the whole civil rights achievements of last century back into oblivion.
Support freedom - freedom to enjoy our Constitutional rights…don’t let anyone propose to take anything hard-earned away. White bread can be enjoyed by everyone.
Doni,
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! This is EXACTLY how I feel, but put into all the right words that I haven’t been able to put together…Hope all is well, thinking of you, Cait
If you want more federal government in you life, vote Obama. If McCain/Palin deliver on their promise that government is not always the answer, we will be a stronger nation in 4 years. BTW….not answering a reporters questions….that is what good politicians do. Biden did the same thing, just didn’t announce he was going to do it.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Excellent article, Doni!
Well now that I know where you stand I have deleted your web page from my bookmarks. Bye bye Donni!!
Boy, I still read all the different news services to get a wide variety of information to form my own opinions. It’s nice to know how others feel and think. And to respect those with other voting preferences, which of course is what our nation is built on - a democratic government…I on the other hand, will keep you bookmarked.
Oh and how much more government control can we achieve that hasn’t already been perpetrated on us by the current administration…they now have control of the major financial institutions? Gee, controling social services, insurance benefits, protecting the environment — bad. Controlling who gets the majority of the money available to lend - good?!?
There are so many reasons I find this choice for McCain’s running mate disturbing, well-articulated above by both Doni and Mrs. Beans (thank you, ladies), but I would say the main one is the cynicism of the choice, which reflects, in my opinion, a complete disdain for most Americans. If McCain (and the GOP members responsible for this pick) are truly the patriots they say they are, they would have chosen a VP candidate who could step in ably and skillfully, should something happen to the president. No matter what kind of spin the election campaign wants to put on Palin’s lack of experience and knowledge (of everything from the Constitution to economics to foreign policy), we can all see for ourselves in her appearances and statements that she is not capable of serving as president. Being a hockey mom makes you a supportive parent but does not qualify you to be president of the United States. Being able to field dress a moose makes you a great hunting partner, but doesn’t qualify you to oversee one of the most powerful militaries in the world. A vague physical proximity to Russia doesn’t qualify you to decide foreign policy, especially in such contentious and volatile times. It infuriated me that she simply refused to answer any of the questions in the debate that she didn’t feel like answering - or perhaps, that she didn’t feel qualified to answer. This, to me, indicates additional contempt for the democratic process and for the American people who deserve and need to hear how she would respond to situations that she would encounter as vice-president or president. All this pick says to me is that McCain and Karl Rove are desperate to win, that winning is all that matters, that they will do anything to win. And all their faux patriotism is nothing but a decoy to distract us from realizing that they couldn’t care less about the American people as demonstrated vividly by this cynical and inappropriate choice.
To shut off your site because of your own polical leanings, Doni, makes one very ignorant. One needs to view all sides of a situation, not because I try to, but for their own information. People who didn’t realize your leanings are surprised at your column. I feel all of us can use the Constitution’s freedom of speech. You have your own forum, yet have given others a chance to comment. I was always taught to read, listen, and learn from all directions to make a intelligent decision. I watch CNN, FoxNews, MSNBC. If my decison agrees with anyone or not, is immaterial. It is my opinion.
Yes, Governor Palin is not totally up on the international world. Neither is Sen. Obama. Sen. Biden made many misinforamtion mistakes during the debate. I don’t believe that makes him any less generally informed, after all he has spent all his life in the Congress! No one has all the information about everything thing in this World. No president or governor, either, does it on their own. The have people around them to give their opinion which go into the ‘general pot’ for review.
And, then, if God forbid, Sen. McCain, should be elected and died in office, Gov. Palin would nominate a new vice-president, which would be sent to the US Senate for Advice and Consent! She wouldn’t be there alone. People need to be informed in order to vote. Voting by emotion is the incorrect way to cast their ballot. To bad so much of that is happening right now. Voting for or against someone because of religion, color, or any other bias is just ’stupid’ judgement.
One thing, if there is a depression, it is not just the Republicans AND the Democrats fault. It is the whole world’s problem, as in the Great Depression. USA was not alone in the depression. The person(s) to thank for getting us out of the 1930s depression was Adolph Hitler. If you read about the depression, we were still in it when WW II began. Something to think and ponder on.
Well, while I strongly disagree with you, everyone is entitled to their opinions and I won’t drop you from my bookmarks just yet. So will we get to read any articles on your site from someone that does not share your opinion of Sarah Palin?
I’m sorry to hear anyone would drop this wonderful website from their bookmark simply because they don’t agree politically with an article. Even among friends, I think it’s fine to agree to disagree. How boring it would be if we all had the same opinion on everything. We might as well be Stepford Americans. By golly, there’s nothing in the world that would make me delete “Food for Thought” from my bookmark!
Well done, Doni ! Other women I’ve talked to feel the same. If McCain had wanted a qualified female running mate, there were many to choose from. Maybe because they are intelligent and well informed he considered them a threat???
Vicky -
I’d encourage YOU to write more from the opposite perspective. What is it that makes you prefer the McCain/Palin ticket?
I may be in the minority, but I signed up at both the McCain and Obama official websites to hear from both sides. There are things to dislike about all of the presidential and VP candidates, as well as some admirable qualities in each. Which things matter most?
Doni. I have to agree: Sarah Palin was a bad choice. What was McCain Thinking. I would be worried if Palin became President. At the same time, I am not convinced that Obama is the better choice. However, I am certain he will be our next President. By the way, I am also a graduate from Oakland , except I am from the lowlands: Fremont H/S. Thanks, Doni.
We’ve tried smart politicians in the past and look what a mess we’ve got. It’s time for a change.
Doni,
I too was sorry to hear where you stand but I will not be deleting you from my bookmarks…I must say it does amaze me that so many people are into a socialist government…oh well…is Obama the better liar.
Doni:
After being registered first as a Republican, then Democrat, I settled on Independent. Over the years I’ve voted for the candidates I thought could best serve the needs of our nation. Thank you for expressing your views about Gov. Sarah Palin. When I first heard Sen. McCain’s selection of a woman as a running mate I thought it was a great political move because there were four or five nationally prominent, capable Republican leaders who just happened to be female. Going after the Hilliary vote seemed to make sense.
Almost immediately there was a feeling of dread. Did Sen. McCain really pick her after one meeting of an hour and a half? Wasn’t she the one I read about in Time under investigation for abuse of power? Didn’t she initially support the Bridge To Nowhere? Does she really believe a rape or incest victim should be forced by the government to carry to term?
What you said made sense to me. If Palin felt a need to set her own rules for the debate, don’t insult the process by calling it a debate.
If I made the points you did, I’d be called a sexist. Thank you for the insight. Your bookmark has moved from the middle to the top.
Doug
Dear Doni,
While I am not thrilled with any of the candidates for President or Vice President, Palin included, I am backing John McCain because he most closely represents my political views. Having said that, I too am very concerned about Palin’s lack of experience, just as I am VERY concerned with Obama’s lack of experience. I guess, when it comes down to it, I would prefer a less experienced VP over a less experienced President any day since the VP will most likely have time to gain knowledge and experience before potentially being thrust into the Commander in Chief position. Either way, I was a little frustrated with your article because you resorted to making fun of Palin’s way of speaking and mannerisms, like a kid might do, and then reminded Palin that she is “not some kid.” Your remark that “v.p. doesn’t stand for very perky” was completely uncalled for as whether she is perky or not has nothing to do with her leadership abilities. Maybe a “perky” Vice President would be a nice change! Whether or not Palin is ready to be Vice President of the United States, she does deserve respect for what she has done. Just because she doesn’t speak as well as you do doesn’t mean she doesn’t know how to lead or that she is unintelligent. She is not just some bubble-head (as your article implies) as she has proven by successfully holding leadership positions in the past such as Mayor, and currently as Governor of the state of Alaska. Both positions are difficult positions to be in; yet, she has an extremely high approval rating and has gained the love and respect of the Alaskan people while she has been in office; a difficult thing to do as a woman in politics I would think, especially while simultaneously raising a large family!
I too have a story from my high school days to share. I have always been interested in politics and was elated to hear that our State Senator, Senator Money, was coming to speak to us at my high school. We had recently moved and I had not yet become familiar with the government officials of my new state. When he arrived the student body jumped to their feet and cheered. It was obvious that we was well liked, and I found in the following years that he continued to be well respected as a man of integrity and leadership. The interesting part of my story is that when he began to speak I was appalled! He spoke with a drawl and said things like, “When I was runnin’ again’ (meaning, “running against”) my opponent, I was in-head (meaning “ahead”) of him by a small margin.” I couldn’t believe it. I wondered how he could sound so unintelligent and still be elected as a senator! I soon found (looking past his dialect) that he was intelligent in spite of the way he spoke, and the people were able to identify with him because he was a man of the people. He was a farmer and continued to live on his farm and raise his family while he served in his government office. I have since come to know Senator Money personally and I am ashamed that I ever questioned his intelligence because of the way he spoke. He and I don’t agree about politics some of the time, but I respect him immensely.
So what if Governor Palin winks and says “new-cue-lerr” instead of “nuclear,” is that really what’s most important? To her I say, Go girl, show us what you are made of. Maybe she is still learning the ropes, but maybe that’s a good thing. I don’t like the ropes we have established much anyway.
I’ll not remove your bookmark. I’ll just leave ridiculously long posts… ha!
Oh my, Doni, how could you possibly express your own political opinion on your site? My my. Oh dear, now I must run away with my fingers in my ears and refuse to ever listen to you again. HAR! (For those who can’t detect the toung planted firmly in cheek….get a life.) Seriously, Doni, keep the conversation going and continue the good work.
Jason G.
Doni…I think you are right on with Gov. Sarah Palin. She’s a proven first class ding -bat.
I had heard this even after old man McCain picked her to be his running mate early on.
What a mistake, out of all the possibilites, it was to pick this rookie.
Can you imagine what the country would be like if she became president. Wink-wink.
“Like, where is Iran?” “Is that near Alaska?” “But, I’d like to talk about Nuclur energy.”
Diana C., I’m very concerned that you a a few others think Senator John McCain represents
your views. Four more years of Bush is what you would get. Spending like drunk sailors out on the town.
McCain voted 90% in favor of Bush proposals and gave us the largest deficit we’ve ever had.
McCain was also a bad choice and will go down to defeat by a large margin in November.
Vote for the winning ticket of Obama/Biden!
Right on target Doni.
I couldn’t agree with you more.
Thank you for standing up and stating your view.
Thanks, Doni, for daring to tell the truth.
To those commenters who mention honesty, for more information about Ms. Palin’s co-candidate, read Rolling Stone’s new article on that very topic at http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/23316912/makebelieve_maverick/print
Very informative.
Thank you, thank you!
You have beautifully articulated my feelings on the candidacy of Sarah Palin.
I agree with Doug Mudford. I am going to change my registration from Republican. I have already tried Democrat, so I am strongly considering Independant. Right now I don’t know whom I wish to vote for. McCain is a good man, but Palin bothers me. I flat out do not trust Obama and Biden.
I usually don’t agree with Doni politically, but that is no reason to erase the bookmark for this web site. We have the right to diagree! I won’t remove the bookmark, just get out my soapbox!
Judy C.
I am very apolitical, and I’m not sure if I am proud of that or not. That said, I completely agree that if John McCain wanted to play the “female” card, there were certainly many more experienced politicians to choose from. I feel that some of her beliefs could set women back many, many years. If nothing else, the picture of her posing with a dead moose sealed the deal for me.
We are so fortunate to live in a country where we can all have different opinions, and I respect everyone else’s thoughts as an opportunity to learn something….we need to remember that sometimes (wink…).
McCain was thinking with his other brain when he picked her (it amazing how much she looks like a brunette Ms. McCain.)
If people with all kinds of political knowledge have got us into this mess, can you imagine what kind of mess she could get us into? Wonder what she will pay her Husband?
“Mrs. Vice President the Russian President would like to talk to you.”
“What is his name again?”
“President Putin Vice President.”
“Well gee whiz that sure sounds like shootin’. That’s how I’ll remember him, Shooin’ Putin. Okay put him through.”
“Well hoody do President Shootin’ I mean Putin.”
Can you imagine a formal dinner with her pointing and winking at every good guy and giving the gun shooting sign to all the bad guys.
The only good thing I can see out of it all, Saturday Night Live will be worth watchiing again.
I posted this link on the forums but since it was mentioned, I will post it here as well:
”
The talent of Saturday night Live is unbelievable. So Funny. Here is a link to the Saturday Night Live Vice Presidential Debate:
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/10/vp_debate_snl_s.html
I had a long conversation with my sister about Palin. I am registered GOP and my sister is not. I don’t know if she if still Green party or switched back to Peace and Freedom or some new group.
I tried defending Palin as the choice based on the new information that was coming out about her and then over the last few weeks I have had to eat my words as more voices emerged from the past who were the subjects of actions by Mayor Palin and then Gov. Palin.
She really did try to have books banned by the city library and just the Harry Potter books claimed on the Daily Kos either, but books by a Wasilia minister, an old book called Daddy’s boyfriend or something.
Palin was involved in the charging iof victims for the rape evidence kit. Sure they wanted the medical insurance to actually pay, but you can imagine how each victim felt when they opened that piece of mail. People talk. How many victims decided not to report a rape because of the attitudes of the police?
The lake behind Palin’s house is dead from pollution. What will she do to the rest of America?
It is clear that she tried to force state officials to fire her ex-brother-in-law. Now that the Alaskan senate is investigating her, Palin orders everyone to avoid subpoenas despite pledges to cooperate.
Todd Palin, the First Dude was a member of a political party to secede from the US. Mayor Palin hosted their conventions and posed for photos.
Gov Palin asked for millions in ear marks, just like those sworn against by McCain. Palin did not return the money from the bridge to nowhere, she kept it for other Alaskan projects.
And this is all without getting into all of the nutty religious issues or the bad choices to get pregnant at her age and have a Down syndrome child, forget to talk to her daughter about sex before she got knocked up.
I believe this shows horrible judgment by McCain and that he is not fit for the office.
Me again….511 views. 28 comments. What is everyone else thinking??? This is the place to share. our thoughts.
Great to hear another progressive voice here in the North State mostly because you, Doni, have given the subject a lot of thought before writing to share it. Thank you. I agree, our country and the world are in dire straits right now after almost 8 years of reckless spending on tax breaks for the rich and on the $859 billion spent on an unwinnable war without any economic oversight–i.e., until Secretary of Defense Gates’ appointment and the Congressional elections in 2006. Now here we are with presidential and congressional elections just 4 weeks away and our national and world capable leadership during the past 8 years! We need a change!
Most people are very angry that pocketbook issues aren’t more front and center with McCain’s campaign. Why is McCain avoiding discussing economic policies? Could it be that voters associate McCain with Bush and their mutual failing policies so that today McCain announced that he’s “turning the page” away from the economy and turning to personalities so he can smear Obama. Sounds like a frantic tactic.
McCain assumed the same reckless Bush style leadership in his first major decision, Sarah Palin. She has showcased herself in disastrous TV interviews on CBS, Fox and ABC in the last couple of weeks even after her campaign training. Then during the VP debate last week, Palin–instead of debating Biden that night–gave her “speech” to American voters totally blowing off moderator Gwen Ifil’s questions. As voters saw for themselves, she has superficial, slogan-type understanding of national and international policies and issues. Given her limited national/international savvy, we can easily understand why today McCain/Palin are using smear tactics to attack Obama’s character who still continues to lead in all national polls.
OOps! I just blogged, but my first paragraph last two sentences should (now corrected) read:
Great to hear another progressive voice here in the North State mostly because you, Doni, have given the subject a lot of thought before writing to share it. Thank you. I agree, our country and the world are in dire straits right now after almost 8 years of reckless spending on tax breaks for the rich and on the $859 billion spent on an unwinnable war without any economic oversight–i.e., until Secretary of Defense Gates’ appointment and the Congressional elections in 2006. Now here we are with presidential and congressional elections just 4 weeks away and our national and world economies, literally, are all falling apart due in large part to lack of leadership during the last 8 years. We need a change!
Bud
What is a Ding-Bat? Do you go by old man Hodges? Was it a mistake when KVCV picked you as a rookie, when you went to work for them?……of course not……you became a pro. in later yrs, and did a good job of it….when i was growing up and we had no T. V. then i would listen to you on the radio, you made me laugh, and you were my model to look up to then…..and now i have to say i have never heard you talk like this…..Why do you always listen and agree with Doni, ever time she has something important to say? What makes you think she is always right? ….Is she a mastermind? You never used to be this way. Don’t get me wrong, i like Doni, but i don’t always agree wiith her….and in this topic she is down grading, Gov. Palin as a school kid and no respect for her….i am sure all of the Alaskans who voted her as a Gov. are not school kids……and I BETCHA BY GOLLY I can vote for anyone i want to, without telling me how to vote……P.S. I Bethca by golly you don’t call Biden….OLD MAN……see ya Bud…..Marv
Doni, I’m really getting a chuckle over your article, in part because I blogged something similar a few days ago. And I laugh even harder that people are leaving your website because of your views.
Over the years, I have found myself often in disagreement with things you’ve written, or opinions you’ve posed. I’m glad there are other smart people out there who don’t always share my thoughts, and who have something to offer in the way of a well-formed insight that may not have occurred to me.
What a boring and limited place this would be without divergent outlooks.
Doni, just a folow up note. As one who moderates comments on a regular basis, I want to say you have a remarkably civil readership. It’s good to see debate as it should be.
Yes, I wholeheartedly agree with your viewpoint and am happy to say so. I’m also delighted to see rational debate from all sides.
So, here’s my two cents: I can look past her peculiar mannerisms (hey, we all got ‘em) although they are worthy of a nationwide facepalm. It’s her connection with the far-right on social issues and her radical religious affiliations that are not, in my opinion, what I want to see a heartbeat away from the White House.
I could not agree with you more, Doni. Apparently McCain thinks any politician with a vagina will attract the female vote. She is clearly a token - and a very dangerous one, at that. The thought of her assuming the presidency (a not-unlikely scenario, should, God forbid, McCain be elected) is terrifying.
Thank you, Doni. A well written article. All the comments were very interesting. It’s wonderful that americans can speak their thoughts freely. I will not get into a debate as I do not feel the need. I follow closely all information I can on all candidates & am secure in my decision for the election.
I will comment on the feeling I have that any individual who is representing the people of America as president of this nation, ought to be able to speak the english language. I am so tired of hearing our language mangled with tuh( to) and nuculer(nuclear) just to mention two of the many mispronounced & misspelled words that irritate me. Perhaps readers & writers are more alert to this problem(as I see it) than others. I picture my english teachers shuddering. I also fear my english major daughter would shudder at my poorly composed and probable grammar, & punctuation errrors of this note. I, however, am not running for president or vice-president.
Normally I make it a rule not to talk about politics and religion but Doni - I can’t resist - you really got it right - it is beyond scary that she thinks she is even qualified to run - I think she got swept up in her own importance and will be actually glad WHEN THEY LOSE!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the thoughtful remarks on Palin, Doni. My take on the woman–a big ball of mean wrapped up in stupid. Just what this country needs!
Marv…I think you have me confused with Budd Drummond who was for years on KVCV
with his “Chicken Listeners Club”.
I was on KVIP for several years when it was with KVIP-TV and then later when it was a commercial
station on it’s own.
I worked with Doni’s dad, Don Chamberlain, for several year’s when he was manager.
I’ve followed Doni’s views since she was with the paper until the present and most
always agree with her opinion and this time she’s correct in calling Gov. Sarah Palin
a first class dolt.
She should stay in Alaska and play her flute and take care of her special needs baby.
And yes you can call me “Old Man Hodges.”
The exchanges above, as well as those on Kelly’s heart-wrenching story and Dugan’s informative opinion piece today illustrate one of the things I love most about this site. People can disagree here without ripping each other to shreds. Your comments make me think, your comments make me evaluate and even reconsider my viewpoints (point taken about making fun of Palin’s pronunciations), your comments make me laugh, but most of all, your comments, expressed with such class (99 percent of the time) make me feel so happy for this “we” site, a place where all kinds of people from all walks of life can gather and share viewpoints. As a bonus, you often sign your real names, something that’s increasingly rare online. I’m happy to say that Food for Thought: A News Cafe is not an echo chamber, so we can expect some lively differences of opinion from time to time. That’s OK. In fact, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you for your wit, wisdom, participation and civility. You’re the best.
Check the web for “Harry Truman” a vice-president oft-times referred to by the press in an unflattering manner as the haberdasher, when they weren’t making fun of him as a “Pendergast stooge”.
They made fun of him too.
The histroy books certainly don’t.
Sorry Mr. Hodges, My mistake, and I do apologize.
I admire John McCain so much, but I have a horrible feeling that he’s very uncomfortable and unhappy that he let himself be swept up into the “running for President” machine. He can’t be thrilled that he is being prodded to bring up his POW experience at every turn, when it has always been something that he was reluctant to talk about or use to his political advantage. I know that the visual media is not flattering to many people, including those who think clearer than they speak, but I’m franky perplexed by everything that John McCain and Sarah Palin have said during the Republican National Convention, interviews and debates.
Since Zbigniew Brzezinski, whose personal experience with Russia, a rising power, and the middle east is not running for president, I will go with a candidate who is open to the idea that we are one country among many and need to build stable alliances, that we are in tremendous debt and could become as bankrupt as the Soviet Union was, that we no longer have the resources to continue military actions that cost the lives of our servicemen and women and money we don’t have , and that the primary purpose of a country’s government is to protect the citizens of that country.
Camille Paglia (Obama Supporter) can say it better than I can:
“One of the most idiotic allegations batting around out there among urban media insiders is that Palin is “dumb.” Are they kidding? What level of stupidity is now par for the course in those musty circles? (The value of Ivy League degrees, like sub-prime mortgages, has certainly been plummeting. As a Yale Ph.D., I have a perfect right to my scorn.) People who can’t see how smart Palin is are trapped in their own narrow parochialism — the tedious, hackneyed forms of their upper-middle-class syntax and vocabulary….
“Many others listening to Sarah Palin at her debate went into conniptions about what they assailed as her incoherence or incompetence. But I was never in doubt about what she intended at any given moment. On the contrary, I was admiring not only her always shapely and syncopated syllables but the innate structures of her discourse — which did seem to fly by in fragments at times but are plainly ready to be filled with deeper policy knowledge, as she gains it.” -Matt
Thank you, Doni. You said it well. As an actual hockey mom, I am deeply offended by her inference that we all have the same agenda - and her crude statement that the only difference between a bulldog and a hockey mom is lipstick. Heck, I can hardly remember to wear the stuff! Seriously, does she not even remember the old adage, “When in doubt, sound it out?”
I am a long time Obama supporter. When McCain won the Republican primary I was concerned but not frightened like I was when Bush was voted in for the SECOND time. I liked McCain personally and thought he was a man of great integrity. I just disagreed with his politics. When I read that he picked Sarah Palin, I was intrigued. I have always hoped for the day that a women would break that political glass ceiling. I marched for and yes even burned my bra for it. I gave her the benefit of the doubt even though I thought that no woman, who chooses to have 5 children, should put them on the back burner for her own political ambitions, especially a family with this many challenges. But once I got to know her I became scared to death. Shame on John McCain for putting the country in this ridiculous position. Apparently they were looking for any woman. Not a qualified or smart woman but just a pretty woman. He met her once. How insulting is that? I am a long time community case manager and I can tell you age is a factor for all of us and John McCain is not the healthiest of 72 year olds. The possibility of this ill prepared woman in the position of being the president is terrifying at best.
Haven’t we learned anything from these last 8 years. The world is in crisis right now because, in part, by the lack of leadership from the US. Anyone who watches the BBC or other newscasts away from the US know that much of the world blames us and particularly the Bush administration for this world crisis. We are retired and have lost much of what we saved in our 401K’s, in preparation for these years. We were responsible and raised our 4 kids by working, somtimes, several jobs each. Now we have a very scary future financially, through no fault of our own and it is of no consulation to me that my neighbors are going to through the same thing. MC Cain pushed and pushed for the Market to be deregulated. Remember he also pushed to privatize Social Security and urged us to support Bush in wanting us to put our Social Security in 401K’s. He has consistently on the wrong side. Many in the world is praying Obama is president as am I.
When we moved here some years ago, our friends and neighbors said we wouldn’t last because Shasta County were too conservative for us. They were wrong. It is so nice to read others opinions when they are well researched and well written, regardless of the point of view. Clearly the discussion here is the type of discussion we should be having nationally. I’m always wondering what would possess people to think so differently than I do. I bet I’m not alone.
Doni, my husband and I appreciate you more than you know. You articulate what we feel so well and in a much more concise and with humor. We have been fans for years and so enjoy your take on life. Thank you for this forum that gives us a voice.
I would rather have a Vice President that is not qualified such as Palin than a President who is not qualified like Obama!
Obama-Biden?! God Help Us!!
The alternative is nearly as bad. I’m tired of having to vote for the lesser of two evils every damn election … Whoever is elected - We the People are in trouble.
I am voting for Obama. He is the first time I have ever been excited about an election, He is fair
and works well with both parties. He is going to be a great leader and Biden has excellent skills
in F. Relations. Now if you make over 250,00 a year I could see why you might be a little bit less
than excited but c’mon the Redding area? All people working at one of Redding’s specialty min.
wage jobs should be thrilled to get a Pres. and V.P. that will fight for you the middle class. Obama
will win mark my words there are people registering for the first time in droves and not only
that there are older disenfranchised people coming out again because they beleive that America
stands a chance to be great again. Go Obama Wooot-Woooot!!!
How heartening it was to read these entries! I have felt so alone in this community over my distress about Sarah Palin. Remember the front page of the Record Searchlight where Palin was named as the winner of the debate? I just registered on this site and am looking forward to reading views outside the typical Red County midset.
NO MATTER WHAT IS SAID …
..it’s still a vote for SOCIALISM or CAPITALISM/FREE ENTERPRISE
Doni, as always, I am grateful for your honesty, and for the integrity with which you operate. For a while, I believed I was the only one who didn’t buy Palin’s wink and (sinister at best) smile. I have been uncomfortable with her from the moment she was chosen as McCain’s running mate. As a woman, I am infuriated that with all of the intellectual, capable, brilliant women in this world, that he would pluck Palin from the bunch. Her lack of ability to articulate herself, although abundantly clear and quite humorous, in fact, is less disconcerting than her “everyone thinks this way” arrogance and her lack of understanding of the world at large. Contrary to your belief, Senator Palin, we don’t all think “that way.” Alaska, with it’s population resting solidly at 2, should not be considered an appropriate training ground for running a nation as large, diverse and powerful as the United States. The “bulldog with lipstick” image is not quite what I pictured for the presidency.
Still, for many Americans, there is concern about which candidate is the right one. I believe in my heart I know who that is, but the proof will ultimately be “in the pudding.” Who is going to step up to the plate and change the dire circumstances that we, as Americans, are faced with? Ultimately, gender, age or race will not be the saving grace for this country. Being a man or woman of your word will have to prevail if we are to see our way out of this mess.
As far as the comments about “removing Doni from the bookmark” are concerned, I am sad for anyone who shuts down those with opposing views so quickly. I guess it’s much easier to tune out the opposing view than admit that there may be some hard truth to it. Ignorance, after all, is bliss, right?
On-October 6th, 2008 at 8:59 am Ginny said it best. From all I have read with the comments, she has the wisest words. Thank You Ginny, want to be “Vice President?”
Doni; I am shocked to have read your article on Palin, never did I think you would return to the RS ways of writing. There was no need to put the Govenor of Alaska down the way you did. She is down to earth with a refreshing sense of direction. Obama has made some nasty blunders but yet you do not comment about him. Why is that? Palin does have a full staff behind her, she was fantastic during the debate, she held her own. This doesn’t mean that my vote will go towards the McCane/Palin ticket, I have not totally made up my mind yet. BUT….to be so opinionated “by golly” you made me see another side of Doni that I thought died with the RS. Guess I was wrong. We all have the right to speak our peace, we all have the right to vote for whom~ever we want, but that doesn’t mean that I have to read the words you write any longer. Palin jumped in, her heart is with the nation, she’s one heck of a woman and one I’d be proud to see as a “Vice President” (as it should be written out, not VP.) if my vote should go in that direction. What ever happened to respect.This is so sad and very disappointing Doni.
And as for what “Waiting for a change” said on October 13th, 2008 at 2:35 pm: to your belief, Senator Palin, we don’t all think “that way.” Ahh, Palin isn’t a Senator, she’s the Govenor of Alaska. Get it right!
I apologize for my mistake. Yes, Sarah Palin is the Governer, rather than the Senator of Alaska. Either way, she lacks the expertise to be the Vice President, in my opinion.
What a double standard! “But you’re not some kid. And we’re not playing around here. To quote the son of a friend, this presidential race is not a beauty pageant. You can’t charm and bluff your way through the difficult answers.” How is it that Joe Biden got a complete pass? Why was he able to bluff (lie?) his way through the answers? Katie’s Cafe, “where people are worried about the current economy”, closed almost 20 years ago. We do not spend more in three weeks in Iraq than we have spent for the entire Afghan campaign. Article 1 of the Constitution, where the VP’s duties are spelled out concerns the legislative branch not the executive branch. Palin was right and Biden was wrong. I don’t get the sense that people understand that many of Biden’s answers were incorrect. Why is that? Does Biden get deference because he is a man, and men are considered more authoritative? Does she lack credibility because she is a woman and (God Forbid!) pretty?
Please don’t point out the obvious, that the author and some of the more critical bloggers are women. If you don’t think women in America can’t be sexist, you are in big denial (or just not paying attention). There is a scene in “The Color Purple” where Whoopi Goldberg is advising a recent husband that his new wife (Oprah) just needs a good beating. What stunned me the most about this scene was its ring of truth. I have met women like this!
So I guess, ladies, that your advice on Governor Palin is: Let the beating begin! -Matt
Thanks so much for this article Doni.
One thing about this affair that really bothers me is the way the office of Vice President is picked in our system currently. The person nominated for President by his party just picks someone, without any vote of the people other than a rubber stamp of delegates at their convention. Thus McCain can pick someone who is unknown to most of the country and even barely known by him. This person could EASILY be President in very short order, should McCain be elected. Being a melanoma survivor like McCain, I have a good idea of the odds, and I don’t like them.
McCain betrayed us for short-term political advantage in my opinion. Picking a woman might have been a wise move, and there were many very qualified, respected, and well known Republican women available. Instead we get Palin, and only two months to make a decision about her. On the other hand, Obama picked someone who had participated in the campaign and debates over the past two years, and who is widely known and respected around the world. Obama wins on judgment; The choice is clear for me.
We’ve had down-to-earth and look where it has got us. I’m voting for smart.
Do not underestimate living next door to Russia. With Alaska’s oil, they would be a prize possession. Countries in Europe that border Russia hate Russia. For generations they were invaded and robbed and more. They do not trust Russia, nor should we.
Why do we want to continue to have Ivy League elitists running our country? I say give Sarah Palin a chance. She will have a great mentor. And, afterall, who is really running our country? The power mongers of the Republican and Democratic parties are running the show and the candidates are merely their puppets. Obama and McCain were both pushed to the top by parties that thought they could win the Presidency. Why do you think the Clintons and Gore are out to pasture?
I see issues with both tickets, but I’m thinking of voting McCain/Palin simply to give some counter balance to the Democratically-controlled Congress. One party in control of all three branches of government concerns me (both houses of Congress, the executive branch, and the judiciary as soon as Obama appoints a Supreme Court justice). I would be equally concerned if the Republicans were to control all 3 branches. I think some balance in power between the parties helps avoid extremes and splitting power between the 3 branches will help maintain some balance.
Doni,
I fully agree with your views of Sarah Palin.
Palin announcing she would basically make end-runs around the questions at the debate, suggest her lack of knowledge and a willingness to bluff and improvise (and the moderator let her get away with it- too bad).
Palin is oviously unfit and unqualified to be VP, period!
As for ‘Another Mom’- The Clintons and Al Gore are not exactly “out to pasture” these days.
Why is Obama ready but Palin is not? I think Americans for Obama are truly misguided. I do not care for McCain/Palin
with fervor but Obama??? Rezko, Ayres, Reverend Wright, ACORN, his name, his religion…legally muslim according to Sharia. If he wins America will regret it. Have not we pushed Affirmative Action just a little to hard .
One Hundred Fifty Thousand bucks
Improving the looks of Sara Palin
To make her look more citified
And wear some boots without the nails’in.
(way to go GOP)
Mr. Killion,
Do you really think there’s a chance the electorate majority are considering such tired, old rubbish?
You might take a gander at current national poll numbers. It appears YOU are ‘truly misguided’ !
Mr Tull you shouldn’t count your chickens just yet .It ain’t over until it’s over.Polls don’t elect .The people do.
I find it interesting that Republican supporters always talk about how Democrats want BIG Government and the Government all up in private business, but simply can not or do not want to see the FACTS that the Bush Administration has created one of the largest Governments in history. Creating department after department in the name of so-called “security”, has been the only Administration to inact an ‘all up in your business’ law called the “Patriot Act” and if the PRIVATE LENDING INSTITUTION bailout (using tax payers money without even giving them so much as a vote in the issue) and suggesting that the Government buy up bad mortgages and re-issue them at reduced rates isn’t their idea of socialism, I can’t imagine what they do consider it.
Face it, it takes taxes to run a civilization, and sucking the middle-class for every dime you can get out of them isn’t exactly a good way to go. Who better to pay a larger portion of the tax burden then those who can not only afford to do so [i.e. - large corporations and the extremely wealthy] but those who also utilize a larger portion of the ammenities (like the wealthy). This is not a redistribution of the wealth, it is charging a necessary entity to those who need it. I’m wondering if Republican supporters really want to say, “we want a big, huge Government that is all up in our business ONLY if it benefits us and brings us more and more and more. If you want me to reach out and help you or allow you the same opportunities and advancements that I have, then NO, I don’t want a big Government.”
By the way, isn’t this supposed to be a Government of the people, by the people and FOR THE PEOPLE? I think that means that the majority should be looked out for, not the elite minority.
I loved this article, Doni.
Let’s suppose that McCain/Palin are elected and continue on the same path that we have been on for the past 8 years. Hmmm, wonder who will be able to afford to call “Joe the Plumber” or shop for anything let alone the merest of necessities, and golly gee for sure those now making over $250,000 a year who didn’t want to have to worry about having their taxes increased can instead worry that their own income will now drop into a lower tax bracket, if indeed their own business does not have to close it’s doors along with the many others that are closing.
I am 63 years old and today when I shopped for the month, I bought for a menu of peanut butter and jelly sandwichs for my daily lunches because I am out priced in doing any differently. Pretty glad to be able to do that as things are going.
My pilot light on my heater is still unlit and will stay that way as long as I can stand it.
I allow myself one trip to Redding a month.
Still, I have a good life. I have a dry place to live, blankets and clothing to warm me, a car to drive and food to eat.
What I have witnessed in this time of campaigning for this election has been the willingness of some to smear, lie, and step on the heads of whoever is in the way, as well as trying to scare everyone else to death, all in the name of winning an election.
And yes, after the election is over I will change my registration and become an official Republican instead of the Democrat that I now am. Why? Because then, at least I will never again fear that the Republicans will try and somehow cheat me out of my vote.
I clearly see now that 2000 was not an isolated incident and that it will only get nastier in future years.
What a shame!
We are One Nation, the United States of America and yet I have lived to witness those that would divide and destroy and promote fear and set person against person as if the end result will make it right.
Has anyone given thought to McCain wanting to lose?
Carnie Ahsada,
Why shouldn’t I have counted my chickens? Polls taken right before an election are usually not far off.
Oh, and by the way, polls are generally drawn from cross sections of PEOPLE who vote/elect as you can see for yourself now.