I listened to Governor Palin as she accepted her new role and I couldn't help but be impressed, to tell the truth. Actually, other than her rabid anti-abortion views (abortion is unacceptable even in the case of rape or incest), gun positions, and beauty pageant background, she kind of reminded me of myself, only a bit more folksy. She was a basketball player and athlete in high school and majored in Journalism in college and she's not afraid of speaking her mind, even in front of a crowd.
But once the glow faded a bit, and I reconsidered, I have to say that while I'm sure she will do her best and may surpass expectations, there is no way she's prepared to be a heartbeat away from the presidency. Even her own Alaska newspapers recognize and acknowledge this fact. So why did McCain pick her, and what does this selection say about him and this race? Politico has an incisive take on the possible reasons, and they say a lot more about John McCain than Sarah Palin. Read here.
For a presidential candidate who claims he puts the country first to go ahead and take such a chance with our country's future (should he be elected) is truly disingenuous.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Obama's Acceptance Speech and McCain's VP Pick
Finally, Barack Obama showed the fire in his belly last night as he addressed 75,000 gathered to hear his acceptance speech. He was strong, presidential, forceful, personal, and visionary. I hope to add the video here shortly. What a presidential race this is turning out to be! The Obama/Biden ticket looks solid and prepared for the last legs of this race. Here's what he said last night:
And now, it looks like John McCain has chosen to put a woman on his ticket, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, to counterbalance the historicity of a first African American president with the first female American vice president...also to balance out his Washington insiderness with a complete outsider. We don't know much about her yet, beyond her conservative creds, but this report from MSNBC's First Report leads us to wonder just how well she was vetted:
From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Earlier this month, Gov. Palin praised parts of Obama's energy plan. The link to the press release was not working as of 12:30 p.m. ET. But Google saves everything.
Palin Pleased with Obama's Energy Plan
Includes Alaska's Natural Gas Reserves Print Now Printer Friendly
No. 08-135
August 4, 2008, Fairbanks, Alaska - Governor Sarah Palin today responded to the energy plan put forward by the presumptive Democratic nominee for President, Illinois Senator Barack Obama.
"I am pleased to see Senator Obama acknowledge the huge potential Alaska's natural gas reserves represent in terms of clean energy and sound jobs," Governor Palin said. "The steps taken by the Alaska State Legislature this past week demonstrate that we are ready, willing and able to supply the energy our nation needs."
In a speech given in Lansing, Michigan, Senator Obama called for the completion of the Alaska natural gas pipeline, stating, "Over the next five years, we should also lease more of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska for oil and gas production. And we should also tap more of our substantial natural gas reserves and work with the Canadian government to finally build the Alaska natural gas pipeline, delivering clean natural gas and creating good jobs in the process."
Governor Palin also acknowledged the Senator's proposal to offer $1,000 rebates to those struggling with the high cost of energy.
"We in Alaska feel that crunch and are taking steps to address it right here at home," Governor Palin said. "This is a tool that must be on the table to buy us time until our long-term energy plans can be put into place. We have already enjoyed the support of Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, and it is gratifying to see Senator Obama get on board."
The Governor did question the means to pay for Obama's proposed rebate - a windfall profits tax on oil companies. In Alaska, the state's resource valuation system, ACES, provides strong incentives for companies to re-invest their profits in new production.
"Windfall profits taxes alone prevent additional investment in domestic production. Without new supplies from American reserves, our dependency and addiction to foreign sources of oil will continue," Governor Palin said.
And now, it looks like John McCain has chosen to put a woman on his ticket, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, to counterbalance the historicity of a first African American president with the first female American vice president...also to balance out his Washington insiderness with a complete outsider. We don't know much about her yet, beyond her conservative creds, but this report from MSNBC's First Report leads us to wonder just how well she was vetted:
From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Earlier this month, Gov. Palin praised parts of Obama's energy plan. The link to the press release was not working as of 12:30 p.m. ET. But Google saves everything.
Palin Pleased with Obama's Energy Plan
Includes Alaska's Natural Gas Reserves Print Now Printer Friendly
No. 08-135
August 4, 2008, Fairbanks, Alaska - Governor Sarah Palin today responded to the energy plan put forward by the presumptive Democratic nominee for President, Illinois Senator Barack Obama.
"I am pleased to see Senator Obama acknowledge the huge potential Alaska's natural gas reserves represent in terms of clean energy and sound jobs," Governor Palin said. "The steps taken by the Alaska State Legislature this past week demonstrate that we are ready, willing and able to supply the energy our nation needs."
In a speech given in Lansing, Michigan, Senator Obama called for the completion of the Alaska natural gas pipeline, stating, "Over the next five years, we should also lease more of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska for oil and gas production. And we should also tap more of our substantial natural gas reserves and work with the Canadian government to finally build the Alaska natural gas pipeline, delivering clean natural gas and creating good jobs in the process."
Governor Palin also acknowledged the Senator's proposal to offer $1,000 rebates to those struggling with the high cost of energy.
"We in Alaska feel that crunch and are taking steps to address it right here at home," Governor Palin said. "This is a tool that must be on the table to buy us time until our long-term energy plans can be put into place. We have already enjoyed the support of Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, and it is gratifying to see Senator Obama get on board."
The Governor did question the means to pay for Obama's proposed rebate - a windfall profits tax on oil companies. In Alaska, the state's resource valuation system, ACES, provides strong incentives for companies to re-invest their profits in new production.
"Windfall profits taxes alone prevent additional investment in domestic production. Without new supplies from American reserves, our dependency and addiction to foreign sources of oil will continue," Governor Palin said.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Is Any Politician Honest?
How I feel for Elizabeth Edwards at this moment. He comes clean, she forgives him, and then further revelations begin to dribble forth, showing he hadn't entirely been truthful in his so-called confession. As a former Edwards supporter, I feel betrayed and used and am thoroughly disgusted, disappointed, and demoralized about politics right now. I didn't idolize the guy, but I thought his love and devotion to his family was unquestionable. This awful revelation about his affair only leads me to question the family devotion of Obama. (Ever since I learned of McCain's mistreatment of his first wife and his affair with Cindy, I've known better than to trust his word.) But what about Obama? Is it all a show? Is his love and devotion to his family true? Has he ever been unfaithful to his marriage vows?
These questions are important because, above all, I think Americans want honesty in their president. They want to vote for a candidate they can believe in. If you can't be honest with those closest to you, how can you be honest and forthright with the American people? One thing is sure. It will be a long time before I ever contribute financially to a campaign again.
Needless to say, I'm removing all signs of my prior support of Edwards on this site. It's too bad in a way, because I think he had the right take on matters of policy. He just let his self-interest take over.
These questions are important because, above all, I think Americans want honesty in their president. They want to vote for a candidate they can believe in. If you can't be honest with those closest to you, how can you be honest and forthright with the American people? One thing is sure. It will be a long time before I ever contribute financially to a campaign again.
Needless to say, I'm removing all signs of my prior support of Edwards on this site. It's too bad in a way, because I think he had the right take on matters of policy. He just let his self-interest take over.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Real Difference
I haven't posted in months. I guess I needed a breather after Obama became the presumptive Democratic nominee...and, besides, I'm gearing up for the publication of my first novel (see www.tanyaparkermills.com if you're curious). But, seriously, I've grown sick and tired of the tit for tat going on between the McCain and Obama campaigns. This video clip of Obama in a recent town hall meeting in Ohio really says it all:
I'm sure I speak for Americans across the country--Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, Constitutionalists, etc.--when I say that it's high time for some civil debate and discourse. I'm ashamed that Obama hasn't agreed to at least a few joint town hall meetings with McCain. And I'm ashamed that McCain has resorted to his old "McNasty" self. We want to see both of these candidates acting presidential and that means showing they can not only control themselves, but also their staffs.
There's a funny video making the rounds right now, touting Paris Hilton for President. The funny thing is, she almost puts both McCain and Obama to shame. Now that says something about the current political climate.
I'm sure I speak for Americans across the country--Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, Constitutionalists, etc.--when I say that it's high time for some civil debate and discourse. I'm ashamed that Obama hasn't agreed to at least a few joint town hall meetings with McCain. And I'm ashamed that McCain has resorted to his old "McNasty" self. We want to see both of these candidates acting presidential and that means showing they can not only control themselves, but also their staffs.
There's a funny video making the rounds right now, touting Paris Hilton for President. The funny thing is, she almost puts both McCain and Obama to shame. Now that says something about the current political climate.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
