"War-making is one of the few activities that people are not supposed to view realistically;" that is, with an eye to expense and practical outcome. In all-out war, expenditure is all-out, imprudent—war being defined as an emergency in which no sacrifice is excessive."
—Susan Sontag
At the Republication Convention Sarah Palin described her mayoral experience, in a small Alaskan town, as being akin to being a "community organizer, except with real responsibilities." She elaborated that her accomplishments as Governor included getting rid of the luxury jet her predecessor had used. These are exactly the type of descriptions that make it clear to me that she is not prepared to lead our country. I don't even really feel that I need to address her politics, although they are frighteningly conservative and do not reflect the values or real lives of women, or men, in America, because her lack of experience should be enough to turn anyone away from this ticket. Ms. Palin strikes me as the "George Bush" of this ticket. She is simply a figurehead who gets up and pretends to be "every woman" while saying nothing of substance and dumbing herself down in the process. It was bad enough when a male candidate adopted this persona in order to win votes; it is doubly insulting to see a woman vice presidential candidate being used in this role. I do not need a "hockey mom" running my country.
Finally, when Ms. Palin said that Senator Obama didn't really respect the working class because he didn't understand why they clung to their guns and their religion, I was incredulous - by the fact that such a subject is taking up time at a political convention occurring in the midst of hurricanes that remind us of the monumental failures of Katrina, during a time when we are waging multiple wars around the globe, and during a time when the federal deficit is at an unprecedented high - to name just a few of our woes. I was also incredulous by the cheers from the crowd. Honestly, are our religious rights or our right to bear arms in any way at issue at the moment? This is empty rhetoric.
–Laura A., 31, Portland, OR
Nominating Sarah Palin is one of the worst, most cynical decision in the history of American politics. This woman has a limited education and absolutely zero international experience. She didn't step foot outside the US until 2006. I don't care about Ms. Palin's children, or their pregnancies. I don't even hate McCain. I just believe strongly that we have entered a new, frightening era of judging people's appropriateness for high office by their looks (one delegate was quoted as saying she was a good candidate because she's so pretty), Coulter-esque barbs (sarcastic lies about Obama), and ability to appeal to the lowest common denominator in America (sorry, I want someone BETTER than me for that office!) She is the antithesis of the thinking woman's agenda, and I would NOT follow the estrogen trail and vote for her even if she were running as a Democrat.
–Leah B.
I want to express my opinion on John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as the Republican VP candidate. Not only was this a pandering, cynical choice but it adds insult to injury to assume that a female candidate, no matter who she is, what she believes or what experience she has, is going to give Hilllary Clinton supporters and many other women a feminist voice in the White House.
–Rachael H., Chevy Chase, MD
I cannot even begin to express the setback that everyone in America (and especially women in America) would face if reproductive rights and education were cut back. Palin appears to think it is best to NOT teach our children about safe-sex (perhaps focus on creationism instead?), and then force these young people to carry the baby after- surprise - they end up pregnant. Now THAT is anti-choice.
–Kimberely M., 27, Minneapolis, MN
As a female independent voter and I am truly appalled and offended by McCain's choice for VP. He met her only twice beforehand, she had a several hour long interview and filled out a questionnaire. That's it. I'm sorry but the weakness of McCain's choice shows only a desperate attempt to gain some attention. If he really had America's best interest in mind he would have picked a better qualified candidate.
–Melissa S., 34, New Jersey
Thank goodness women are standing up and speaking out about McCain's crass attempt at pandering to the women's vote, at the expense of the future of our nation. If this is an example of McCain's decision making, (and it is), he would put us all in danger if he were to become President.
–Sher F., retired, Mesa, AZ
We cannot stand by and see the progress of women in upper levels of government be reversed by the misguided voice of Governor Palin. As a feminist, I am shocked at the recent events in this race, and am speaking out for myself and future generations of women.
–Elizabeth D., New York
Nominating Sarah Palin is one of the worst, most cynical decision in the history of American politics. This woman has a limited education and absolutely zero international experience. She didn't step foot outside the US until 2006. I don't care about Ms. Palin's children, or their pregnancies. I don't even hate McCain. I just believe strongly that we have entered a new, frightening era of judging people's appropriateness for high office by their looks (one delegate was quoted as saying she was a good candidate because she's so pretty), Coulter-esque barbs (sarcastic lies about Obama), and ability to appeal to the lowest common denominator in America (sorry, I want someone BETTER than me for that office!) She is the antithesis of the thinking woman's agenda, and I would NOT follow the estrogen trail and vote for her even if she were running as a Democrat.
–Leah B.
I want to express my opinion on John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as the Republican VP candidate. Not only was this a pandering, cynical choice but it adds insult to injury to assume that a female candidate, no matter who she is, what she believes or what experience she has, is going to give Hilllary Clinton supporters and many other women a feminist voice in the White House.
–Rachael H., Chevy Chase, MD
I cannot even begin to express the setback that everyone in America (and especially women in America) would face if reproductive rights and education were cut back. Palin appears to think it is best to NOT teach our children about safe-sex (perhaps focus on creationism instead?), and then force these young people to carry the baby after- surprise - they end up pregnant. Now THAT is anti-choice.
–Kimberely M., 27, Minneapolis, MN
As a female independent voter and I am truly appalled and offended by McCain's choice for VP. He met her only twice beforehand, she had a several hour long interview and filled out a questionnaire. That's it. I'm sorry but the weakness of McCain's choice shows only a desperate attempt to gain some attention. If he really had America's best interest in mind he would have picked a better qualified candidate.
–Melissa S., 34, New Jersey
Thank goodness women are standing up and speaking out about McCain's crass attempt at pandering to the women's vote, at the expense of the future of our nation. If this is an example of McCain's decision making, (and it is), he would put us all in danger if he were to become President.
–Sher F., retired, Mesa, AZ
We cannot stand by and see the progress of women in upper levels of government be reversed by the misguided voice of Governor Palin. As a feminist, I am shocked at the recent events in this race, and am speaking out for myself and future generations of women.
–Elizabeth D., New York