"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."
—Alice Walker
After listening to Sarah Palin speak at the Republican Convention, I was terrified that this woman could be in a position of power representing our country. She is without a doubt a persuasive speaker, but her words are mean- spirited and nasty. She lied several times during her speech, and unfortunately I am afraid people that aren't well-read will believe all the lies that she and her party continue to voice.
–Julia K., 58, Henderson, NV
The idea that a woman would vote for a woman because of their shared gender is as absurd as assuming a man would vote for a man because he was a man. Assuming that anyone would vote for Sarah Palin seems dubious, assuming women who were taken with Hillary would vote for her is downright insulting. She has no relevant experience, is on the opposite side of reason on all issues where her position can be discerned at all, and is a frightening prospect as vice president.
–phoebe s., 30, san francisco, ca
While I was impressed with Sarah Palin's speaking abilities, I am dismayed over her message. Her politics are divisive and vindictive. I do not want to teach my children, especially my daughter, that women need to be pitbulls with lipstick to get ahead. Surely, we've come farther along than that. It was incredulous of her to assert that just because she has some mayoral and less than 2 years gubernatorial experience that that qualifies her to be 2nd in command of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The Republican spinning crew has stated time and again that she has more executive experience than the Democratic ticket, but they neglect to state that she also has more than McCain. Of course, I vehemently oppose her beliefs as well:
* I will never support Arctic drilling - ever. We must find alternative fuel sources AND cut consumption.
* I am for a women's right to choose. What will happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned?
* I believe human activity/behavior plays a significant role in global warming.
* I believe evolution - not creationism - should be taught in schools.
* While I support the troops, I am and always have been against the Iraq War.
I hope and pray that Obama/Biden win this election. Our country deserves a positive vision.
–Kathleen S., Lakeland, MI
I believe that the choice of Sarah Palin was utterly cynical. McCain and his advisors calculated that Hillary Clinton's disaffected supporters would follow ANY woman, no matter what her beliefs. I feel that all women should feel insulted by this obvious manipulation and misogyny. Palin is not qualified in any way to be the fallback in case of the death of a president. We should all be angry and terrified.
–Alorie P., Sudbury, MA
To all the women supporting and cheering for Palin at the Republican convention, are you in favor of banned books, no birth control and no sex education? Are you aware of the impact on our daughters and our country? Please fight back.
–Lynn H., 46, Ann Arbor, Michigan