A fabulous convention speech. A woman VP nomination. So much has happened in the world of politics over the last few days my head is spinning.
Let's start with Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention. What an amazing speech he gave! He was impassioned, inspiring, clear on policy differences with the Republicans, and downright evangelical in the desire to restore Americans' sense of pride in ourselves and our country. He is the man!
As for the woman, Sarah Palin, what a bold VP choice by McCain. And, mayhap, somewhat stupid. Now no one can fault Obama for lack of experience because this woman has even less. At first glance a woman VP nomination could be seen as a lure to Hillary voters, but that presupposes women are interchangeable, that it's just having a vagina that matters, which when you think about it is pretty damn sexist. That's the point of view of the guy in the bar who just wants to get laid and doesn't care which woman provides the service, just that he gets some. Heck, in a pinch, even a blow-up doll will do.
McCain went for demographics in his choice, a check-list of attributes he thought would sell his Presidential quest: Woman, check. Conservative, check. Young, check. Middle class, check! There, he thought. That oughta beef up my rich, old, male, partially-conservative candidacy. McCain's that engineer who wants to find a bride and does so by going to match.com and listing attributes, thinking love will find him if he just defines his requirements clearly enough.
Think of it this way, yes, Ms. Palin is a relatively young woman and mother who has sought and achieved a position of political power--good for her. I support her right to go for her goals, but that doesn't mean I want to vote for her. Why not?
Because she's also pro-gun, anti-choice, and a religious conservative who was picked to balance McCain's wavering conservative credentials and appeal to the yahoos who want to stack the Supreme Court with creationists and right-to-lifers. That would be disastrous for this country.
So, while I'm all for supporting women in achieving positions of power, I'm also for being discriminating--as in exercising my considerable analytical abilities to discern differences in policy and position among those too few women who have achieved political power and let me tell you, Sarah is no Hillary. I would never vote for her because of her policy positions, no matter her gender, her age or her ability to wear a swimsuit.
Take that, John McCain!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
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5 comments:
I actually had an inkling who Sarah Pallin is because I had written her letters opposing her support for the exceedlingly cruel aerial hunting of wolves in Alaska. The oil companies must be pleased with her nomination... Also if all life is sacred, what's with the little incursion on false pretenses into Iraq and the loss of life there? For the sake of wolves, polar bears, wildlife, women and beings everywhere, let's hope Obama wins! SD
Amen!
After reading this entry, I can't help but be amused... The very first sentence you ever wrote on your blog: "I'm a registered Democrat and I'm voting for Hillary because she's a woman." Granted, you went on to elaborate, but it still amuses me.
Also, may be beside the point, but dissing match.com... I actually know a few people who were fortunate to find love and life partners via the service. While I am inclined to think it wouldn't be for me were I single, I have to admit I've been surprised time and time again by people for whom it has worked. (I've heard miserable stories, too, but am surprised by the approximate 50/50 track rating.)
Most recently, the 70-something year old who is chair of my department got married a couple of weeks ago to someone to whom he was introduced via match.com. They are both widows, and it's so special they found happiness after such difficult times. Folks broke out into a standing ovation at the start of their ceremony.
I'm not about to knock something that might bring love into people's lives... especially if it's a system I know nothing about from direct personal experience.
Well said, Little Sister. Wish you had been in congregation the day my friend Joy Overstreet spoke. She has a blog sight you might like to read. You and she are not only on the same page, you are using the same language to tell the world why Sarah Palin is an 'interesting' choice for John McCain to have made as his running mate. She is no Hillary! mes
Regina, dahling--let me be clear: I said I was voting for Hillary--all other things being equal--because she was a woman; that was the tipping point. Sarah Palin doesn't even get on to the gender scale because of her horrible politics.
Also, in light of your impassioned defense of match.com, I have nothing against that particular site; the use of it was a rhetorical device and meant to read as such.
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