No, To Palin

Let me say first that I know absolutely nothing about Sarah Palin, John McCain's choice for Vice-President. But, I believe that is precisely the point. I'm quite sure I am not the only person in America to whom this pick is unknown. I cannot say anything negative about this woman, and suspect that she is a very fine and capable individual. Yet with two months to go in this election to introduce an unknown to the electorate and expect him/her to be accepted without question strains credulity. A free lance writer, Joe Klock, has pointed out in a recent column that it is highly questionable that we go through this 18 month process to choose a presdidential candidate, and then our vice presidents are selected by one individual. The concern becomes particularly acute in the case of John McCain who is clearly picking a potential president that we are stuck with no matter what choice we might prefer. I feel that Senator McCain has not taken this choice seriously. He is the one who has been harping about experience and yet has chosen someone who is new to the national political scene, and who's resume is quite thin.

I have known many wonderful women throughout my life, and even a number of men, who I believe would make excellent vice-presidents. They may be school administrators, presidents of professional and non-profit organizations, college educators etc. They have demonstrated adminstrative experience, intelligence, skill, wisdom, integrity, and fairness. I would have no problem voting for many of them to fill such a lofty position, because I know and have confidence in them. There is no reason why the rest of the country would or should support them for such an office, because in this country the people decide who to choose for their elected officials. These choices are to be based on knowledge of the candidate over the course of time, not taking John McCain's word for his choice. For eighteen months we have watched Barack Obama slog through the snows of New Hampshire to the sunny climes of Nevada and New Mexico. We have decided for ourselves yea or nay what we think of him based on his presentation of himself to us.

For John McCain to thrust such a new face upon us at this late date seems a travesty of the process. If my understanding is correct, he himself never met Sarah Palin until last week. This choice does not seem to me to be a serious one. It may turn out to be a politically smart choice. However, if this is the way Senator McCain plans to govern this country, I am not at all encouraged.