OK, so Politics. It used to be a dirty word for me. You know, it was that conversation I didn't want to get into because I felt like the people that I was talking to were opinionated in a way that I couldn't stand. They stood for something because their parents and grandparents did, but they never really knew why they were taking that position. Or even for me, I will admit that I never really understood, knew enough, or to be frank, cared enough to get into an intelligent conversation about Politics.
But, NOW, that has all changed. This election that we are embarking on is something that I will never forget. Not just because of the fact that John McCain felt he needed to choose a woman for the VP spot (which I have plenty to rant on later) and we will now indefinitely be making history with the next President and Co, but more because of how this election has made me feel.
I am inspired. Inspired in a way that I have never been before; by politics, by a man, by anyone or anything really. The things that Barack Obama has highlighted and proposed for this country I am on board with. I believe in him and his ability to lead this country. He has the values that I believe can change the actual mindset of many Americans. He is telling us to work hard. To be the best we can and fight for what we know can be a great country again. And lets face it, these wonderful United States have not been so united or so wonderful in the recent years.
It is disheartening to me to have to write this next sentence, but this is what I believe: I do not feel that enough Americans have the ability to look past gender, race, discrimination and a blatant 'I am all about me mindset' to elect this man with a landslide. I am afraid that the intelligent, wonderful, independent women of this country could be blindsided and make a terrible mistake. Here's why:
The newest twist to this election road: Mrs. Sarah Palin. She's a hockey mom, an independent woman and she built herself into a leader in a short, VERY short time. DO I respect this? Absolutely. As a women, I am thrilled that McCain has the balls to throw up this hail Mary and choose her as a running mate. But, that's my inner sister-hood speaking. Now to the facts: She has an incredibly meager amount of experience. She says she is all about reform and throwing the corruption out of government. Kudos. I appreciate that. I do not, however, appreciate that she wants to completely outlaw abortion. Oh, so you're a victim of rape and got pregnant during that heinous crime? Well, that's too bad because you will have to have that child and be reminded every day of something you could not prevent. How the hell is that helping women? Or this country for that matter? You know that whole idea of finding cleaner fuels and getting away from our dependence on oil? How do you think that is really going to go with a VP in office whose husband works at an offshore oil company? And what about her relationship, or shall I say non-relationship, with John McCain? He's met her twice. Twice. This makes it clear to me that the only reason McCain decided on Palin as a running mate is solely for the fact that she is a woman and he needs women's' votes. If nothing else, shouldn't us women see this as demeaning? So here is my message to all women out there:
FORGET that she is a mother. FORGET that she won a beauty pageant and broke through glass ceilings. FORGET that she is a SHE. Sure women are excited that she was the VP choice, because she is a women. But, imagine Mrs. Sarah Palin were a man, and tell me that you agree he has the experience to lead if, lets face it, the elderly McCain happened to have a misfortune with his health. Tell me, if she were a man you would back him up on his policies to outlaw the right of a women to choose what she wants for her body and her life. Tell me if she were a man that you would be comfortable with him saying that foreign policy has really just been an afterthought to him and not really something he has spent time thinking about in the ways of the future of this country. Do you really think that if McCain had picked a male running mate who was, for example, a sole provider for his family and a dedicated father, that you would say , 'well, he understands health care and day care so he will fight for that'? NO! Please, let us all remember how Sarah Palin was introduced as a running mate: with all emphasis on her gender and gender alone. So I am asking you, all women, to PLEASE join me and say I am going to leave my emotions and love for the sisterhood out of this election. I am not going to be vindictive and say that this woman, this inexperienced governor of Alaska, is a trade for Hilary Clinton. She has the complete opposite views and positions as Hilary-just because she is a woman does NOT make her the same. Yes, we want a woman in office, but should we not make sure when this woman is making history that it is the right one?
So, I will steal a phrase from Mrs. Sarah Palin herself (on her very first political flip-flop about the 'bridge to know where', might I add) when I ask all women to say to the McCain /Palin ticket: THANKS, BUT NO THANKS!
