Facebook
Twitter
RSS
![[Masthead]](http://www.marshallnews.com/images/nameplate.png)
|
|
Fair ~ High: 73°F ~ Low: 48°F Monday, May 21, 2012 |
|
Conventions and VeepsPosted Saturday, August 30, 2008, at 8:36 PM
For some time we have listened to the McCain campaign tell us that Senator Obama lacks the experience to be President. After the Democratic nominee gave his acceptance speech, McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds said, "The fact remains: Barack Obama is still not ready to be President." Less than 24 hours later, Senator McCain announced that he had picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his choice as Vice Presidential nominee. The resume for his choice is a bit sparse; Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, population 7000. (It should be noted that the entire population of Alaska is about 600,000 or the size of the KC metro area) She now is in her 20 month as governor. Two of Alaska's leading newspapers, The Anchorage Daily News & Fairbanks Daily News-Miner questioned her qualifications and preparedness for such a high office. A reporter with the Anchorage paper stated in an interview that her much heralded approval ratings (80%) were actually around 65% and falling. Two leading members of her own party in Alaska have questioned her ability to handle such a big task. "She's not prepared to be governor. How can she be prepared to be vice president or president?" said Lyda Green, the president of the State Senate, a Republican from Palin's hometown of Wasilla. "Look at what she's done to this state. What would she do to the nation?" Another top Republican, John Harris, the speaker of the House, when asked about her qualifications for Veep, replied with this: "She's old enough. She's a U.S. citizen." Just a few weeks ago the governor pondered during an interview, "As for that VP talk all the time, I'll tell you, I still can't answer that question until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the VP does every day?" Presidential scholars say she appears to be the least experienced, least credentialed person to join a major-party ticket in the modern era. Apparently the need for 'experience' changed sometime between Thursday night and Friday morning or does not apply to the VP nominee. It seems this choice is a good indication of judgment or lack thereof within the McCain campaign. How does the motto "Country First" come into this equation? It appears that was not a prime consideration when this decision was made. During the announcement of the Republican ticket, Gov. Palin commented that she had championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress. "In fact, I told Congress -- I told Congress, 'Thanks, but no thanks,' on that bridge to nowhere. If our state wanted a bridge, I said we'd build it ourselves." The only problem is that this comment is a direct contradiction of what she said while running for governor. During an interview she was asked if she was in favor of continuing state funding for the project. "Yes," she responded, noting specifically her desire to renew Congressional support: "Yes. I would like to see Alaska's infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. The window is now--while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist." John McCain has supported and voted with President George W. Bush more than 90% of the time during the past seven years. When discussing taxes, both candidates were asked to give their definition of what constitutes having a "middle-class" income. Senator Obama said that middle class were families that made $150,000 a year or less; when Senator McCain was asked the same question, he answered $5,000,000.00 a year was the defining mark between rich and middle class. A closer look shows that 95% of our citizens make $170,000 or less a year and 99.99% do not make $5 million per year. According to McCain's tax plan he would receive a $300,000.00 tax break while middle-class wage earners would see a savings of $319! Is this change? Is this the type of judgment we want in our next president? Is this the direction we want our country to continue going? As we await the Republicans to convene in Minnesota, we can ponder, debate, discuss the politics of change, judgment and experience. However, it appears that after the Democratic Convention that the discussion and debate has now shifted. It now seems that instead of worrying about country first, experience and judgment that the message has shifted. The main focus of the McCain campaign now appears to be desperation and pandering. Comments Showing comments in chronological order [Show most recent comments first] |
Ron Monnig has more than 35 years of experience working with civic, community and political groups. He has served in elected, appointed and volunteer positions since high school. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History/Government from Columbia College. He is a Democratic party activist; VP of Saline County Democrat Club, Member of Democrat Central Committee of Saline County.
Hot topics Politics, Religion & Viral Chain E-Mail(4 ~ 10:24 AM, Sep 11)
Martin Luther King, Jr Day - 2011
The Cost of Freedom - Democracy for Sale to Highest Bidder
The Democratic Party in the 21st Century
Veteran's Day 2009
|
Email link
Read comments (33)
Blog archive
![[Feed icon]](http://www.marshallnews.com/images/icons/feed-icon-14x14.png){kind=icon}
I have watched both candidates speak; I have watched both VP candidates speak. I have looked at both records.
I have watched what has happened to this country in the last 8 - 28 years, and I have been appalled at what has happened to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the destruction of the common good in favor of the privileged few.
I am appalled that so many people still think that this election is about 'abortion' or 'gun-control' or 'prayer in the schools'. Single issue voters... How do you rationalize voting against abortion, and for war; against gun-control but bigger penalties for petty criminals; for war but against veterans' health care; forced prayer in our schools but against Al Qaeda for doing the same?
And now that view has become institutionalized yet again in McCain's choice... what is the rational to forcing a rape or incest victim to bear a child to be killed in a war or locked up in prison or shot in a drive by or to just die a slow death of lack of education, health care, decent food... but after they're born, they're on their own - right?
Actually, NanaDot, McCain has stated he is against abortion EXCEPT in the case of rape or incest victims.
And is there a lot of rational going on in supporting something that has led to more than 400 million deaths versus a war that has cost over 4,000 deaths? But, oh, I forgot, they weren't actually "killed," they were just aborted before realizing they were alive!
On another note, who said anything about forced prayer in schools?
Just wondering if you've really been paying attention.
Music - have YOU been paying attention? I was referring to Gov. Palin, and her views are quite clear - she does NOT make the exception.
While you may cite absolute numbers which do not reflect the increase in population reporting, the abortion rate has in fact fallen over the last 29 years.
http://www.johnstonsarchive.net/policy/a...
And since when do ONLY US deaths count as 'important' or just 'US war deaths'? What about the million Iraqi civilians alone? or the 50,000 children who died of preventable disease in Iraq alone? IF you are pro-life, please define whose lives you are for, and under what specific conditions... what about the millions dead of genocide in a dozen countries? or the 25,000 children who die of starvation EVERY DAY? Who's important enough to 'count'? What about the women who have been raped by soldiers in ethnic cleansings, in war - raping women is about subjugation and humiliation and is a time-honored method of terrorizing the enemy... who counts?
And if you only want to count US, what about the millions of children who go to bed hungry, and homeless, the millions who can't afford healthcare, glasses, dental care, or school supplies, the hundreds of thousands in foster care?
The issue is not just ONE issue - and it isn't just about us. We actually live on one small planet with several billion other people. Oh, but they don't count - they're already born, so they're on their own...?
Pandering & Desperation Strategy Detailed: The NYT reports that Sen. McCain wanted to pick Sen. Joe Lieberman as his running mate but outrage from conservative Christians forced a change. Gov. Pawlenty & Romney were not 'transformative' or 'attention grabbing' enough to showcase that he was an agent of change, like Sen. Obama. When Sen. Clinton was passed over, McCain saw an opportunity to pick up some of her supporters and reclaim his image as a 'maverick'. An advisor said that the decision was also based on a belief that the pick would reinforce Mr. McCain's "self-image"; that Gov. Palin had a reputation as a reformer in Alaska, she hunted and fished, and she had once belonged to a union. I am sure you agree, these are the "qualifications" and "experience" we all want in the person that is a heartbeat away from the Oval Office.
That should answer all the questions on what qualifications are important to Sen. McCain in a VP choice. It speaks volumes about the rally cry of "COUNTRY FIRST"!!!
First off, let me say that I am humbled and horrified at the atrocious murders and killings that go on every day in the world; genocide, ethnic cleansing and rape/murders are some of the most evil occurrences on this planet.
(Also, I need to correct my own typo, there have been 40 million abortions since Roe v. Wade, not 400 million; my bad.)
But you didn't ask who all I specifically cared about in this world, you asked how I could rationalize being pro-life and supporting a war.
Here's my thought process, and if you want to petition to have me institutionalized; fine, have at it. But here it is, I put myself in a certain position and ask myself, "Am I glad my mother didn't have an abortion when she was 18-and-a-half and just over a year into her marriage to my father?" Hell yeah, I'm glad! For all the hard times and all the crap my family has had to endure, I'm still pretty freakin' glad to be a part of it. If this country didn't tote sex as the pinnacle of human existence there might not be as many teen pregnancies and abortions. (By the way, the numbers on both are going down in recent times, and I'm glad of that.)
On the war, you realize that the Sunni and Shia were literally killing each other just about every day, and you say I should care about that (which I do), but you also say we shouldn't have gotten involved, if I read you right. Could you explain that please? What would you suggest, send in the W.H.O. to get caught in the crossfire trying to save the kids? When you've got two militant religious extremist groups throwing bullets and mortars at anything that doesn't look like them how do you expect the guys in the white hats to get anything done before they get captured or killed?
If I put myself in the position of one of the Iraqis (that not to say I'm in tune with them entirely, you understand) one of the Iraqis who's not killing my neighbor and say, "Am I glad the American's are finally getting things under control (after their freakin' long losing streak), so I can walk down to the market slightly less afraid of getting my brains blown out or so aid like the W.H.O. can actually do some good here without being ran out?" I think I'd be glad.
Maybe not, and if you think I'm nuts for believing we're finally doing one good thing since the Texan became president, then by all means, get me suited into a padded cell.
music - to start off with, I didn't suggest that you or anyone should be 'institutionalized' as in locked up. I said that once again the views of the extreme right became institutionalized in the choice.
Apologies for the "you", which I meant as generic, not personally - my bad...
Could I personally choose abortion - no. But I can't make that decision for every other woman, and I refuse to have a bunch of old men make it for me. Until the State starts forcing men to have vasectomies, they can keep their laws off women's bodies as well.
Sunni & Shia have been killing each other for centuries, as have several other ethnic groups; do I think we need to crawl down to their level? Absolutely not. So Dick Cheney can have a better retirement package? HELL NO.
We didn't 'save' the Iraqis from anything, unfortunately but then it was never the Bush gang's intent - it was PR to get it past the Congress and the public. If we wanted to save the Iraqis from Saddam, we should not have supported his coup to overturn the moderates way back when. But moderates are not as 'buyable' as psychopaths, who we do seem to have a long-standing penchant for supporting...
I wouldn't consider Iraq Bush's one good thing by any stretch... he may have done one or two good things but the body of his and Cheney's work has been the destruction of the Constitution, civil liberties, public trust and anything that might possibly benefit the working class - so those one or two possibly good things just don't cut it with me.
We have had ONE attack on our soil by foreigners - the rest have been by our own. I am personally more afraid of getting my brains blown out by PO'd survivalists, careless hunters and gang-bangers than by any foreigner...
But like all else, that is just MHO. I disagree with SOME of your views, but I enjoy your pungent commentary and observations. I don't understand single issue voters, given the larger scope of issues but hey, this would be awfully boring if we all agreed on everything ;>))
You quoted Lyda Green????!!! I think if you did your homework on Lyda Green you'd be ashamed you used that. Bluntly put, she and Gov. Palin had different agendas and Lyda lost. She took her toys and went home. She opted not to run this year because of it. She's a quitter and has been her arch-enemy for a LONG time. To say she's bitter would be an understatement and she's now abandoned her seat to a Democrat.
Sarah Palin's approval rating is ABOVE 80% and RISING!!! Please do better reserch!
In addition lets not forget Gov. Palin is on the ticket as VP not P. Obama and Palin have VERY similar time in elected office. Palin actually has slightly more time in elected office if you read their bios and not spoon-fed your opinion from MSNBC. I noticed you didn't mention Obamas length in office. Exactly how much time as Senator did he spend before running for office?
Sarah Palin is successful, uncorrupt, honest, down-to-earth, personable, smart, REAL and accountable! She's got the MOST experience in dealings with domestic energy options and oil companies. She has helped make Alaska the richest state in the union because of her taxation on big oil and given it directly back to the people of Alaska. Sarah Palin takes care of her people; plain and simple. She's ready to be MY VP and President if necessary. I don't loose a second of sleep about it. She's a VERY likable person.
I was proud to call her my mayor, and had my 100% support during her successful campaign for and current term as governor. I am very proud of her and extreamly excited to call her our next VP!
Angie Manson
Marshall born & raised and 11-yr resident of Sarah Palins home town of Wasilla, Alaska.
I didn't 'quote' anyone, to my knowledge, and don't know of any author, etc. by the name of 'Lyda Green'. I watch CBS, CSPAN, MSNBC, CNN, IndyMedia, LINK, FreeSpeech, and occasionally to raise my normally low blood pressure and for amusement, I watch FOX.
There IS an ongoing ethics investigation for abuse of power - like we need another one of those...
I'm not saying that she does not possess all of the above qualities. That does not in any fashion however prepare her to be the leader of the free world, regardless of her sterling personality or likability.
You write: "She has helped make Alaska the richest state in the union because of her taxation on big oil and given it directly back to the people of Alaska" -and yet that is EXACTLY what Obama has been criticized for proposing by Gov. Palin's party.
Her experience has been in one of the least populated and richest states in the Union. Her education is minimal - she has a BS in journalism - and her travel experience and exposure to other cultures, nations, or governments, is slim to almost none. With her bio, I could easily see her in HHS, Education or Interior - but not VP.
While some determinedly insist that her 'experience' is almost the same AMOUNT as Obama's, I would suggest that the difference in TYPES of experiences certainly gives Obama the edge, not to mention that Columbia, Harvard, and the Harvard Law Review are some of the toughest and most prestigious institutions in the world for a reason.
But I still say I want a President and a VP who have the knowledge and weight to deal with Putin, Ahmedinejhad, Chavez, Kim Jong Il, and Mugabe. And I just don't see it in either Palin, for the above named reasons, or McCain, who is too hot-headed and generally unpredictable.
I'm glad you like her, and she likes you, but approval polls don't change her vita, IMHO.
The third paragraph of your opinion is one of Lyda Green's quotes...you are the author of this blog, yes?
I'm glad you brought up this investigation involving Palin. Gov. Palin is accused of pressuring her cabinet member, Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monagan to fire her ex-brother-in-law (Mike Wooten)from his position as a State Trooper. This same trooper has a lengthy record of policy violations or LAW violations that include tasing his 11yr old stepson, illegally shooting a moose, DUI, (some in his police cruiser, no prosecution) telling his now ex-wife her father would "eat a f-ing lead bullet" if he helped his daughter get an attorney for their divorce, intimidating a bartender with his badge after he refused to eject a foe at a bar....
Then the violations go into the more petty like negligent damage to a state vehicle, speeding tickets and other traffic violations. When Trooper Wooten was not fired, but got a 5 day suspension, Palin 'supposedly' put pressure on the person responsable for the hiring and firing. An accusation Palin has denied again and again. Walt Monaghan was offered a position as the head of the Alcohol Control Board which he turned down and was "let go" to take the agency in a different direction. (Presumably a direction with less cronyism) Apparently the commish couldn't or wouldn't can the beligerent cop.
This trooper had no business keeping his badge and SHOULD have been fired! To this day (and possibly the very minute I type this) he is patrolling the very streets I live on. Great.
I encourage readers to look at the following article I have taken this information from for more details of this ridiculous "scandal":
http://www.adn.com/politics/story/476430...
I hope I've at least shed some light on the real situation goin on and not just another "ongoing ethics investigation for abuse of power"
3rd paragraph of which quote? None of them are "quotes" from anyone - and I still don't know who lyda green is, don't care - I will stand and take the heat for which ever paragraph #3 you're referring to since I wrote 'em - all four of them, except the link in post #2. No, I am not the author of the blog- If you look, Ron Monnig is the host blogger/author on this one. Just one poster among many...
As far as the investigation goes, whether you agree with it or not, it IS ongoing, and is a matter of due process and public record. And yes, the story, in all of its gory detail has been all over the networks and the net.
Sounds (and I use that advisedly) like the trooper may have needed to be fired, but the issue is not the trooper, it is the firing of the Commissioner without due process, and with the appearance (she got her husband to make some of the two dozen calls????) of equal 'cronyism'...
Irratating. I was responding to the blog of course.
Don't suppose you can defend the protesters at the RNC?
Just so we're all on the same page - Lyda Green is the Alaska State Senate President. Green and Palin are not friends.
The following comes from the Anchorage Daily News newspaper article regarding Green's reaction to McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate. You can see the whole story here:
http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/5...
"Lyda Green said she thought it was a joke when someone called her at 6 a.m. to give her the news.
"She's not prepared to be governor. How can she be prepared to be vice president or president?" said Green, a Republican from Palin's hometown of Wasilla. "Look at what she's done to this state. What would she do to the nation?"
MrsAKGrizzly: Ron Monnig is the author of this blog, not the person whose screen name is NanaDot. It was Ron who quoted Green.
Thank you Kathy.
MrsAKGrizzly: The most glaring error in your post was that you said "Obama and Palin have VERY similar time in elected office. Palin actually has slightly more time in elected office if you read their bios and not spoon-fed your opinion from MSNBC. I noticed you didn't mention Obamas length in office. Exactly how much time as Senator did he spend before running for office?"
Can you guess your error? I will give you a hint it is a big one. A second hint is you will actually need to research to correct it. The third hint is that you take your own advice, and read their bios for the answer.
There's no error.
MrsAKGrizzly: Smug answer, wrong answer. Here are a few more hints for your consideration. The fourth hint is legislature. The fifth hint is Lincoln similarity. The sixth hint is elective office. Now if you're tired from guessing, or your head hurts from thinking just ask, and I will tell you the answer. However, can't you make just one tiny guess? Even if you are wrong I will tell you if you are warm, and you can guess again.
I can see why you are so fond of Mrs. Palin. You seem to be a lot alike.
Why thank you Oklahoma! :)
MrsAKGrizzly: No guess as to the reason you were wrong? That's O.K., lots of Republicans are that way. That is why eighty percent of them at the Republican Convention still like the job George Bush has done. Too bad he can't come to the convention and get the last standing ovation from a large crowd of his lifetime. The same goes for Dick Cheney. I am really going to miss seeing the two of them in front of the nation embrace Mr. McCain and Mrs. Palin. I bet Mr. McCain really regrets that missed opportunity.
THAT's what I was waiting for....it doesn't take much to make you Dems. ingnite. That's ok, I forgive you. Just don't come and riot, K?...
Gov. Palin started her political career in 1992. Obama in 1996. Palin was already in her fifth year of elected office when Obama entered the IL State Senate.
She has executive experience. Barack Obama has none. She's used a veto pen. She's run the National Guard. She's run her own company in the Alaskan Fishing waters....
Is this the answer you'd like? Something else? Let me know.
Oh and nice jab at the conflict of schedule between the RNC and the hurricane. Way to take advantage.
I don't like Bush. I'm glad he won't be there. If 80% of RNC goers approve of Bush, then I would have to fall in the other 20%. I believe he hurts McCain's cause.
Can I pop back in here a sec? I've been away from a computer the past few days, but there are couple of thing you said, NanaDot, that I wanted to address.
Bush and Iraq to start, I wasn't too clear in my earlier post, but I am, in fact, opposed to the Bush Administration and the Iraq War in general. What I was referring to was the surge as a moderate success thanks to General David Petraeus. I'm no right-wing wacko, but I'm a proud middle-ground guy who tends to lean conservative because of my upbringing.
The reason I said a straight jacket might be necessary is because I've observed too many far-lefties call conservatives crazy kooks who want to send the country back to the dark ages simply because not wanting to use a family cloth to save trees is construed as not wanting to "move forward."
Also, just something I've been wondering over the weekend, but where did you get the "once they're born, they're on their own" thing? I've never heard anyone use that term, but then I don't stray too far left when I do go that way. And I don't believe that at all, but of course I do believe once you move out of your parent(s) home or wherever you were raised, then it's up to you to make your choices in life and make 'em good if you want to go anywhere.
If you want to talk about my opposition to Big Government, I could go on all day, but I'll just leave off with an endearing quote from Thomas Jefferson:
"A government big enough to give you what you want, is strong enough to take what you have."
I was curious about OK Reader's question regarding experience, hinting at Abraham Lincoln, so I went hunting for information. Lincoln served in Illinois' lower house from about 1834-1841, then did one 2-year term in the U.S. House (1847-1849). Although he acquitted himself quite well in the Lincoln-Douglas debates later on, he lost that election for the U.S. Senate. He was elected to the presidency in 1860, with no further legislative experience. Didn't do a bad job as president, either, or so I've heard :) He was elected in 1860 as a Republican, and as a member of the National Union Party in 1864.
mo democrat
That is your biggest problem....you are reading the New York Times..........Jeez how much more liberal could you get..........
oh how the music plays..........absolutely on point about big government...
What makes me wonder, is McCain's pick of Palin a cosmetic fix for the campaign? If they are elected into office, is anyone in Washington or in the world view take her seriously? Will McCain put her up on a shelf until he needs her to energize their consituants?
I understand that some people are still hung up on experience. You have one who was on the city council and then the mayor of a small town, now she is in her 2nd year as governer compared to someone who has been in the senate for over 30+ years....oh wait people have been comparing Palin to Obama...I got confused sorry.
The VP's are something that is going to be a big impact on this election and the only question I really have about them is this: If something were to happen to McCain or Obama while they were in office as President, who would you feel more comfortable filling the roll of Presidence...Biden or Palin?
BIDEN! I was leaning towards McCain until he chose Palin. I think a bit of senility has set in for Mr. McCain, or utter stupidity.
The late Missouri Senator Tom Eagleton was bounced from the Democratic ticket with George McGovern in 1972 when it was revealed he'd had treatment for depression several years before.
Does anyone think it's possible Palin will get the same treatment from McCain if there are any other "uncomfortable" issues about her that arise in the next month or so?
Kathy if that happens, I think that would hurt his chances even more.
Instead of showing him a rebel or maverick, he would be shown more as indecisive and only picked Palin to counter the momentum that Obama and Biden have built.
There are also the critics that say his pick of Palin was nothing more than an attempt to latch onto the Clinton supporters that are disappointed.
If he "bounces" her I think that will be more of a benefit to the Obama/Biden camp than anything else. That of course is just my humble opinion.
Concerned007: I'd have to agree with you - the pick doesn't seem as good as it could have been, but maybe dropping her would be worse. Guess we'll find out soon, won't we?
Mitt Romney just accused the 'liberals' of doubling the size of the government since 1980 - now, correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't that the year of the great 'republican revolution' and Reaganomics and the rise of the 'free market' and the neocons...????
Republicans seem to have memory problems...Gov. Palin said last night she was against the "Bridge to Nowhere" but she was actually for it. She stopped work on the bridge and that is what put the national spotlight on her as being a maverick.
She then went into how she has more executive experience than Obama, being mayor of her town and now Governer. When did this ever become about Obama and Palin except for in the media? If executive experience alone was a deciding factor, she would be the front runner because Obama/Biden/McCain have all served in legislatures.
Really what would be nice to see is the canidates actually unveiling what changes they would like to see/implement...the good points, the bad points, and the progress over time points...quit attacking each other with partial truth statements...not telling the whole truth but letting you assume that each canidate is the devil incarnate.
Both canidates are now on the "We need a change platform" Let me know what changes you want to implement...if your plan is better than the other guys then great...if not...then maybe next time. But at least the people will be able to make an informed vote.
*Steps off of soapbox...leaves my two cents on top of it*
Concerned007: following are a few sites to check..
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Legisl...
http://pol.moveon.org/lte?campaign_id=95...
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/
http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issu...
http://digg.com/politics/McCain_s_Tax_Pl...