Woman to Woman: The Problem with Palin

Okay, so I'm catching up on this week's Vice Presidential debates even as we speak. And, no, I'm not a fan of Palin. Never mind that her lack of legislative experience makes Republicans look like major hypocrites for criticizing the Junior Statesman's short term in Congress. Never mind that some of her practices as mayor of a very small town and as governor smack of the corruption and ethical improprieties for which politicians are known. Never mind a lotta things.

What bugs me is that Palin's obvious incompetence (did you see the Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric interviews) threatens to set woman back in the public eye. I'm a working mom, so you'll never catch me questioning whether we as women can 'have it all'. And I'm a fairly conservative Christian (with independent leanings at times), so you won't catch me ridiculing her beliefs on such controversial matters as abortion. But if, Palin, you're going to get out there and run for the second highest office in the nation, please be ready for it. Otherwise, sit on down. Rather than embarrass women everywhere by trying to pass off charisma and flash for substance, just know your limitations and sit on down.

I pray to God the Republicans don't take it this go around, because Palin is a joke, and the little respect I had for McCain is gone. Why? Because, with the one major decision he's had to make since running for President, he's shown an incredible lack of judgment that takes away any confidence I'd have in him.

On the other hand, Obama, with all of his 'inexperience', has, in the one major choice he's made since running, shown an incredible amount of wisdom. Much like Abraham Lincoln (who, by the way, went into the Presidency with so much inexperience that no one thought he'd have a chance, especially against his politically-seasoned rivals), Obama has managed to see past previous disagreements with Biden to choose someone who complements him well. Mark of a great leader.

BTW, Team of Rivals is a great (albeit long) book detailing Lincoln's journey to the White House, and then his remarkable ability to build a strong cabinet, comprised of his rivals for the Executive Office. Worth checkin' out.

They Got O.J.

Okay, so they finally got O.J. on something. Guilty on all charges. I'm interested in seeing what the sentencing will be. Can't say I'm mad at the jury, and I must admit that I was happy to see O.J. convicted. Yes, I felt he was guilty of the double homicide 13 years ago. But more importantly for this case, I feel he was guilty of the charges lodged against him. In this case there was more evidence (audiotapes and witnesses), though I do wonder why people had audiotapes present, and I am disappointed at hearing the Las Vegas policemen's comments that clearly mean they judged O.J. by his past - didn't make their decisions based solely on the present. Either way, I feel like the hands of justice move slowly, but in this case, they were on time.