Thoughts on the hockey mom

Sarah Palin as VP. If that doesn't scare you, I don't know what would.

Her selection as McCain's running mate smacks of desperation, and shows just what lengths the Republican Party will go to try and win an election.

The Democrats have a highly intelligent, articulate candidate...who also happens to be black. The Republicans have McCain, an old white male conservative, who I believe most people have a hard time differentiating from Bush. As most of America (finally) hates Bush, this is not a good thing for McCain or the party. 

So, in an attempt to be seen as modern, in touch with the people and not at all like the Bush administration, we give you Sarah Palin. A redneck conservative from Alaska who enjoys shooting moose from a helicopter. I kid you not. Here are some interesting things you might like to know about Palin:

• Her total political experience consists of two terms as mayor of Wasilla (population 6,000) and two years as Governor of Alaska. This apparently qualifies her to be Vice President of the United States.
• When asked about her foreign policy experience she stated that as Alaska is bound by Russia and Canada, she is therefore experienced. She also added that planes flying from Russia to the US have to fly through Alaskan airspace, further enhancing her experience. Seriously.
• During her time as mayor of Wasilla, she attempted to introduce book censorship at the town library.
• As Governor, she instituted court action against the US government in an attempt to stop the Polar Bear being listed as endangered. 
• She supports oil exploration and drilling in the Alaskan and Arctic wilderness.
• She is pro-life, supporting a constitutional amendment to overturn Roe v. Wade, and ban all abortion, including in cases of rape and incest.
• She opposes same-sex marriage, and supported a bill denying state health benefits to same-sex couples.
• She believes in the literal interpretation of the bible, meaning that she believes the earth was created around six thousand years ago.
• She believes that the return of Jesus is likely to happen during her lifetime.
• She believes that creationism should be taught in schools, as a legitimate alternative to evolution.
• She does not believe global warming is man-made. 

So, let me ask...is this the sort of person you want having the nuclear launch codes? Do you really think that someone who believes in Armageddon will have much hesitation in launching a nuclear attack? How much protection do you think she will afford the environment when she believes that Jesus will return during her lifetime? Not much point in protecting the environment when we aren't going to be around for much longer.

I think it's a sad indictment on the American people when they can be won over by folksy charm. Personally, referring to herself as a 'hockey mom' who's looking out for 'Joe six-pack' while constantly winking at the camera just plain pisses me off. But then I hate it when people take me for a fool. I get the impression many Americans don't feel the same way. 

Hillary Clinton is a strong, intelligent woman, who I feel has done a great deal for women, even though she didn't win the nomination. She has demonstrated that women can be independent and successful at the highest level. And the success she has is her own. She wasn't plucked from obscurity, she worked hard to overcome the shadow of her husband, and has demonstrated that women can succeed to the same level as men, sending a strong and powerful message to women the world over. 

And then along came Palin. The hockey mom who's political skill is being able to time her winks at the camera. A bumbling fool who struggles to string together coherent sentences, who supports the oppression of minorities and government censorship. Who believes in the second coming of Christ, and that the world was created around the time the Chinese were domesticating dogs and making silk. 

Hillary Clinton made giant strides forward for women. Palin has not just undone the positive work done by Clinton, she's hooked it to the back of her pick-up and dragged it into the Alaskan wilderness. 

I'm glad I'm not an American, because I would be so ashamed right now. As if Bush wasn't enough to induce shame, along comes Palin.  

Statistically, based on his age, McCain has a one in three chance of dying during his first term in office. Therefore, if McCain is elected President, there is a 33% chance that this red-neck hockey mom from Alaska will become the most powerful person in the world. 

May God help us all.