My Thoughts on Sarah Palin

If you know me very well, you know that I am NOT a political person. I generally have my head in the clouds and don't know much of what is going on with our government and in the political world. I normally run from political discussions and feel clueless on what is being discussed. It's just not my thing. I'm not proud of that...it kind of makes me feel like less of an American...but it's the truth of who I am. However, I have been trying to slowly get more involved during this election season, and since my girl Sarah Palin is now the Vice President candidate, I've tried to thrust myself into the political world and figure out what's it all about (I'm even listening to talk radio and enjoying it)! Still, I wouldn't normally post about politics, but I've had some of you asking my thoughts and opinions about Palin since I'm an Alaskan....so I thought I'd just get them out there.

I love Sarah Palin. I think she is for the people and she brings a lot of knowledge and experience...yes, experience, to this campaign. Palin has spent the majority of her life (since High School I believe) in Wasilla (or as we call is Wasucka) Alaska. This is a small town about 40 miles from Anchorage. The population is only about 7,000 but it is in the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Borough which is made up of about 80,000 people. Wasilla is also the fastest growing area in Alaska. As you've probably heard, she started off getting involved in the PTA, which led to City Council and then eventually Mayor of Wasilla. She was Mayor for two consecutive terms of three years each. She set up many great things in Wasilla, including a 2% sales tax which allowed Wasilla to have their own Police Force. Palin ran for Governor against a Republican encumbant (did I spell that right) and very well know Democrat nominee. She won with a landslide and has one of the highest approval ratings known for a Governor. She is seen around town with her family, at her childrens' school and activities, and at her modest house in her modest neighborhood. I actually met her before she became Governor. She came in to have Lasik eye surgery at the clinic I work at part-time. She was so friendly and no, we didn't botch the surgery, but she likes to wear glasses because they make her look more intellectual (I think that's what I remember her saying at least).

A few things I admire about Palin:
1) She sold the Governors jet as soon as she was in office (on e-bay I heard)
2) She fired the family chef that was being paid with government money
3) She is very involved with her kids and their lives (teenagers make mistakes...her daughter is not pregnant because Palin wasn't around)
4) She loves her baby with downs syndrome
5) She believes in Pro-life
6) She believes in drilling in ANWR to try and become more self-sufficient as a country instead of relying so heavily on foreign help
7) She believes (and has shown) that she does not agree with spending government money frugally (look at numbers 1 and 2)
8) She stands up for what she believes in, even if it "looks bad" in the medias eyes and is not the popular thing to do (the firing of the Public Safety Commissioner Monegan happened because he was unwilling to make changes.....Q: People want to know why you fired your Public Safety Commissioner Monegan. Is it because he stopped you from getting rid of your brother-in-law [in a Cabinet firing]? People want to know if this is an ethical lapse on your part.
A: I'm glad that you're asking because I never tried to fire a former brother-in-law whose been divorced from my sister for quite some time. No, it was the commissioner, that we were seeking more results, more action to fill vacant trooper positions to deal with bootlegging and alcohol abuse problems in our rural villages especially. Just needed some new direction, a lot of new energy in that position. That is why the replacement took place there of the commissioner of public safety. It had nothing to do with an estranged former brother-in-law, a divorce that had happened some years ago.)
9) Palin's life is surrounded by average Americans and therefore, I believe she knows who the people are and what we want.
10) She's a bulldog with lipstick! :)

This post is way to long, but I wanted to share my thoughts. I certainly don't claim to know all the answers, nor do I think Palin is without fault, but I do think she is exciting and I'm proud to be supporting her (McCain is a whole other issue)! :)

I'm eager to hear your thoughts and comments.....start sharing!