Potential President Palin?

John McCain's Vice President Pick: Sarah Palin.



Age: 44

Education: BA in communications-journalism from the University of Idaho (1987.)

Years of Political Experience: 5

Views on...

Gay Marriage and Abortion:

"I am pro-life and I believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman."

Education:

"Victor Hugo said, "He who opens a school door, closes a prison." It's a privileged obligation we have to "open education doors." Every child, of every ability, is to be cherished and loved and taught. Every child provides this world hope. They are the most beautiful ingredient in our sometimes muddied up world. I am committed to our children and their education. Stepping through "the door" is about more than passing a standardized test. We need kids prepared to pass life's tests--like getting a job and valuing a strong work ethic."

Oil:

"The people of Alaska understand that Alaska has so much to contribute in terms of energy sources to the rest of the US. Folks up here want ANWR to be unlocked by the federal government so that we can drill. We've got a tremendous amount of resource up here, and we're ready, willing and able to contribute. I think Washington doesn't understand that we're at a real critical crossroads: We are either going to become more and more dependent on foreign sources of energy, or we're going to be able to secure our nation and drill domestically for safe, stable, clean supplies of energy that we have here. We have them in Alaska."

National Security: I could not find any quotes by Sarah Palin concerning National Security.

Religious Views: In a Time Magazine interview on 8/14/08, she identified herself as a “bible-believing Christian” who attends a “non-denominational Bible Church.”

Early Opinion About Being a Potential Pick for Vice President:

"But 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? I’m used to being very productive and working real hard in an administration. We want to make sure that that VP slot would be a fruitful type of position, especially for Alaskans and for the things that we’re trying to accomplish up here for the rest of the U.S., before I can even start addressing that question."

Current Views About Being McCain's Pick:

“It is a great privilege to be John McCain's running mate and to be considered by the American people for the Vice Presidency. This honor is a testament to the reforms and progress we have made together in Alaska. Now is the time to take that spirit of reform to Washington.”

Where I Got My Information: http://gov.state.ak.us/

http://www.ontheissues.org/Sarah_Palin.htm

Delegates in Demand

As the "battle" between Obama and McCain intensifies, and the democratic national convention plunges into the pages of history books, much attention has been focused upon the delegates. Interestingly enough, all three newspapers that my college provides free of charge to its students have featured lengthy, if not excessive, biographies and profiles of the delegates in concern.

The obsession with delegates has me concerned.

Yes, delegates certainly are influential and dedicated people, who will, in fact, help determine the next President of these United States. But why do we need to know personal information about each delegate? I understand that the political opinions and views of such people are valuable to understand... but is it necessary that I also know the age, religion, and preferred soft drink of each delegate as well?

It is important to consider the importance of knowing all about a delegate, versus knowing what is relevant about this delegate to the current election, and how their opinions relate to current political issues. For example, it is good to learn which delegates are passionate about education, which delegates support the war in Iraq, or even how delegates have voted on past issues. Knowing the name of delegate Bob's purebred pet poodle, perhaps, is not as crucial to retain.

Front Side Seat to the Election

I am writing this from Tenley Campus, of American University. I live in downtown Washington, D.C. Recently, I have become familiar with the Metro System, the humidity, and, of course, the constant paranoia radiating from nearby police. With the elections coming up, security is tighter than ever (or so I have been told.) This is truly a fascinating time to be in Washington, and I am honored to be here. As political events unfold, I will keep updating this blog with my thoughts and insights.

Today, after Obama announced his choice for vice president, Joe Biden (by text message) the campus was in an uproar. Some students were pleased, noting that Biden does, indeed, have experience in the senate, and with politics, which Obama lacks. Yet, others were frustrated by his choice, saying that Bill Richardson would have been a far better candidate. Not only does he have experience, say Richardson supporters, but his proclaimed political values closely coincide with that of Obama's.

Of course, Clinton supporters were disappointed as well, but, interestingly enough, many students have stated "I knew she wouldn't be his choice... but it would have been nice." Why not? I, for one, am curious how they "knew" Hilary would not be selected.

In other news.....

Bubbles are everywhere.

An aerial view of my hometown.

Apologies to all who may read this blog. Since the end of my sophomore year at Beloit, I have been living in Smalltown, Minnesota. This bubble is proving to be equally hard, if not harder, to pop than that of the famed Beloit Bubble.

My hometown has one local newspaper, which focuses on community issues: the recent storm, the state of old buildings, and the upcoming events around "town." A nearby town provides a larger newspaper containing more regional news, and some national coverage, but little, if any, world news.

Most people in my hometown rely on the local town newspaper for all their news, and know little about the world beyond the city limits. Several people (myself included)have limited access to the Internet and cable television. I have accepted a summer job as a reporter for the local newspaper, and am trying to broaden the scope of articles we print. This, however, is no small feat.

In the fall, I will be studying journalism at American University, in Washington D.C. I will write about my experiences here as often as possible, and I expect that they will be quite interesting indeed. I am excited to live in a large city, have cable and Internet access, and to have a plethora of national newspapers to read.

It is important to consider the quantity (and quality) of the news that is accessible to you. How many local newspapers can you subscribe to? What kind of stories are featured? Local, regional, or world? What about your access to televised news coverage? Do you have cable? And the Internet. Do you have the Internet? Do you read on-line news venues? What websites do you visit? Do you read on-line newspapers, which feature stories from around the world... or do you prefer Facebook/Myspace, which shows you only what is going on within your social circle?

When speaking to people who have different opinions than that of your own, consider where they get their information. This may explain a great deal about that person's beliefs. If you know little about the world, it is hard to make educated decisions concerning world affairs.

It will be interesting to see what happens in my hometown this November. How many will vote? Who will they vote for... and what will they base their decisions upon?