Sarah Palin - She Has My Vote!!!

I am appalled at the media scrutiny and criticism towards Sarah Palin since her selection as McCain's VP pick. Palin has dedicated her life to her family, to public service, and to energy independence.

Since the announcement that she was McCain's pick for VP, the media has 1) accused her of covering up her daughter's out of wedlock pregnancy, 2) criticized her husband's arrest 20+ years ago for a DUI arrest, 3) suggested that she covered up the birth of her most recent Down's Syndrome child to protect her daughter who was the supposed mother, and 4) accused her of abandoning her family (five children) by accepting the bid for VP. Have they highlighted any of her many successes? Have they recognized her for fighting big oil companies on behalf of Alaskan citizens? Have they credited her for being so dedicated to her family and her unconditional love that she has exhibited?

All this really makes you wonder why anybody would want to run for public service. After all, who hasn't made mistakes in life or who hasn't had family that has made mistakes in life. Kudos to Ms. Palin for sticking by her family. I think it is a credit to her and her family that she opted to have her Down's Syndrome baby after learning of his condition, instead of having an abortion. No, I wouldn't have criticized or blamed her if she would have chosen abortion, because I don't think that you can judge somebody unless you've walked in their shoes. I think it is a credit to her family that she has vocally supported her daughter in her choice to have a baby instead of choosing abortion. Most families experience these types of crisis. It takes guts to go public about these issues. It takes guts and grit to publicly acknowledge that you and/or your family are not perfect.

Sarah Palin is a new role model for me. I hope that she is our next Vice President. If her and McCain do not win, I don't think it is her fault. I think the odds were pretty stacked against McCain and any running mate he would have selected. Palin has generated enthusiasm for the party and for many women, Democrat and Republican alike. Even if Palin loses, she has won in my heart and in the hearts of millions of Americans, especially women, who go against the grain to succeed; Americans, especially women, who are willing to make hard decisions and take on additional responsibilities associated with types of disabilities of close family members; Americans, especially women, who deal with realities as parents that your children make mistakes and you love them unconditionally. Sarah Palin is a hero!

If Sarah Palin is guilty of anything it is for fighting for what is right for her family, her state, and her country. Yes, it would be much easier for her to coast through life like most of us do, but she is not accepting the status quo. She is fighting and will go down fighting.