On the Issues

Ok, this draft has been sitting here long enough. I’ve been wanting to write about her for a while but kept putting it off and now I’m just going to ‘join the crowd’ for a while and talk about who everyone else is talking about 24/7. That’s right–Sarah Palin. (don’t roll your eyes at me, please)

During the 2008 campaign, I admit that I was not tremendously excited about McCain but he was still a much better option than Obama and had more of  chance than any other better candidates. So I went along as best as I could, though rather half-heartedly.

But the moment I saw Sarah, my heart leaped and I thought-now there is someone who I can get excited about.

On that stage, I saw a confident woman, a (happy) wife, and a mother (of more than 2 children!). It only got better when I learned she was pro-life, a true conservative, definitely pro-America, and most importantly, being all those things at the same time and not ashamed or afraid to admit to it. In fact, she was refreshingly confident and proud of being all the above. It was so unusual to see someone like her with such spunk and zeal in such a huge spotlight.  

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who was stunned by such a rare display. To this day, the media still can’t get enough of her and mention her name every chance they get. (I bet if Chris Farley were still around he could use her name in a skit like he did with “El Nino”) She is loved by many and hated by many. Some look up to her and set her on high pedastools, and others look down and want to smash her into the ground. (hopefully not literally)

I’ve read her first book, Going Rogue: An American Life, and just started America by Heart : Reflections on Family, Faith, and Flag. After reading Going Rogue, the first thing I thought was: “Wow, people and the media really have no idea who this woman really is.” The second thing I thought was: “Wow, this woman really loves America..hmmm….maybe I should too.”  And then I had a sudden urge to sing Lee Greenwood’s, I’m proud to be an American song. (don’t laugh, I’m serious!) That might sound corny, but after reading the book, Sarah Palin reminded me that this country really is exceptional and I should be proud to be an American and not ashamed or apologetic about it (as is the current popular trend).

Two years later, I’m not sick of Sarah Palin like many others are. She continues to inspire me to work harder, live bolder, educate myself about what makes this country really great, and not be afraid to do what is necessary to defend my God-given rights that our country was founded on and promised to protect. In a big way, she helped me stop whining and get my butt off the couch and become an active and responsible citizen.

The question of whether she would make a good president is a good one, and one that we may or may not have to decide. I think it all depends on what a person’s idea of a good president is.  Is it someone like George Washington- more of a military leader? Or is it someone like Obama-more like a spokesperson and crowdpleaser? Or is it someone who will inspire the country to be great by focusing on our strengths, instead of our weaknesses? Or is it someone like Ronald Reagan-who did a little bit of all of the above?

I’m curious if she will run for president or not. I know many hope not so they can stop hearing about her. I’m not sick of her, but I am sick of the relentless degrading name-calling Palin bashing that never. ever. stops. The past 2 years has been an extraodinary show of the media’s power over someone’s reputation. They can either break you or make you. For those who love Sarah, the constant media attention has only fueled their love and admiration for her. For those who hate her, it has only added more hatred and bitterness to their hearts and tongues. They blame her for inciting violence, yet seem to have nothing better to do with their lives than think of more insulting and hurtful words and techniques to bring her and her innocent family down. It makes my jaw drop every time I give in and read through comments on articles about her. I can’t believe how nasty and horrible people can be about someone that they don’t even know. It’s ridiculous. They treat her like she isn’t even human. I guess they don’t think she deserves to be treated as such if she doesn’t conform to their ideas of a woman, a mother, a wife, or an American.

One thing I think everyone can admire is her perserverence. It’s impressive, to say the least, that she hasn’t quit even after all the attacks and insane accusations.

It’s one thing to disagree with someone but I mean, seriously, there are kinder ways to do it than what has been spewed out about her and her family.

So there you have it. I like Sarah Palin. I don’t agree with everything she does or says, but I am grateful for the ways she has inspired me to be a better and more responsible American. I don’t expect everyone to like her like I do. But I’m not ashamed to admit that I do either.

Tags: Sarah Palin