Monday, October 13, 2008

Alaskans Think Palin Unprepared

The following is a letter to the editor that appeared in the October 9th issue of the Waupaca County Post (sorry, no link):
To the Editor:

My dad was born and raised in Neenah; I spent summer vacations at the Chain from childhood to middle age. My family had a cottage on Taylor Lake for 40 years. So I have a strong attachment to, and affection for, Wisconsin.

Now I've lived in Juneau, Alaska, for more than 42 years, and thought you might want an Alaskan's perspective on John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as vice presidential running mate. Many of us here are horrified! It's not because we don't like her; we believe that she just cannot handle the job.

It's fun to see Palin on the national stage. Having our governor in the spotlight is exciting. However, Alaska's fun and excitement must not overrride analysis of what is best for America. Even if she livens up that stage, the McCain-Palin ticket cannot compete with the security and profound promise of the Obama-Biden candidacy.

We love our small towns. But small town Mayor Palin simply does not know enough for the job. Does she know anything about farm-related issues in the Midwest, for example? Does she have enough training or experience? This large nation, with widely diverse interests, cultures, attitudes, philosophies, politics and issues more complex than those of Wasilla, Alaska (population 7,000), is beyond her. Palin's folksy style is appealing, but she is out of her depth, and we must consider the substance of her administrative abilities and political positions.

State employees tell me our governor has not done much governing. She played a well-publicized role for a couple of high-profile issues, but, even before her nomination, she didn't provide direction for the state's many functions. She rarely holds cabinet meetings.

She needs to return home -- not get crucified on that national stage.

But this election must focus on the person at the top of each ticket. McCain's selection of Palin puts his judgment in serious doubt.

McCain is trying to usurp the "change" platform initiated by Barack Obama. But McCain has been part of that Washington system since 1983. He claims to be a "maverick." But he has supported George Bush 90 percent of the time. If he is elected president, we will remain on the same disastrous path Bush led us down.

Obama brings a fresh outlook, analysis and approach. Obama will bring real change to our national government and the success of America in a complex, critical and sometimes hostile world. He has written two inspiring books -- Dreams of My Father, which is an autobiography, and The Audacity of Hope, which shares his opinions on many topics.

Obama merits our support. So, let's send Palin safely home.
Vote for, and support, Obama.

Art Peterson
Juneau, Alaska

For further opinions of real Alaskans on Sarah Palin, I would recommend the Alaskan blog "Mudflats."

No comments:

Post a Comment