McCain's choice of Palin

First of all, after the self-centered, morally corrupt years of the Clinton presidency and the corruption of our Constitution and national moral values by the Bush/Cheney cabal, I want to see, in anyone who would lead this Country, strength of character and integrity. That integrity should itself be premised upon a high personal moral code. The strength of character I look for is suggested in the words of the West Point Cadet Prayer: "Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole truth can be won. Endow us with courage that is born of loyalty to all that is noble and worthy, that scorns to compromise with vice and injustice and knows no fear when truth and right are in jeopardy." I want an American who will defend not just America's shores against attack but also will defend the People's Constitutional and evolved liberties and sustain their pursuit of happiness.

For my adult life I have been a political independent. I grew up in Chicago where the Democratic precinct captain was the link to all political services. On one wall of our rented flat was a crucifix and a picture of FDR. I stood near and listened to JFK speak. I believed in him and believed in "The Impossible Dream" of that man from La Mancha. Later, despite the warning that voting for him would place me in Viet Nam, I voted for Goldwater.

I now understand more about the growth of this country than was presented in the history classes of the fifties and early sixties. I appreciate more the complexities of international policies and national politics. I have repeatedly sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. And I believe that whatever value to the United States there may be to "free-trade" and globalization, they are not a substitute for the evolved values of liberty and justice in our country. In other words, it is imperative that our leaders believe that the core of this "experiment" must be protected. There will be change, as in all things. But, the strength, the beauty, the value, the promise of the American experiment has now given way to self-centered consumerism and unbridled capitalism. The rhetoric of politicians espousing "our American values" is, and has been for some time, hypocritical in view of their actions and their inaction's.

I see hypocrisy in the McCain of 2008 as he does himself. I wholly disagree with some of his proposals; continuing the Bush tax cuts, for example. With the editors of The Economist (Aug. 30, 2008), I prefer McCain One. The Republican Party agenda under Cheney/Bush has been an affront to the vast majority of Americans. Yet, I have a confidence in McCain's integrity and strength of character that I just cannot find in Obama. The fluffy rhetoric of the Democratic Party and expansive promises are hollow. I am angry that the opposition party could do no better than Obama after the debacles of Bush. I am willing to trust McCain's judgment as president though I may shudder and say a prayer as to some of his stated policies. His decisions in office will be made, I believe, after honest, intellectual consideration of options for the common good within this country. I am encouraged by his honesty when he answers "I don't know the answer but I'll get back to you" to some off-the-wall question. But, let me get back to the questions surrounding Gov. Sarah Palin.

I am willing to trust McCain's judgment as president on critical international and national issues. I see no reason, at this point, not to trust his judgment on Palin. McCain will define the role and responsibilities he wants from his Vice President just as he will define the policies of the Republican Party for this election. I share the concern of others who question whether the scope and substance of Gov. Palin's life experience has given her the strengths necessary to lead a nation. As I see her in these first few days, I like the fact that she appears to have entered into politics more with a sense of selfless service to her community than political party ambition. I like her "frontier" persona. I like her positions and actions to bring integrity into government and on care for the environment. I like the choice of a strong woman who has shown the ability to lead, to make tough decisions. Her shortcomings in international affairs are the shortcomings of Obama as well. I do not have confidence in Obama's character. Presidents and Vice Presidents have the strengths of intellectual and experienced advisers. The "3:00 o'clock AM" calls are events in evolving situations that have been studied and briefed. The Pentagon, Homeland Defense, the CIA, et al. have contingency studies and plans. The real questions are in the personal character, intelligence, wisdom and decisiveness of the leader. These questions apply equally during the regular work day of the leader.

Gov. Palin should begin with the benefit from us of a trust in McCain's judgment and with a confidence in herself. As for me, I want to believe.