Saturday, August 30, 2008

Your Political Diet
Meat and Potatoes or Moose Stew

It’s official! Democrats had about 8 hours to bask in the historic spectacle of the DNC Convention (and it was truly grand) when John McCain leveled the second round of his “one, two birthday punch.”

His congratulatory ad to Barack Obama celebrating his historic bid for the Presidency: Classy!

McCain’s pick of conservative pro-life Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate: Brassy!

According to politicos, conservatives and heartland evangelists throughout the US applauded McCain’s pick of an accomplished, attractive gun-toting, oil-drilling 44-year old mother of five who embodies the “new generation” of politics.

It was a shrewd move on behalf of the RNC.

Sarah’s hit an emotional chord with Republicans and Independents, courting the “Hillary Vote” right out of the gate and added spice to what could have been a lackluster RNC convention. She seems comfortable in her own skin, which is a very good thing.

My husband Roland and I even commented that she looks a little like Elaine from Seinfeld. Arsenio Hall described her as “Fine!” last night on Jay Leno. Tempered and tough, she was dubbed “Sarah the Barracuda,” a high-school label that stuck. As a communications professional, I read this to mean, “We Republicans now have our own celebrity – a woman.”

Although I’m a registered Democrat, even I can somewhat relate to her as a working woman and “hockey mother” (you’ll recall my son Clinton was an ‘Ice Hockey in Harlem’ team member for years). However, I don’t drink Kool-Aid or eat Moose Stew (Sarah’s favorite dish); I look past the hype and encourage you to do the same this election season.

First, I’m pro-choice; Sarah’s pro-life. She may choose to have 5 kids … that’s her prerogative. I’m of the mindset that difficult personal decisions are made in a lifetime. Sometimes that includes the decision not to have a child. Abortions must stay safe and accessible; it’s every woman’s right.

Obama-Biden laid out their domestic and foreign affairs plan. They “get it” and I’m in their corner. But, be careful not to dismiss the impact Sarah Palin can have on the election; she’s knowledgeable about pipelines and the environment—and that’s not just a pipe dream.

Political campaigns are like a “hunt in the wild” and it’s not over until you kill your game and his or her head is literally stuffed and mounted for all see. As the daughter of a stanch Republican (my dad) and granddaughter of a hunter (by grandfather), I know the hunt for game is often bloody. But, the meal you get from the “kill” (if you win) sure is satisfying. And you can even mount the head of your opponent like a celebrity “trophy.” (In this case a deer, complete with antlers mounted in my mother’s den in Virginia!)

The stakes have been raised, and rest assured folks will not be staying home on election day. The battle will be fierce and the election will be close. If I can sense commonality between myself and this woman, then surely middle-American women and a few Hillary holdouts may be swayed.

Whether you prefer a healthy small diet or hearty fare, here are your menu selections for the Fall political season:

Appetizer: “Primaries”
> Tasty, but left you hungry for more

Entrée: “Conventions”
> Examine issues amid the pagentry
> Check out C-Span or YouTube for instant replay
> Discuss, delve into background to learn more

Chef's Selection #1: Meat & Potatoes (Democrats)
> Everyone “Get’s it”
> Dependable … think for the people, by the people

Chef's Selection #2: Moose Stew (Republicans)
> A bit exotic, but still favored by many and Sarah P’s favorite dish
> Overbearing & filling … think George W. Bush’s ascent into the White House
> Quells hunger yet leaves aftertaste … think sinking mortgages and our shrinking US economy in global markets

Dessert: Election Day!
> By voting Nov. 4, you provide the sweetest and most satisfying way to finish off a meal!

Choose your political diet wisely as you make your decision over the next two months.

Had your fill of current trends that seem to keep you treading for water? Perhaps it’s time to push the plate away and exercise your right to a better way of life.


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