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OPINIONS
Patricia Warren: Palin re-energizing the conservative base
Who else feels the refreshing breeze blowing through politics in this country since Sen. John McCain announced that he had chosen Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate?
For many conservatives feeling distanced from the Republican Party, Gov. Palin offers an opportunity to re-engage in the political process. Her personal beliefs and achievements as Alaska's top executive bring the core values of America's conservatives back to the forefront of the Republican platform.
Personally, I'm thrilled to see someone experienced in dealing with energy and economic concerns who is not beholden to special interest groups. It's time for a balanced solution to the energy crisis.
Already extreme environmentalists are calling Sarah Palin a liar in reference to her statements about America's energy resources. Specifically, they say that we don't have a big supply of new oil, and clean coal doesn't exist. I would think West Virginia's governor might step up and set those green elitists straight.
Evidently, some of the Democrats are also not playing nice in response to Gov. Palin. If their buddies in the mainstream media and some of their more outspoken politicians don't rein back the blatant sexism, they will alienate those loyal to the party more out of family tradition than idealistically.
What was Harry Reid thinking when he had his spokesman comment that Palin was shrill during her speech Wednesday night? "Shrill" is a term used primarily by men in reference to women with whom they disagree. Not a very politically correct statement, was it, Senator?
And I am really angered by the questions concerning Gov. Palin's ability to parent while being vice president. No man would be asked that. Sen. Joe Biden was sworn into office two weeks after his wife and daughter were killed in a car accident and his now-motherless boys were still in the hospital. Sarah Palin's husband is an active participant in rearing their children. If a single man can parent and fulfill his public responsibilities, why wouldn't a married woman be able to? The question itself is evidence of an unacceptable double standard.
By the way, where are all the supposed champions of women's rights? One would think they would express a strong negative reaction to the sexist insults being hurled at the first woman nominated by the Republicans to a national ticket.
Two reasons for their very loud silence: One, to merit a defense from feminists, a woman must be liberal above all. Two, her choices must fall in lock step with their choices. Looks like the feminists are more anti-choice than those with whom they plaster that term.
Note to the liberal left: This country is filled with strong, successful, conservative women who manage their families and jobs just fine. It is time to stop disrespecting the soccer (and hockey) mom voters. Palin herself told us how determined we are when she quipped, "Do you know the difference between a pit bull and a hockey mom? Lipstick."
On Nov. 4, I'll have the voting lever in one hand and my tube of Maybelline in the other.
Patricia Warren is a Wayne resident.
