Sarah Palin (Alaska Gov) McCain's VP

[Johnny Stew]

Brandon.... I'm not someone who thinks the only important issue is gay rights. There are many and numerous issues that are important to me.

However -- despite everything the Log Cabin Republicans insist -- I still don't understand the concept of voting for politicians who are actively seeking to oppress you or make sure that you remain oppressed.

If it were just a matter of them being "less than supportive" on the issue, that would be one thing. But we're talking about politicians who actually CREATE legislation to deny us rights, and then spend time and our tax-dollars to push that legislation.

Is that really how you want your tax dollars to be spent? And is that really how you want them to spend their time, when there are so many other important issues they could be focusing on?

[BombaySapphire3]

Originally Posted by Brwn_eyes0511

I suppose you missed almost all of my posts since I have returned a few weeks ago. I have spoken out against the war, called out the far right nut cases, expressed my disdain for the "religious right", etc..

I've done much growing and soul searching over the past few years and it has changed a lot of my views.. through all that I still find myself to be a Republican despite it all.. I'll never be a socialist Democrat.

I think I did miss some of your recent posts it sounds to me like voting Libertarian like you had planned would be more consistent with your new views instead of backsliding into your old habits..there is a reason why the religious right is overjoyed with the choice of Palin as McCain's VP.

[gldstwmn]

http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/po...ts_iceber.html

by Frank James

Among the names mentioned as potential vice presidential picks for Sen. John McCain has been Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the telegenic 44-year old mother of five.

Paiin, who earned the nickname "Sarah Barracuda" for her intensity as a high-school basketball player, a sobriquet some political opponents have kept alive, won election in 2006 as a reformer and was quickly seen as a rising star in Republican political circles. There was even a "Draft Sarah Palin for Vice President" movement or, at the very least, a website.

Palin has some awesome popularity ratings with Alaskan voters, something above 80 percent.

But now Palin is also caught up in a probe of her official conduct that probably nixes whatever long-shot chance she had to be on the McCain ticket. After all, she's only been a governor for two years.

Questions have arisen over whether Palin used her office to try and fire her ex brother-in-law from a state trooper's position. Palin asserts the charge is untrue but the Alaska Senate this week approved the hiring of an independent investigator to look into the charges.

Palin can take comfort in not having been implicated in the federal corruption investigation that has led to the indictment and conviction of some Alaskan politicians, like Sen. Ted Stevens who was indicted earlier this week.

Indeed, Palin made her reputation in Alaska by combating ethically challenged colleagues which didn't make her popular with her colleagues but did lead to the resignation of an Alaskan attorney general whose conflict-of-interest problems she helped to spotlight.


But having an Alaskan on the ticket would likely bring constant attention to the state's corruption problems which, since the state is Republican run, don't help the GOP brand.

Palin has another problem. After Alaska's public-safety commissioner Walt Monegan was fired (Monegan has said he felt pressure to dropkick the trooper) Palin replaced him with the former police chief of the city of Kenai. But he quit after it became known that he received a reprimand after sexual harassment allegations were filed against him in his former post.

At the very least, that incident raises some questions about Palin as a chief executive and might take some of the thrill away for some women who might otherwise be excited about seeing her on the ticket.

Thus, a McCain-Palin ticket doesn't appear to be in the cards.

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Originally Posted by Johnny Stew

Brandon.... I'm not someone who thinks the only important issue is gay rights. There are many and numerous issues that are important to me.

However probably not the same ones that are important to me (which is why there are multiple parties in the USA)

However -- despite everything the Log Cabin Republicans insist -- I still don't understand the concept of voting for politicians who are actively seeking to oppress you or make sure that you remain oppressed.

Actually the LCR's are very specific about the candidates they endorse.. they seek inclusive candidates mostly (Olympia Snowe, Arnold Schwarzenegger, etc..) Or at least those candidates who don't seem to have an "agenda" against the LGBT community. I do think it is possible to not be for gay marriage yet not hate us either.

politicians who actually CREATE legislation to deny us rights

Let's leave Bush out of this!

I’ve long believed that the government should remain neutral on gay issues, neither discriminating against us nor offering us preferential treatment. Many gay activists, however, insist politicians reach out to us and identify us by name.

[gldstwmn]

Originally Posted by ajmccarrell

Actually, no. That aunt died of MS. The aunt that knows about Vince Foster is Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha Spangler. You might Google her, she would actually be in a position to know.

Bull****. If there's proof, let's see it. Put up or shut up.
Also, a Google search produced nothing of note.

[BombaySapphire3]

Originally Posted by gldstwmn

Paiin, who earned the nickname "Sarah Barracuda"


Palin has another problem. After Alaska's public-safety commissioner Walt Monegan was fired (Monegan has said he felt pressure to dropkick the trooper) Palin replaced him with the former police chief of the city of Kenai. But he quit after it became known that he received a reprimand after sexual harassment allegations were filed against him in his former post.

At the very least, that incident raises some questions about Palin as a chief executive and might take some of the thrill away for some women who might otherwise be excited about seeing her on the ticket.

Thus, a McCain-Palin ticket doesn't appear to be in the cards.

Scandalous! I lllllike it! I do however think that the Dinosaur and the Barracuda has a catchy ring to it!

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Originally Posted by BombaySapphire3

there is a reason why the religious right is overjoyed with the choice of Palin as McCain's VP.

That would probably be because she is very strong in her pro-life views. And although Palin is against gay marriage she doesn't seem to have some agenda against gay people, like many of the "Bushies" do. As a matter of fact Palin blocked legislation that would have stopped the state of Alaska from granting benefits to the partners of gay state employees.

[gldstwmn]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin

Matanuska Maid Dairy closure
When the Alaska Creamery Board recommended closing Matanuska Maid Dairy, an unprofitable state-owned business, Palin objected, citing concern for the impact on dairy farmers and the fact that the dairy had just received $600,000 in state money. When Palin learned that only the Board of Agriculture and Conservation could appoint Creamery Board members, she simply replaced the entire membership of the Board of Agriculture and Conservation.<12><32> The new board, led by businesswoman Kristan Cole, reversed the decision to close the dairy.<32> The new board approved milk price increases offered by the dairy in an attempt to control fiscal losses, even though milk from Washington was already offered in Alaskan stores at lower prices.<33> In the end, the dairy was forced to close, and the state tried to sell the assets to pay off its debts but received no bids.

[Johnny Stew]

Originally Posted by Brwn_eyes0511

However probably not the same ones that are important to me (which is why there are multiple parties in the USA)

That's possible. But, then again, maybe there are many issues we feel the same about. National security is a concern of mine -- and I find it laughable when folks act like Republicans are the only ones who can adequately protect our country.

Seriously, a Democrat isn't going to be lax on an issue like that either. Most especially not after 9/11.

Originally Posted by Brwn_eyes0511

Actually the LCR's are very specific about the candidates they endorse.. they seek inclusive candidates mostly (Olympia Snowe, Arnold Schwarzenegger, etc..) Or at least those candidates who don't seem to have an "agenda" against the LGBT community. I do think it is possible to not be for gay marriage yet not hate us either.

Yes, there are Republican politicians who support gay rights -- and I'm always pleased to see that. Unfortunately though, the majority of people who vote Republican are also voting for the politicians who actively work against us. Obviously, or they'd never make it into office.

Originally Posted by Brwn_eyes0511

I’ve long believed that the government should remain neutral on gay issues, neither discriminating against us nor offering us preferential treatment. Many gay activists, however, insist politicians reach out to us and identify us by name.

If we were treated as equals, it would be a different story. But we have a long way to go. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm not asking for preferential treatment. I want no more rights than what my brother has as a straight man.

He could meet a girl tonight, get married tomorrow, and it would be recognized and accepted in every single state in this country. They can file jointly on their income tax forms, they can share health benefits and insurance, etc.

Meanwhile, I've been with the same man for almost four years now, and we have none of those rights. Yet I pay taxes just like my brother does. I vote, I contribute to the economy, and so forth.

I guess I just don't see how that's fair, but I want to make it clear that I don't necessarily feel we need a stake in "marriage." It's really just a word, and the other little kiddies can keep their monopoly on it if they wish. Just so long as we're granted civil unions that provide us an equal amount of rights and protection.

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Originally Posted by Johnny Stew

That's possible. But, then again, maybe there are many issues we feel the same about. National security is a concern of mine -- and I find it laughable when folks act like Republicans are the only ones who can adequately protect our country.

Seriously, a Democrat isn't going to be lax on an issue like that either. Most especially not after 9/11.

I agree that Democrats care about the safety of our country.. I don't call anyone unpatriotic unless they really deserve it.. like William Ayers! lol.

I think thats the problem with our parties in this day and age. Both sides seem to be overrun with extremists. You have to either be Michael Moore or Jerry Falwell. I mean, come on.. are you freaking kidding me!!!

Yes, there are Republican politicians who support gay rights -- and I'm always pleased to see that. Unfortunately though, the majority of people who vote Republican are also voting for the politicians who actively work against us. Obviously, or they'd never make it into office.

Fighting for understanding and change is the ONLY way we are going to change this.. You know.. "The good fight".

If we were treated as equals, it would be a different story. But we have a long way to go. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm not asking for preferential treatment. I want no more rights than what my brother has as a straight man.

He could meet a girl tonight, get married tomorrow, and it would be recognized and accepted in every single state in this country. They can file jointly on their income tax forms, they can share health benefits and insurance, etc.

Meanwhile, I've been with the same man for almost four years now, and we have none of those rights. Yet I pay taxes just like my brother does. I vote, I contribute to the economy, and so forth.

I guess I just don't see how that's fair, but I want to make it clear that I don't necessarily feel we need a stake in "marriage." It's really just a word, and the other little kiddies can keep their monopoly on it if they wish. Just so long as we're granted civil unions that provide us an equal amount of rights and protection.

agreed.

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Now if you all will excuse me.. Brandon has a hot date he has to get ready for! YAY! The first one in a while.. So we shall continue this discussion later I suppose.


WISH ME LUCK!


And I'll try to avoid political discussions seeing as how I'm sure he either 1) doesn't care or 2) is not a republican!

[Johnny Stew]

Originally Posted by Brwn_eyes0511

Now if you all will excuse me.. Brandon has a hot date he has to get ready for! YAY! The first one in a while.. So we shall continue this discussion later I suppose.


WISH ME LUCK!


And I'll try to avoid political discussions seeing as how I'm sure he either 1) doesn't care or 2) is not a republican!

Woo-hoo! Have fun, B.!

And, yeah, it's always a good idea to avoid politics and religion on a first-date. Although, on the other hand, it's a good way to see if he has a brain and can hold his own in a conversation.

Unless of course you're not worried if he has a brain.

[The Chain]

I've been an Alaskan since I was 5. Couldn't believe the news this morning. Palin hasn't done anything too horrible, but still... she's red and in her short term as gov. she has already proved capable of being a little shady. I guess she's better than the bundle of corrupt politicians AK's been plauged with in recent times!! She has done a little to clean up our state gov., so thats good

Being an oil state, of course AK sually gets the Republican vote. But aside from the oil people, most everyone else you'll meet are quite progressive and tolerant. A lot of friendly people with open minds up here!

Obama/Biden 08

[Gypsy-Rhiannon]

Originally Posted by BombaySapphire3

I would hope that alot of women would dismiss her for her strong anti-abortion record and gun toting ..I watched her speak and she is no Hillary Clinton.

I'm sure I read that she's against gay marriage too

[CharmedHour]

I like Sarah, I think she is very smart and I think McCain did the right thing by picking her. I think they will do well. They have my vote!
What was really cool was that everything that went on today was just down the road from where I work! They kept saying they were in Dayton...it's Fairborn.
Anyway, that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.