There’s a knot in my stomach.  I feel like I’m about to burst into tears and the thoughts are RACING through my head as my fingers are flying across the keyboard.

I was disheartened this morning to read that McCain’s support from white women voters has jumped DRAMATICALLY since he announced Sarah Palin as his running mate.  I really thought we were smarter than that.  I really thought that American women would vote on ISSUES, not on the possession of a vagina.  And I’m sure some of those women ARE voting on issues, which is totally fine.  At least that’s defensible.  At least there’s merit to it.

I can only hope that women who are voting for McCain because of Sarah Palin’s involvement will take the time to research her.  Because if they do, I’d like to think their votes would change.

I’d like to think that when they find out that, while she was Mayor, the City of Wasilla CHARGED RAPE SURVIVORS FOR THEIR RAPE KITS*, that they’ll reconsider.  As someone who spent too many hours sitting with survivors** as they were questioned by police and put through a grueling, demeaning exam after being assaulted, I find this despicable.  It makes it hard for me to breathe.  I can’t even imagine that ANYONE would ever think that was okay.  I can’t imagine that anyone would ever be able to justify it.

And I’m sure some of you are going to argue that she wasn’t involved.  That we can’t hold her accountable.  But SHE was the Mayor during this period.  SHE was in charge.  She’s basing her platform on the “shaking up” of the “good ole’ boy’s system” that she accomplished while Mayor.  She made decisions, including the firing of the former Chief of Police, but didn’t find this act reprehensible enough to change.  And I find THAT reprehensible.  Unacceptable.  Inexcusable.

I’d like to think that when they hear her condemn Barack Obama for the amount of earmark’s he’s secured for Illinois, that they’re aware of the fact that her state LEADS THE NATION in per capita pet project spending.  A whopping $295 per citizen.  The state where SHE’S the Governor.  And be sure to read this article…specifically the last sentence.  If true, it totally discredits her.  On many levels.

I’d like to think that when they hear the line, over and over again, “I said ‘Thanks but No Thanks’ to that bridge to nowhere” that they’re aware that she originally supported the bridge, but changed her tune after the election.

I’d like to think that when they hear Conservative’s complaining that Liberals are throwing her pregnant daughter into the spotlight, that they acknowledge the fact that the baby’s daddy was ceremoniously flown to the RNC and paraded in front of news cameras.  And if you’re going to argue that “He’s a part of the family now”, then explain to me why he wasn’t mentioned during her speech when she introduced the rest of her family?

I’d like to think that when they hear that she’s going to be an “advocate for Special Needs children” that they wonder why, then, she doesn’t support stem cell research?  Research that would almost definitely lead to discoveries that could help, even KEEP ALIVE, thousands of special needs children.  Not to mention the other MILLIONS of Americans who live with, and are dying from, illnesses for which there is no cure.

And I’d like to think that when they hear conservatives criticizing Barack Obama for being a “celebrity” with a “rock star” following, that they take into account that she’s currently on the cover of “People“, “Us Weekly” and “OK” magazines.

I’d like to think that when they hear McCain & Palin touting the fact that THEY’RE the team that’s going to bring change to Washington, that they take into account the fact that McCain voted in-line with George Bush’s positions 95% of the time in 2007.  A jump of almost 20% from 2005 and almost 30% from 2001.  As Bush becomes more and more un-popular, McCain votes with him more and more of the time.  How is THAT change?  How is THAT something to be proud of?

Sarah Palin’s closest friend’s can’t even commit to voting for her.

And, yes, this video is from The Daily Show, which isn’t known for it’s independent streak, but it does bring up some interesting points:

*The takeaway from the Frontiersman article is this:

While the Alaska State Troopers and most municipal police agencies have covered the cost of exams, which cost between $300 to $1,200 apiece, the Wasilla police department does charge the victims of sexual assault for the tests.
Wasilla Police Chief Charlie Fannon does not agree with the new legislation, saying the law will require the city and communities to come up with more funds to cover the costs of the forensic exams.

Chief Fannon is the man SHE put into office after firing the former Chief. Hand picked by her, and by all accounts, someone who supported her completely.

**I was a Rape Crisis Advocate for the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center while in college.  My role was to answer the hotline during my shift and, if necessary, accompany women during their police interview and rape exam, which was held in building completely separate from the hospital.  The exam was performed by a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Nurse and was videotaped.  My job was to be an advocate for the survivor, make sure they were aware of what was happening around them, and to make sure they knew their rights.  Which included NOT having to speak to police or participate in the exam.  Which got me into many a heated discussion with Emergency Room Personnel.

***I’ve done my best to back up my points with references.  You don’t have to agree with my political views, but you do have to be aware of the facts.

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