34 Comments From Other Members
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| 8/30/2008 |
Michele Moore from New Port Richey FL wrote:
At the risk of public shunning, or being forced to wear a scarlet letter "C" for conservative, or "R" for republican, let me gently offer this: not every woman in America is a pro-choice, liberal feminist. It was my understanding that feminism was born out of the desire of women to be allowed the freedom to be who they wanted to be regardless of the mold into which society tried to cram them. That should mean to all of us that we can believe what we choose to believe regardless of its popularity. I know I will sound hugely unpopular here, but a candidate who respects the lives of those...
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| 8/30/2008 |
Michele Moore from New Port Richey FL wrote:
...who cannot protect themselves, is the candidate I can trust to protect me and those precious to me. My hope is that we will learn that Governor Palin is the kind of strong, independent-minded woman who will respect the rights of ALL of us to believe what we choose to believe, and work to protect those rights. My philosophy is simple; I choose to know and appreciate people for who they are and how they treat their fellow human beings, rather than label them for the choices they make. That's why some of my closest friends are complete opposites in belief and lifestyle. That's my 2 cents.
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| 8/30/2008 |
Susan Terbay from Dayton OH wrote:
I'm pro-life - always have been - and pro-life is more than anti abortion - it is also respect for life after birth and the republicans agenda does not speak of such. While I do not approve abortion - I understand it. Fortunately in my life I never had to face such a decision - but I know of some women do and if we care about them as we should - abortion shouldn't even be an issue for them but it is and I would rather see a woman get the medical treatment and counseling than to find her bleeding in the back alleys - and condemned by those who say they are pro-life.
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| 8/30/2008 |
Michele Moore from New Port Richey FL wrote:
I think we all have our own make-or-break issues, and abortion is mine, though I pragmatically realize that abortion cannot be outlawed. I believe it can be curtailed and be used as a last resort, rather than as a barbaric means of birth control. I do not in any way suggest this is what you are saying, Susan. I respect what you're saying, and I would not want anyone to have to endure the bleeding back alleys of the past. I know a mother who took her 17-year old daughter to have an abortion, only to have her get pregnant, on purpose, less than 6 months later. Hers was a matter of convenience.
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| 8/30/2008 |
Susan Terbay from Dayton OH wrote:
Yes while there are some who 'use' abortion as birth control - many do it as a last resort. The mother should have set up for her daughter to be educated and given birth control choices. I struggle with people who say they are pro-life and use war as a first decision and not a last resort. I struggle with people who say they are pro-life and yet support the death penalty. I struggle with people who say they are pro-life and ignore the poor, the mentally ill, the elderly and our vets. Pro-life means 'pro-life' - not selected life - all life.
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| 8/30/2008 |
Suzanne Caplan from PA wrote:
The question on the table was....is this the woman we want. It was not about a pro-life fight. I respect everyone's thoughts on this but it is also about whether THIS woman was chosen as a token not on merit. For all of us who fought to be given a fair chance and had to work extra hard....this is a slap in the face.
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| 8/30/2008 |
Susan Terbay from Dayton OH wrote:
I agree Suzanne - he had a man very similar to her beliefs who had more experience in many areas and yet he chose her - why? As I stated in my blog - I'm insulted, so are the women I work with, my daughters, the military family women I am associated with - totally disgusted with this manuevre. It speaks volumes about him and sadly - somewhat about her. And yes, before I hear otherwise - I know this is politics - and yes I would be just as disgusted if Obama did the same thing.
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| 8/30/2008 |
Michele Moore from New Port Richey FL wrote:
Sorry for the digression, ladies. Yes, the question is whether or not Palin was a smart choice. We have the next 66 days to figure I out. Again...I'm sorry for interrupting the flow. My best to you all.
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| 8/30/2008 |
CJ Golden from Newtown CT wrote:
Suzanne, thank you for bringing my question back to where I had inteneded it to go. I totally respect those who advocate for pro-life, as you do, Michele, and recognize that this is a personal choice. It is interesting, however, that this is the point that was chosen to represent Ms. Palin and not the other facts that I pointed out: NRA and her anti-gay stance. (Those would be the main "deal breakers" to me).
But, as Suzanne, said - to choose this woman as a "substitute" for Hilary just to garner the female vote - this is abhorant in my estimation. And a real slap in our face.
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| 8/30/2008 |
CJ Golden from Newtown CT wrote:
Oh, Michele, please do not feel the need to apologize - ever - for sharing with us your very valuable thoughts on any subject. I am pleased that you started the chain of comments on my blog. When I posted it I was hoping to begin a chain of conversation that allowed us all to have our say and state our true feelings. You did just that and I am pleased. As I said, the pro-life choice stance of Ms Palin is an important piece to consider. So, too, are her other political and ethical beliefs. All must be considered in the next 66 days.Keep blogging, Michele-we need your voice and your honesty.
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| 8/30/2008 |
J Peak from Plymouth MI wrote:
It makes me cringe when I hear some of the arguments about McCain's choice. I think it's a slap in the face to Palin, and all women who aspire to bigger things, to automataically suggest she is just a stand-in. Why couldn't you possibly believe that she was chosen for her intellect, tenacity, ability, and track record? Don't you think a woman is qualified for this position? He picked a woman, exactly what so many people wanted, and now he's being criticized for it. It just doesn't make sense. We are our own worse enemies. We should be angry at Obama for not doing the same thing.
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| 8/30/2008 |
Susan Terbay from Dayton OH wrote:
I guess my question is why should i consider voting for anyone simply because it is a woman? I don't put my brain aside when I put on my bra. If she is qualified and can bring our country to where it is suppose to be - great - but as I stated before and will state again - she doesn't support the issues I consider important - and McCain certainly does not.
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| 8/30/2008 |
Susan Terbay from Dayton OH wrote:
And I second CJ - Michele - don't ever apologize - hey - you got me and others stirred - and yes you and I zeroed in on one of Sarah strong points - and I know that will carry a lot of women and men votes - I just want to know why because I struggle with understanding that. I also agree with CJ about guns and gay rights, etc. So, hey, you keep the soup stirred - help us all understand each other's story and why we believe what we do. I just don't understand his reasoning for this and why she feels she is so qualified for the position - but I'm sure we will find out soon - or not.
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| 8/30/2008 |
Michele Moore from New Port Richey FL wrote:
I like soup. I'm not so crazy about politics. All too often casting a vote is trying to choose the person who will do the least harm rather than the one who will do the most good. How's that for a little cynicism thrown in the soup for a spicy kick? You guys (oops...gals) are great!
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| 8/30/2008 |
CJ Golden from Newtown CT wrote:
J, okay - here's something to stir things up a bit - what if McCain's choice had been a man with the same background? Would we all be cheering "him" on for aspiring to bigger things? Or cutting him down - as many did to Obama (including McCain) - for a lack of a strong political history? So why choose Ms. Palin when McCain is running as the more knowledgeable candiate? And, why didn't he choose a man with the same intellect and and tract record as Palins? There is a reson he chose a woman and I suspect those of us who feel it is a Hilary substitute, are right on target.
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| 8/30/2008 |
CJ Golden from Newtown CT wrote:
Michele - I think you are wonderful!
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| 8/30/2008 |
Susan Terbay from Dayton OH wrote:
Actually in many ways you are right on target Michele about often choosing the lesser of two evils but for me at least this time the field is much clearer and more hopeful in my choice. How that for a smidge of salt!
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| 8/30/2008 |
CJ Golden from Newtown CT wrote:
I love all this seasoning this morning - might be the most spice I've had in my life since recovering from the surgery. Yeah. You gals have given me quite a lift today with all of your energetic commentaries. Got me thinking, too. And that's a good thing for me!
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| 8/30/2008 |
Susan Terbay from Dayton OH wrote:
Great CJ, - good to know that healthy discussions energizes you to heal - and think! whoa!
Actually I've had emails and phone calls about this whole scenario from my daughters, to military family women. It has caused quite a stir - I am anxious to see how things continue to unfold. I'm praying so hard for people to make the decision that will benefit our country - not a candidates career.
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| 8/30/2008 |
Michele Moore from New Port Richey FL wrote:
Amen to that, Susan!!!
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| 8/30/2008 |
J Peak from Plymouth MI wrote:
CJ, My point is..if she's a Hillary substitute then so what? Millions clamored for a woman's presence in this election, to prove that women as just as capable, so now we have one and people are still complaining. It's like there is no pleasing people. And it's insulting to Palin's abilities and accomplishments to say she's just a puppet. She is a woman apparently of strength and intellect but why won't women give her credit for that? She hasn't gotten where she is by accident or not working for it. There probably is a man with the same qualifications but what's wrong with picking her instead?
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| 8/30/2008 |
J Peak from Plymouth MI wrote:
And if I may add one more thing...Obama picked Biden because Obama lacked credibility on foreign policy so Biden is a good complement to his team. Biden will probably give him guidance and perspective he lacks, and it helps the general population feel better about Obama possibly being president.. McCain picked Palin to compliment his weak areas. Quite frankly, I think both candidates did a good job of rounding out their teams.
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| 8/30/2008 |
Susan Terbay from Dayton OH wrote:
Personally - I want her to tell me why she thinks she is qualified - and that will come out in the debates.
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| 8/30/2008 |
J Peak from Plymouth MI wrote:
It may or may not come out in the debate. (I believe the VP's only have one debate). I believe that the debates can sometimes come down to who is the best orator (or the best bullsh**er). As I mentioned before, none of these candidates can have or know all the answers to the questions given to them. And if they come across that they do, then they're lying because it is impossible to have all those statistics and answers to complex questions at the top of your head. And if you can explain it in 5 minutes or less, then you just don't know what you don't know.
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| 9/3/2008 |
abigail lewis from west hills ca wrote:
getting back to CJ's original question.... anyone who supported Hillary presumably supported her for what she represented, rather than simply for having a vagina. I would love to have a woman in the White House, but how insulting to think we would support a candidate just because she's female. How sexist! But then again, what do we expect? Look at how so many of the good old boys support each other and try to keep women out... except in cases like this one, where it's expedient.
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| 9/3/2008 |
J Peak from Plymouth MI wrote:
Do you really think all those women supported her because of her agenda? I think you're a more savvy voter but most don't do the homework that you do. Take a random group of 100 women and ask them why they would support Hillary over Obama and they wouldn't be able to give you any issues that make her the better candidate. All the talk was about how now is the time for a woman in the Whitehouse. Not anything about her agenda.
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| 9/3/2008 |
abigail lewis from west hills ca wrote:
Yikes, is that really true? Did you personally have those conversations? I truly never heard anything like that. Certainly there were women (myself included) who were delighted to have a woman candidate who cared about the things they cared about, but in my apparently limited world, the primary focus was solidly on her agenda. And if you're right, it confirms what I already knew: we need to invest more of our tax dollars in education. We fought hard for the right to vote; let's do it with our brains rather than our bodies.
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| 9/3/2008 |
J Peak from Plymouth MI wrote:
Absolutely, we need more education in these matters for the voters. Just like you mentioned in your recent blog, Some Hillary supporters aren't going to support Obama now, who has the same agenda as Hillary. It doesn't make sense, unless they were only voting for her because she is a woman.
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| 9/3/2008 |
CJ Golden from Newtown CT wrote:
I have a wide circle of wome friends, and most of them I would consider well educated, liberal and forward thinking. I could not believe my ears, therefore, when during the primaries one of those friends admitted to me that she would vote for Hilary merely because she's a woman. No other reason. And that is an eye-opener. We tend to forget that there are so many out there who vote for a candidate based solely on gender. Unfortunately it then follows that many out there will note vote for a candidate because of his color. So sad.
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| 9/4/2008 |
abigail lewis from west hills ca wrote:
Glass-ceiling cracker Gloria Steinem writes in the LA Times: "Wrong woman, wrong message. Sarah Palin shares nothing but a chromosome with Hillary Clinton. She is Phyllis Schlafly, only younger. . . . Feminism has never been about getting a job for one woman. It's about making life more fair for women everywhere. It's not about a piece of the existing pie, it's about baking a new pie. . . . To vote in protest for McCain/Palin would be like saying, 'Somebody stole my shoes, so I'll amputate my legs.'" http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-steinem4-2008sep04,0,7541303.story
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| 9/7/2008 |
Ricki Liff from Tampa FL wrote:
The African-American comunity seemed not to support the nomination of Clarence Thomas. It seemed the general perspective was that he was a "tom" just by the definition of being a Republican .They idea that he could replace Thurgood Marshall was a joke. Sarah Palin fits that definition. I don't care that she is a woman. She offers as much to women as Mr.Thomas offered the Black Community. This is just another cynical trick (Track? Trog?) from the bag of Mr.Rove. She said nothing in her so called populist speech that althe standard issue white men in the GOP did not already say. NO NO NO
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| 9/11/2008 |
Bev Sykes from Davis CA wrote:
This is for Susan Terbay and other "pro life" members -- and I truly mean this to be instructional, not otherwise. I have a friend who has been active in pro-life activities and has even been arrested in pro-life demonstrations. Yet she is staunchly in favor of the death penalty. I have asked her several times how she can justify being "pro life" with also being "pro death." She has yet to give me an answer. I'm curious as to how those of you who are pro-life feel about the death penalty--and if you support it, how that makes sense to you.
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| 9/17/2008 |
J Peak from Plymouth MI wrote:
No surprisingly I am against abortion, partial birth abortions, and infanticide. I am also against the death penalty. But that is really like comparing apples and oranges. One is killing a person who has done nothing "wrong". The other is a punishment for someone who has done something against the laws of society. It still is killing to me, though.To compare one to the other is ludicous. However, again, in answer to your question because somehow you think the 2 are connected, I am vehemently opposed to both. Now will you explain how you're against the deah penalty but in favor of abortion?
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| 10/1/2008 |
Dorothy Sander from Durham NC wrote:
The people who are complaining most loudly about Palin are the people that dislike McCain. I felt it was a slap in the face to all women when Obama did not even offer the VP spot to Hillary. She is clearly the best female option out there and earned the right to be invited on the ticket. His VP choice is just as bad but for different reasons. Biden is a condescending wind bag. He was chosen for his maturity and experience because Obama looked weak in that area. It's all politics and I for one hate it!
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