First Sarah Palin:  My dentist came toward my chair the other day with an apprehensive look on this face and said, “So, Sarah Palin?”  My family, friends, and associates know how passionate I am about women’s issues and rights and that I am always promoting their progress and welfare.  Therefore, whether Republican or Democrat, I find that they anxiously await hearing my stance on Sarah Palin, Vice Presidential candidate.

This blog is not a place, from my point of view, for a political debate.  I know a lot of wonderful, intelligent, informed, dynamic women and they represent both parties.  My interest here is not to express my thoughts on whether or not she is capable or worthy of being the Vice President of the United States.  I am interested in talking about the equality and representation of women in business and politics.

Over the years since before and then while working specifically with women, there have been countless conversations which I initiated and overheard about the difficulties of women rising up in Corporations, of owning a business or having a high-level position and balancing that with being a mother, wife, daughter, friend, school volunteer, etc., etc., and the difficulty with and lack of women represented in politics.

The candidacy of Hillary Clinton was historic both in the number of votes she received and the fact that overall she was considered for many reasons a viable candidate with a strong possibility of winning.  Then, immediately following that major milestone for women, Sarah Palin is catapulted onto the world scene as a Vice Presidential candidate.  That is amazing as compared to the time prior to Geraldine Ferraro, at that time,the only female Vice Presidential candidate representing a major American political party, and the downswing in equal pay and number of line positions in Corporate America since then.

I think it is fantastic and excellent that John McCain thought to choose Sara Palin as his running mate and that she would be a serious contender.  I think it is fitting and wonderful that a very large representation of the American People consider her both viable and appropriate.  She is a woman!  I support her candidacy.  I think it is absolutely great that we had a woman running for President and now have a woman running for Vice President.

I have always envisioned a United States of America in which people of both sexes, of many colors, ethnicities, races, and points of view were absolutely normal as political candidates – and that is almost starting to happen.  That is the incredible importance of Sarah Palin as a Vice Presidential candidate!

Madeleine Allbright, who was the first woman to become the United States Secretary of State, told us that there is a special place in hell for women who do not support other women.  From that aspect, all women should support her candidacy.  Please be clear I am in no way suggesting that all women should vote for her; just appreciate, cherish, and celebrate the fact that a woman is considered seriously as a Vice President.

Not only do I support her as a candidate, I think she is remarkable for her accomplishments.  Whatever her political opinions or what some would cast as luck (which is not uncommon when women achieve) she won as mayor, she won as governor, and she was chosen to be McCain’s running mate – and is a wife, mom, daughter, friend, school volunteer, etc.  Hooray for her and women!

Now, “Wow! Bite my Head Off” - Are we divided in this country, or what?  If you say you are for or against Palin, McCain, or Obama – watch out!  From participating in these types of conversations and overhearing these types of conversations, it appears from the grimaces, shouting, fists flying, and threatening anger from many, someone might just bite someone’s head off!

I have contemplated a lot about why there is so much venom spewing forth about this and have concluded that the visible hatred toward those with opposing political views stems from fear.  People are scared about the war, the state of our financial markets, housing and stock market falls, U.S. security, health care, gas prices, threats from foreign countries, nuclear weapons, keeping or losing jobs and houses, women’s rights, having enough money to survive or to be comfortable, etc., etc.  Out of our fear, whether or not we stay well informed, people choose a political party or candidate and hold on for dear life hoping that choice will save the world!

I understand the fervor and I don’t support the behavior.  We are one country, one people – Americans.  I adore political debate and believe with all my heart that this communication is vital for our democracy.  So, I am not advocating that we discontinue our conversations about issues and candidates.  I honestly believe we can talk to one another about these subjects recognizing our rights to our opinions and our connection as Americans wanting what we perceive is best for our country.

Also, it is our choices for other politicians who make decisions that affect our lives – not just the President.  Our President, although influential in monetary policy, does not control capital markets.  Although, largely responsible for foreign policy decisions, others that surround our President highly influence his (or her?) decisions.  I think government is an easy scapegoat; easy to blame.  Sure, there are many faults to go around in government and I may be in a small minority, but I believe we are our government.

Then, and most important, in my opinion, is our responsibility; ours to learn the truth about issues, to stay informed, and to behave in our own best interest.  It is our responsibility to not accept the hyperbole of fear- mongers, to not perpetuate rumors, spread by unscrupulous opportunists motivated by self-interest, that have not been substantiated, to not be overly absolute in every political subject that may have valid sides at different aspects, and to not personally attack a candidate or someone who supports their political views.

I heard someone on a morning news show today, when talking about how close the polls had Obama and McCain, talking about changing demographics, describe his community as “purple.”  That’s what I’m talking about; less “Blue” and “Red” and more “Purple”!  Before, someone bites off someone’s head, let’s be kind, thoughtful people who respect one another as humans, equally valid in point of view though different than others, and as Americans, all wanting what’s best for our country.

Often when we find ourselves in a “Who are you voting for?” discussion, we may feel that others are so enraged that they may threaten, in behavior and tone, bodily harm.  It is sad that some of us come to feel cowered or beleaguered when wanting to enjoy good political debate, and find ourselves exhausted from attack or feeling as if we have to be the end-all authority on every statement and every vote made by our candidates.  It is important to stay informed, but we have lives and do not have to be expert in everything political.  It is in our best interest and all around better for our country if we see one another more as the same than as different, more as fellow citizens than opponents, and as people in this political climate doing our best to figure it all out.