Palin's opinions concerning women, families disturbing

I have been following closely the hoopla surrounding the candidacy of Sarah Palin, darling of the recent GOP convention.

I agree wholeheartedly with Senator Obama that her private family matters and the manner in which her family chooses to address them are not my proper concern. However, it does disturb me that Palin seems to feel qualified to make choices for other women, other families.

She supports abstinence only programs which, in effect, limit the opportunities of young people to make informed choices for themselves.

Sarah Palin is a personable and accomplished speaker, but candor is not her strong suit. When she proudly related how she had opposed the “Bridge to Nowhere” project in Alaska, she neglected to mention that as candidate for governor there, she had enthusiastically supported it, and actually she and the State of Alaska kept $128 million allotted to the “Bridge to Nowhere.”

She has made much of her opposition to “pork barrel” projects, yet as mayor of Wasilla she hired a high powered firm of lobbyists connected to Senator Stevens (himself under investigation) to bring these earmark funds to her city.

As to “Put America First,” Palin is a past member of the fringe Alaska Independence Party, which advocates seceding from the USA, and more recently spoke at their convention. Her high handed tactics in using her position as governor to quell opposition and promote her own family interests are now under investigation in her home state.

Nor have I seen much evidence that she understands or is ready to deal with the pressing needs of citizens trying to cope with the economic woes and health care concerns plaguing our nation today.

I have never been a great fan of pit bulls, with or without lipstick. Their nature is well documented. Would I like to see a pit bull as potential occupant of the White House? I don't think so.

Grace Siler

Bonners Ferry