But to Chris point, there are absolute valid concerns about Palin’s record, including the Bridge to Nowhere (go to a reputable news source and you’ll see she was actually FOR it until she realized the federal government wouldn’t allow the earmarks so then she decided to go against it. And this is a source from NPR, which I know you trust and support!)

I think Chris and my point is this – you have EVERY right to like her and support her. Good for you for getting involved and actually liking politics again!

But, be careful when you make accusations that she’s blameless and semi-perfect because I assure you, first and foremost, she’s a politician…

Slamming Obama for being one of the best community servers our country has right now just goes to show you her character flaws.

Again, I am not arguing with you – I am HAPPY you like someone so much. It’s a great feeling, isn’t it?

Just be careful with your liking her clouding your judgement that she’s really “all that.”

You have all rights to feel the way you do about her (just like I have real reasons why I can’t stand her) but when it’s all said and done, my fear for you is simple:

She’s not the President nor will she ever be. So voting for McCain because you like Palin and because you think she can do all this stuff you write about is kinda sad, to me. I feel like your hopes will be sorely taken away when you realize the race for President is and always has been McCain vs Obama.

Trust me.

When I started the blog, I had comments turned off. I turned them on because people kept asking me too, but I’m still not sure about the decision and here’s why:

When I write a post, it’s an emotional release, I get catharsis and I’m ready to move on. With comments, I don’t move on until the conversation ends. It like diluting the medication.

As for Feminism, I again respectfully disagree. A man can be just as educated about feminism as a woman. As a liberal feminist I believe that. To say a man can’t be a feminist or be educated or express an opinion on feminism (and be correct at that) is just as ignorant as people who think a woman is somehow unable to do the job of a man, or be as effect a leader of a man.

I am well educated and experienced in what feminism is and is not, in its many facets.

I enjoy the blog, don’t stop for a moment. Regardless of my or anyone else disagreeing with you.

The number one point about my blog, is that everything I write here is for me. That eliminates any need to explain to myself what feminism is about. I wrote this piece because I needed to explain to myself why I suddenly care about someone running for office. It’s entirely a unique occurrence in my life.

My graduate degree is in psychology, so I write here for therapy. You’re welcome to read the blog, but I’m not writing here to convince you or anyone else to agree with me about anything. The only reason I can imagine my blog would be of any interest to someone other than me is if he or she is interested in psychology.

Writing this piece, I gained personal insight and so for me? Mission accomplished!

I have not ignored issues raised by Palin’s critics. I’ve read every blog post and news piece about Palin that has made it’s way through Memeorandum in the last two weeks. That includes posts by reasonable people on both sides and posts by nut jobs on both sides. It includes pieces published by the New York Times along with pieces published by the National Enquirer. I’ve read no fewer that 70 stories in the last 24 hours just about the stupid lipstick on a pig thing. I’ve watched videos of Sarah speaking in church. I’ve watched videos of her in debates and in TV appearances. I could not have paid more attention to every issue raised by the left and right about her without taking time off to do it.

I appreciate that you’ve taken the time to weigh in with your thoughts, but I’m not writing here to get praise from people who agree with me or to argue with people who disagree.

This is not feminism Neal and if you believe it is you have a great deal to learn about feminism and the feminist movement. Feminism is about equality, that a woman can do the same job a man can do. What you are suggesting by this statement is you support reverse sexism, that men are inferior to women and this counters the feminist argument since feminism is about equality, that that neither sex is greater than the other. What this should easily translate into is that men and women equally get the benefit or have to prove their selves (meaning you are are either generally optimistic or skeptical). Neither is in a position of benefit over the other.

I believe in your right to support whom ever you decide in the upcoming election. However, I think it is a misguided vote to support a woman based on just the fact she is a woman. You have ignored a number of issues that the “left” have brought up against her that warrant further examination. Inexperience, interference with the employment of a State trooper (under investigation), the fact she does not support teen sexual education and yet has a pregnate teen daughter (Cause and effect?), tried to stop the listing of the polar bear on the endangered species list because it might interfere with oil and gas development (big oil before environment), and finally her involvement with an organization that is fighting for Alaskan independence (counter to leading a union of states!).

If you vote for her, do it with an open mind and not under some misguided philosophy that to be a feminist is to support a woman just because she’s a woman. Support a woman because like anyone else, she’s proven she is able to do the task requested of her.