We, the People

Today marks the first day that Sarah Palin, the surprise pick of Republican nominee John McCain, has been on an interview with a member of the press to answer questions. This comes nearly 2 weeks after the historic announcement and falls on the 7th anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks. And, as Ms. Palin sees her son off to an overseas deployment on this very day, she opened herself to an interview with ABC news, giving herself an opportunity to display her human side.

The mainstream media is now chomping at the bit to ask questions, to have the kind of access that the presidential candidates have allowed on the campaign trail. The McCain camp has yet to turn her loose to the 4th estate in our democracy, and is guarding her earliest moments on the world stage with tender care.

For the Democrats, a window of opportunity exists to draw another comparison to the Bush administration that has rung true to most Americans.

American was formed as a response to despotic tyrants, who, through birthright or inheritance, limited the outcomes for people by denying freedoms that allow the individual to make choices. These choices and freedoms should not be constrained by our government, but venerated and enshrined in its administration. To preserve our democracy, we must hold our leadership accountable for upholding these freedoms.

McCain and Palin have packaged themselves as reformers and mavericks, outsiders who understand the values of God, Country, and Family as the cornerstone of the American Way. These things, while truly apart of the historic lexicon of our nation, are actually byproducts of the principles that have defined America- Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, the Right to bear Arms, and the Freedom of Religion.

Part of the change that the public has demonstrated it so desperately wants, is around the issue of accountability to the people. The Bush administration has been wroth with examples of hiding the truth from Americans, and creating a feeling that the preamble states "We, the ones in power" as opposed to "We, the people". The lack of accountability by the Bush administration is the central issue in this election, for all people.

Sarah Palin's sequestration from the media , furthers this albatross of the Republicans as they seek to limit her access to the questions of Americans. She must be put before the media and let her answer questions. Otherwise, she is no better than Dick Cheney, hiding from the media behind the mountain ranges of the West.

In their refusal for Palin to be vetted by the public daily press, the basic tenets of American society are abrogated, smacking of the tendencies that have led to a distrust of the American leadership in the free world, by the hiding or distorting of the truth.

Reform from a Bush policy is not what America wants; Change from it is what is needed.

Palin in Comparison

Welcome to the big leagues, Sarah Palin.

As the Republican Vice-presidential nominee begins her trials as a debutante on the national stage, we are set to invoke new phraseology into the political lexicon: Hockey-moms, moose burgers, and special needs families. New places to be discovered: Wasilla, Juneau, and Anchorage.

Alaska.

A mythical land that encroaches on the American mindset as icebergs, king crab, and oil pipelines has now been catapulted into electoral politics. Seward's Folly is now the hope of the Party of Lincoln, ushering forth a rugged individualist from the home of dog sleds and snow shoes.

Let the vetting begin.

Since the McCain camp has yet to let Sarah loose to the media for questions, I'd like to ask a few just in case someone gets to ask in the near future; so here we go:

• What is your perspective on substance abuse for the rest of the nation and how does it compare to your policies from Alaska?
• Since Alaska leads the nation in binge drinking, alcohol hall abuse by teens and adults, and alcohol abuse among Native American populations, what do you propose to do at the federal level to keep this from spreading like this in the 49 other states?
• Since Alaska ranks at the top of the nation in high school drop outs, what changes in the education policy would you make?
• How often have you traveled to the lower 48 states? What are your plans to improve the urban centers of the US?
• Mahala Ashley Dickerson, the states first Black attorney, died passed away in 2007 in your home town. To honor her legacy, what will be the role of African Americans in a McCain-Palin administration?

We have more questions, but as the campaign goes on, we will ask more, for sure. Stay tuned...