Sarah Palin

In regard to Sarah Palin and all the attention focused on her, I have to wonder, when did we start treating politicians like celebrities?

More and more it seems we act as if these people are somehow better than the common person. And the last thing these egotistical people need is celebrity status. Sarah Palin is a virtual unknown. She has very little experience in politics, and has yet to speak honestly about her beliefs. In the ads and interviews so far, she has simply followed a script.

In the matter of her brother-in-law trooper, why doesn't she just say, "Yes, I tried my best to remove him from his job. He's a bully and actually threatened my family with physical violence. I think anyone would do the same?"

As for "the bridge to nowhere," why doesn't she just own up the mistake, explain her change of position and move on? I think honesty is a virtue, and it would impress me more than her ability to follow a script.

About her daughter Bristol, I won't even go there. If she were a Democrat chosen by Obama, the opposition would have a field day with her.

Many people in her party are so gaga over her, it's scary. They know practically nothing about her, yet will vote for McCain in November simply because she's his running mate.

And John McCain is no more qualified for the presidency than any other politician. Furthermore, he is dull and boring, mild-mannered and soft spoken and almost wimpy-like in his demeanor. I don't think he's tough enough to be president, and having Sarah Palin as his vice president is just not good enough.

For those who are so gaga over her, I am reminded of the simpleton who is easily distracted by shiny objects.

But we cannot afford to be distracted now. People need to wake up. This country is in trouble. The economy, unemployment, the housing crisis and mortgage fiascos, not to mention the wars. Then, there's Social Security still not fixed, and Bin Laden is still running around loose.

I will vote for Obama because I think he's man enough to fix some of these problems and because the Democrats have a way of fixing the deficits and seem to me more realistic.

Their ads focus on issues, not lies and smears. But I know that half the voters will disagree; those are the ones who still support Bush even now. And will remain divided: Republicans against Democrats.

And the media will continue to treat these employees like rock stars, and nothing will change except the names of the people living in the White House.

Mayr Malool
Lake Placid