Traveling Boy: Terry Cassel: Do We Palin Comparison?

Terry Cassel: Palin

Do We Palin Comparison?
by Terry Cassel

"Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?"
- T.S. Eliot

ndless images come to mind at the mention of Alaska: spectacular Ice Age glaciers, Native American culture, breathtaking mountain ranges and fjords, historic Russian settlements, the Aurora Borealis, world-class sportfishing, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Arctic tundra, undisturbed wildlife, and the gold miners of 1858. But perhaps the Aleut's name for the region is still the best: ALYESKA - THE GREAT LAND.

aerial view of Juneau, Alaska
Mountain-locked Juneau.
Photo by: Deb Roskamp

Juneau pier
Juneau, the only state capital in the U.S. inaccessible by road, doesn't prevent Governor Palin from driving her Hummer across Gastineau Channel to get to
work each morning.
Photo by: James Boitano

The state of Alaska is one-fifth the size of the continental United States and two-and-one-half times the size of Texas. It has 3,000 rivers, 3,000,000 lakes, and more than 5,000 glaciers. The Malaspina glacier is larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. The state's coastline is longer than all of the "Lower 48."

Today a young first-term governor, 44-year-old Sarah Palin, enjoys her reputation as a maverick Western reformer. She rose to power by attacking corruption in the entrenched business and political establishments controlled by her own party. She embodies the image Alaskans want to project to the world - tough, smart and independent. Despite the fact that her only previous elected experience was two terms as mayor of Wasilla, a small suburb of Anchorage, and fewer than two years as governor, John McCain just selected her as his vice presidential running mate in his campaign for president of the United States.

I ponder the wild success of Gov. Palin's reading at the Republican National Convention, her performance impeccable, her timing expert. Sen. McCain's speechwriters found the perfect language to vault her already formidable combination of perkiness, sweetness and pugnacity to the rafters of the arena. She seemed an adroit amalgam of Newt Gingrich, Ann Coulter and a young Phyllis Schlafly. She looked like an appealing mix of Tina Fey and your high school librarian.

Downtown Juneau.
Photo by Deb Roskamp

downtown Juneau, another view
Governor Palin's playful side on display in Juneau as residents participate in
her first annual scavenger hunt.
Photo by: James Boitano

She spoke to the base that the Republicans must energize, the narrow base of evangelicals, social conservatives and small town folks who feel alienated by both parties in this political climate. Her self-proclaimed "hockey mom" and "pitbull" assets resonated with those in the audience who held their collective breaths, wondering whether she was prime-time ready to attack the Democrats with confidence and authority. She did. And well.

We were provided with just enough information about her to form a preliminary judgment about her personality. Just enough information to begin an assessment of her character and attitude. But no insight whatsoever into her views on the issues that matter most to all Americans - Republican and Democrat, conservative and liberal, young and old, rich and poor. Issues like the struggling economy, the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, threats from Russia, Iran, Pakistan and China, crises in health care, education, energy and the environment. We don't understand her decision-making processes. We don't know her core beliefs.

Gov. Palin, like the state of Alaska, is a mystery to most Americans.

Juneau city block with mountains in the background
Just blocks from the state capital building, tourists look for the first family's favorite Mooseburger diner.
Photo by James Boitano

All this information will no doubt come in the ensuing weeks on the campaign trail and in her debate with Sen. Biden in early October. Perhaps her vaunted intelligence and ability to learn quickly will allow her opinions and comprehension of these critical issues to evolve satisfactorily enough to assuage voters not quite convinced to vote for a woman for vice president just because she's a woman.

Yet, as we accumulate information about Gov. Palin, as we learn more about her, can we be comfortable in the belief that she, too, is gathering information and gaining knowledge? After all, Alaska is remote, distant from not only the world stage, but also the American one. There is a reasonable chance that she could one day soon be president of the United States. Should we welcome, or fear that possibility?

Folks misinterpret the definition of experience. It's not "executive" experience we seek in a president, it's experience and familiarity with national and international issues, history and events. It's understanding the subtleties of personal and global relationships. It's accepting the responsibility of being part of the machinery of government and being answerable to the American people. Being president is not like running a business. Government isn't a business and shouldn't be perceived as such. It's context in a complex world of troubled relations and challenging alliances.

We know enough about Senators Obama, Biden and McCain to assess their wisdom, judgment and maturity in these national and international realms. They fall into varying degrees of promise and accomplishment. Gov. Palin is a blank slate. Let's hope the American people will take the initiative and thoughtfully consider the serious choice we face.

Terry's Feedback

Great article, Terry Cassel. Balanced and articulate. We have until Nov 4 to sift through the glitz and image-making and make a serious choice baaed on the candidates' intelligence, character, experience, and stances on major issues such as the economy, foreign policy, and energy independence. The election will soon be upon us. Let's hope that, between now and then, the debate turns serious.

- Norman, Madison, WI

* * * *

Thank you, Norman, and well said.

Let's also hope the campaigns will show some respect to the voters and stop
the incessant dishonest attacks. This time around, let's not allow the hate
speech and fear-mongering dominate the agenda. Americans are growing weary
of being treated like fools.

- Terry

Terry,

Thanks bro, for another illuminating piece. You never cease to surprise me. Especially appreciated the link to Sarah Palin addressing the Wasalia Assembly of God. May everyone I forward it to watch it beginning to end and draw the same conclusions!

Your Boitano Sister, Citizen of the World

* * * *

Hello Sister,

Thanks for your "worldly" support. I, too, believe there are definite conclusions most folks will draw upon viewing that video.

- Terry

Hi Terry,

Nice article and refreshing to read such an unbiased view of what could be a visit back to happier and less complicated times of the 1940's and 50's. Back to the cold war period and back alley abortions. At least I'll have less difficulty shooting wolves and moose from a helicopter. My only concern is that when she's making important decisions that will effect the planet, will she know if the little voice inside her head telling her to go to war with Russia, will be God's or just another voice in her head.

Steve, Topanga, CA

Nice article, gives the appearance of impartiality. The fact of the matter is that those who don't think a governor is ready to be vice president, would prefer to elect a community organizer for the higher office of president, whom few can articulate what his accomplishments, if any, really are. I am biased, since Gov Palin and I share a similar alma mater and Christian faith. And I was born in Anchorage, too. What most aren't saying who are opposed to her, is they just don't want a Christian or gun-rights advocate, or pro-life person in office, so they say things like "she has no international foreign
policy experience" when I don't recall the same group complaining about that lack of experience when governor Clinton ran for president. Or governor Reagan for that matter.But we shall see what we shall see. There are obviously different world views animating each party, and I respect that they are sincerely held by both. (I just hope my side wins) :)

Chris, Boise, Idaho

* * * *

Thanks, Chris.

You make a good point about the issue of experience, especially in a vice presidential nominee. Voters will define experience in different ways.

I recall the foreign policy inexperience of Govs Carter, Reagan, Clinton and Bush, Jr. all being debated prior to their elections. But the issue is arguably less relevant for a vice presidential nominee.

Al Gore and Dick Cheney, each with extensive government and foreign policy experience, became powerful and influential vice presidents, ready to step in as president at a moment's notice. There's no reason Gov. Palin must follow that mold. Spiro Agnew and Dan Quayle were nominated, by Richard Nixon and George H. W. Bush respectively, simply to shore up a political base. This is a legitimate role. That's all some presidents expect their vice president to do.

Terry

Thank you for wonderfully thoughtful words on Gov Palin, beginning with that quote from T.S. Eliot.You are much more generous toward the lady in question than I am; in fact, generosity is not what I feel I need to muster up to make a decision about her worthiness as a candidate. I think she is a cruel joke played first on women; second, on the Democrats; and third,on this too to gullible country. I wish Karl Rove had remained at home in Texas, retired, but the Republicans could never let a mother lode like that go dormant.Bitter am I? --- guess so --- and will be so disappointed if this country doesn't give obama a chance to shine in its own eyes again as well as the eyes of the rest of the world.

P.S. re my comment on your earlier article, realize it wasn't friendly to wish you a trip to Beirut --- guess I was wishing you could visit the "old" Beirut for me!

Brenda, Richland, WA

* * * *

Brenda,

Many folks are unsure about Gov. Palin's readiness for the international stage. This includes quite a few Republicans I speak with as well. It is to be expected, inasmuch as she is virtually unknown outside Alaska and has only begun to be vetted by American voters and the press.

Over the next several weeks, as her handlers allow her to appear more often before the media, we may discover more about her. Meanwhile, the contest between McCain and Obama continues to heat up. Let's hope voters will cut through the lies and personal attacks and concentrate on the serious issues we face.

And, yes, I've never been to Beirut, but I know that at one time it was a safe, vibrant and beautiful cultural center.

Terry

Terry,

Good article. I see what you're saying about the majority of the nation not knowing who she is. Be that as it may, many are turned off by the current candidates whom we DO know. Several of my friends including myself have been disinterested with the campaign. Blame it on the mud slinging and that dirt thrown by the candidates and the media. Palin's surprise entry in the ring has actually revitalized many of us.

So far, depending on who you decide to listen to, her accomplishments in the short term she has been in office is better than that of Obama whose records are good in paper but has lacked substance. She has an approval rating of 80% among her Alaskan constituents which is better than most gevernors. Obama seems to be riding on promises more than accomplishments. Even his colleagues like Sen. Kirk Watson, are at a loss as to what he has really done.

If you are impartial to evangelical Christians, then she is definitely NOT your (wo)man. Here is a clip of her giving glory to God after giving birth to her baby.

At least you know where she stands. Some candidates are more conscious of what people want to hear than what they really believe in.

Here's a link to a blogger with aprehensions similar to yours. Click here.

Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

* * * *

Peter,

Thanks for your insights.

The Constitution guides my own biases about the vice presidency. Ultimately, the only stated duty of the vice president, besides being the tie-breaking vote in the Senate, is to step in as president should the president be unable to complete his or her duties as Commander-in-Chief. Any other tasks are assigned by the president as deemed fitting.

It's an issue of governance, yet many presidents choose running mates whom they believe will help them get elected, not help them govern. Of course there are no rules. It's a personal choice.

Selecting a running mate is the first real presidential decision a candidate will make. With Sen. Biden and Gov. Palin as the choices, I believe we have the first clear window into the thought processes, wisdom and judgment of our two candidates for president.

Terry

I liked the article on Palin. It tries to be impartial. Actually, there is much to recommend Palin. For one thing, she has revitalized the Republican party.

My main concern is "CAN SHE BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.? " Common sense tells me, (God Forbid!) that there is a big possibility that McCain may not be able to last his full term if elected. (Age, health) I do not believe Palin is qualified to be president.

Personally, I like McCain, and wouldn't mind if he gets elected. Between Obama and McCain, the citizens of U.S. have a good choice. Let the people speak. Here's the thing. I admire Biden too, and I believe he can easily step into the shoes of the presidency should something happen to Obama. I can't say the same for Palin. And after all, the main role of the VP is to be a stand-in for the presidency.

Henrietta, a US citizen residing in the Philippines

* * * *

Henrietta,

I appreciate your remarks. And I agree with you. I believe the country has a clear choice, and a good one, between Sens. McCain and Obama. At this point I also believe we have an even clearer choice between Gov. Palin and Sen. Biden.

Terry

Thanks, Terry, for letting me hop on your shoulders (in my imaginary travel, I'm light as a feather) and wander the streets of Istanbul with you. This mode of travel allows me to smell the smells, see the sites, as you describe, but avoid the crushing heat and humidity!

Most of all I enjoyed the wisdom of Mahir - his wonderfully simple declaration of being a Turk first and then a Muslim; his observation that Americans are children in this world. Only children could elect the biggest bully to its highest office and give him the keys to a closet full of horribly dangerous toys. One can only hope we'll grow up before we blow up.

Please travel to Beirut - another city I've always wanted to 'walk.'

Thanks for sharing.

Brenda Hughes
Richland, WA

I'm struck by how kind and civil the people were to you considering how much hostility (justified) that they have toward our government. It's refreshing to know that if Obama or Clinton becomes President he/she may be able to begin to heal these wounds and hopefully undo the Bush/Cheney damage and that because people of all faiths are good people, the damages don't have to be permanent.

p.s.

You make Istanbul sound like a great destination.

Roger Fallihee
Puyallup, WA

I so had to laugh at your conversation with Ali. Trying to be an open minded American abroad and having a political discussion can be a very frustrating experience. Now matter how open minded we can be, or how many points about our own country we willingly admit, it can be so tough getting others to do the same. They do seem to take any topic (such as the Armenian genocide) and just turn it back to us. "But what about all the bad things the US has done?" Yes, but...I already conceeded that. Can we talk about your country now? As I'm heading for uber-anti American Serbia in 3 weeks I'm going to keep your Istanbul experience in mind.

Ben Liu
Seattle, WA

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