Being an Alaskan, I would like to provide a word of support for my state's governor. Obviously she has been overwhelmingly scorned by the national media and crude comedians, but I have also heard similar criticisms from students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (from women, interestingly enough).
I admit that I do not follow the intricacies of politics with any great fervor, but I have appreciated Sarah Palin for at least two reasons:
One reason is her determination to keep the Alaska state budget balanced. With other states drowning in the red ink, and the federal government abandoning forever the hope of a balanced budget, it is refreshing to see some fiscal sanity.
The media, likely in earnest for the slightest opportunity to make Palin look bad, has often reported that the state of Alaska is in a one billion dollar deficit. What rarely is reported, however, is that the deficit was in our budget reserve. (adn.com) As Palin explained recently in her State of the State address: in the last several years, when oil prices were better and we had a budget surplus, the state of Alaska put aside money in preparation for a "rainy day". When that rainy day came (a down economy) some of that savings account disappeared.
The other reason is her unapologetic pro-life position. Even after returning to her work as governor, she has been an active advocate for the right to life. Unfortunately her efforts have not been as successful as she would have liked. Recently she supported legislation that would require Alaskan parents to be notified if any of their children were planning to undergo an abortion. (lifenews.com). After debate and compromise in the State House, the legislation eventually was killed by a deadline. But Palin publically rebuked members of the House who opposed the legislation and who apparently felt that it was going too far to let parents help their children make decisions about abortion.
So, if it means anything: there is at least one Alaskan in the United States who is not embarrassed to have a social and economic conservative as a high-ranking elected official.
I am amazed to find a political blog post from you, considering you say you are not politically savvy. I think this blog indicates otherwise. Thanks for presenting Governor Palin from the eyes of an Alaskan.
""So, if it means anything: there is at least one Alaskan in the United States who is not embarrassed to have a social and economic conservative as a high-ranking elected official.""
Uhm, At least two Alaskans not embarrassed. ;-) I like her because, and Kudos to her for it, she takes the crap they throw at her and keeps right on doing what she does. What she believes is still what she believes regaurdless of the reception of the government or the public.
G.