Qualified, Schmolified!

This is for every journalist, pundit, talk show host who routinely asks in their predictably condescending tone, is Sarah Palin qualified to be president? I'd like to remind Americans of the following.

The qualifications to be president of the United States are (U.S. Constitution, Article II, Section 1),

1. Natural born citizen

2. 35 years old

(not to mention a best selling author, courageous "quitter" who gave up her position as governor to intentionally support and get OTHERS elected through her new found status as a champion of conservative causes—carpe diem—governor of the largest state in our union with a 70% approval rating BEFORE anyone knew who she was and certainly before the media descended on Wasilla and tried everything in their arsenal to discredit her family, her speaking style, her hairstyle, her wardrobe, her lifestyle, her college education, her character, her record and her credibility.)

There is one very important "qualification" to be president in my book that is more important than grades in school, an impressive vocabulary, a law degree, and a pedigree family and that is leadership. Sarah Palin (I know it's hard to remember) didn't SEEK fame. It came to her. She seized the moment and used her new position to have an effect on American government. She is a modern day hero. She gave up elected power to help others make a difference as a private citizen. So to watch the media constantly berate her and ask at the same time, "is Sarah Palin qualified to be president?" is ludicrous. Perhaps someone should show them the Ronald Reagan campaign coverage. I'm pretty sure someone thought that Ronald Reagan's only qualification to be president was starring in "Bedtime for Bonzo."

As a woman, you probably presume that I must be infatuated with Sarah Palin and that she can do "no wrong" and of course, you must presume I agree with EVERYTHING that she believes and supports. Not so. I look at the whole and am never a one issue voter. That being said, I would love to see a woman president in my lifetime but not just any woman. A conservative woman. A woman who would actually invite regular Americans to the white house for dinner, one that would actually cook there from time to time and who just might fire the chef because they were too expensive, and one who might decide that turning the White House pond "green" for St. Patricks Day was a frivolous expense. If that president turns out to be Palin or someone like her, male OR female, then America might truly be restored to her people and governed by a true public servant.

A Centennial for Boy Scouts of America

"Mom, do we have to get up?," were the first words my husband and I heard this morning as we rousted our four boys out of bed on their "sleep-in day" to prepare for a historic visit to the capitol. One mug of coffee, four chocolate Zone bars, six warm jackets and a loaded wagon later, we were off to the Report to State and Scout Parade commemorating the 100th Year Anniversary of Scouting.

At 7:30am, we crested the Congress Street bridge where we became part of a huge crowd making last minute adjustments to floats which were three deep and the entire length of the bridge. For the non-Austinite, this is the famous "bat bridge" that the Mexican free-tail bats emerge from on their nightly mosquito hunt. To see the pink granite capitol from the center of a roped-off Congress Street was a sight to behold. In keeping with one of the scout tenents to help other people, when our eldest son could not locate his Boy Scout Troop, Pack 280 (the cub pack) welcomed him on board their float. Our younger cub proudly took his spot on a hay bale in the back of the truck reserved for his Pack 101 of Dripping Springs, Texas.

Earlier this week, I had picked up the book On My Honor, written by Governor Perry. I'm really glad I had this book with me today. We read some of it on the way down and it was fortuitous that I got to know our Governor a little more in reading about his experiences in Scouting. This event ended up not only being a great day for scouts but also validated why it is we came to Texas from California in the first place. (I'll get to that a little bit later!)

The parade was a sea of fidgeting boys with crooked lines, untucked shirts, flanking paper maché and plastic floats. The streets brimmed with enthusiasm as the boys eagerly waved with the same enthusiasm to a spotted family member and supportive stranger alike. There were a couple of outstanding floats—namely the Space Shuttle and the winding bicycle in the shape of a snake, which followed the flapping Austin Bat float! (Keep Austin Weird!) The boys chanted, clapped, and a couple of floats had some pretty accomplished musicians as the parade rolled down the street. We even met a 1942 Eagle Scout who came out to see the festivities and got to shake his hand. Today's event was an unashamed slice of Americana that you rarely see anymore.

Perhaps one of the most interesting things this was the lack of publicity given to this event. It wasn't discussed on KVUE news as we prepared to leave. And it wasn't mentioned on 98.9, Austin's talk radio station either. There was no professional announcer during the event. There were no radio stations or television crews that we saw—unless of course they came earlier than we did. There were still photographers everywhere though lining the street. The Austin American Statesman was, in fact, ON the parade route. It will be interesting to see where the story appears in tomorrow's newspaper. If you detect sarcasm, you're right! In Austin, I doubt the boy scouts will make the front page.

This brings me to Governor Perry's book. I brought it with me in the oft chance that I might get to meet the Governor and have it signed. That didn't happen. However, we had the wonderful opportunity to sit in the House of Representatives and view the entire Report to State ceremony with Governor Perry in attendance. 19 Councils, each that represent a number of counties, spoke addressed the state to account for the impact that the scouts have on local communities all across the state. Far from just a statistical report, there were stories of bravery, life saving, fighting hunger, and even repairing areas damaged by Hurricane Ike. The BSA isn't just some club, it's an organization that truly seeks to teach young boys to become men and to make their country a better place to live in. To watch these young boys and young woman (who represented a council near El Paso) step up to the podium and address the podium was humbling.

Perhaps most impressive, though, was Governor Perry himself. I knew nothing of this man when we moved to Texas. What I did know was this. We CAME to Texas because of a California that had become unrecognizable. Two years after moving here, California went bankrupt but many still living there just can't (or won't) see it and keep electing people who are ruining the state. When people say that Texas is the new California, we silently whisper "we hope not." Texas is a state that is working. Texas doesn't have potholes, doesn't tax your income, supports home-schoolers (in fact it is the friendliest home school state in the union), is attracting more and more companies with its business friendly laws and if you can find litter on the streets here, let me know. Thanks to the campaign "Don't Mess with Texas" started by the legendary advertising firm GSD&M, which is right across from the flagship Whole Foods in downtown Austin, this city is vibrant, hopeful, friendly and FREE.

This brings me back to Governor Perry's book. I did not know that Governor Perry was an Eagle Scout. He achieved this rank at the age of 14. His son, Griffin, is an Eagle Scout as well. Perry is the longest serving Governor in Texas, now running for another term. He wrote this book basically in defense of scouting, as it has been under attack since 1976. I remember being 11 years old and hearing that a girl wanted to join the "Boy Scouts." I'm proof that the left was getting to me. Back then, I said "yeah, why not?" Why should there be any club eliminating girls?" It led to boys football teams having the same ridiculous discrimination suits and we all know how it has manifested. Here we are. Nanny nation!

Luckily as I got older and a little wiser, I was able to see the divisive nature of the "let's have everything be fair and equitable" movement. It divided America and led to the situation we have today. I haven't finished his book but in the first few pages, I can see it is going to join my overflowing bookshelf as one of my new favorite books. My boys will be reading this as we head to our nation's capitol later this year. This is most certainly the year to teach them U.S. History.

I can't end this post without making a few comments on the Governor's race which is in full swing. I believe that leaders should almost be reluctant to serve. However, in light of the way Texas is working, I can't help but support Governor Perry as he runs again. Truth be told, I was quite disappointed in his "performance" at the first debate. He didn't seem passionate about running and only in the race to prevent big Washington, D.C. republican Kay Bailey Hutchison from taking over. I can't say if this is his only motivation to stay in office. But I am confident that Hutchison is not a true conservative and I don't like her tactics. Deborah Medina, the "tea party" republican really resonates with me on pure policy and straightforward answers—however, as a previous Perot voter, the last thing I want to do is vote for a candidate that ensures Hutchison wins. Until we have a better system, unfortunately, it's a two party choice.

Yes, I don't agree with the toll roads and the eminant domain issue that many Austinites find fault with in Governor Perry's policies. I'm not sure where I stand on his endorsement of vaccines for young girls to guard against HPV as I don't have enough information. But any government intrusion into personal decisions on how to raise children is usually not supported by me. However, I don't admire leaders based one or two decisions that I find fault with. The fact IS that Texas is doing something right! It is still (with few exceptions) a state where you don't feel the heavy hand of government intruding in your daily life.

To wrap up what has once again become another long post, Perry's speech today was flawlessly and emotionally delivered. In the culture war Americans are now aware of and engaged in fighting, he successfully illustrated how the ACLU's continuing attacks on our common core values, and the rise of moral relativism is threatening America's future. I commend him for having the courage to say so. I also commend him for admitting that leaders like himself are fallible and human but that he tries to live by the Scout motto every day.

I now believe we have the right Governor in office at the right time in Texas history. His message was clear. Scouting values are the essence of America. A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Ross Perot's foreword in the book states "Think what a greater country we would have if everyone lived the principles of Scouting every day. We would all be prepared, do our best to do our duty to God and Country, help other people at all times; and keep ourselves physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight." If anyone can find fault with a parent teaching their children those things, then our problems in this country are far larger than we are willing to admit.

Happy 100th Birthday Boy Scouts of America and thank you U.S. Supreme Court for recognizing the rights of the Scouts to operate with their values unaltered and intact.

Where in the world is Sarah Palin?

It is well known that Sarah Palin became a commentator on Fox News in January 2010. I was initially excited and thought it was a really shrewd move for Palin. I am not sure this was a good idea now for either Palin or Fox.

I need to back up a bit so what I write about Palin from here on out will be comprehended by those who can't see straight when they even hear the words "Sarah Palin." I, like every other American, had never heard of Sarah Palin before she was announced as John McCain's running mate in the last election. My first reaction was "oh great, he played the gender card." I'm so tired of politicians thinking that I as a woman vote because of someone's gender, color or wardrobe choice. I had originally wanted Mitt Romney to be the Republican candidate for president so I was HOPING that McCain would choose him. Then, I could at least vote for half the ticket instead of for the lesser of two evils.

I thought Obama would smartly pick Hillary Clinton—which would have been a slam dunk for the progressives. But Obama's ego is so huge, he chose the very demographic the left has contempt for—the bumbling, middle-aged, non threatening, white, career politician—Joe Biden and offered Hillary Secretary of State so she couldn't run against him later—unless of course, she quit. Can't wait to see what happens in 2012. Talk about the antithesis of "change." Because Obama left the door open for a game change (no reference to the book), McCain picked a complete unknown which eventually catapulted an unsuspecting Palin into the stratosphere. The rest is history.

With no opinion on Palin to begin with, I watched the entire process from beginning to end. Once she spoke at the convention, she became my candidate of choice—McCain was just the other guy on the ticket. I wanted her in the White House and, well, if McCain was there too, well then that would be okay. My vote was going to be FOR Palin. The more the media and the left eviscerated her and the more real and direct she was in responding to the vitriol, the more I was impressed. She was nonplussed and unflappable during the entire campaign.

In June 2009, I was driving from Texas to California with my father when she came on the radio and announced her resignation as governor. We both listened to the speech live. She never uses a teleprompter. The woman speaks from the heart. I was not disappointed, nor fazed by her decision. It made perfect sense to me that she would act in the people's best interests and save Alaska from the outrageous costs associated with the overwhelming amount of frivolous lawsuits and investigations aimed at discrediting her, her family, and bankrupting her, her family and making it impossible for her to get back to the business of governing.

One only need to see this woman making moose stew with young children circulating around her in the kitchen while talking to Greta Van Susteren to GET how real, competent, bright, capable and smart Sarah Palin was. Refreshing doesn't even begin to describe how those of us who "get" Sarah Palin feel about her.

I do not hold Sarah Palin's religious views, was disheartened to learn that her teenage daughter was pregnant, and disappointed that she didn't assert herself on both the now infamous Katie Couric and Charles Gibson interviews. HOWEVER, in every other interview and/or rally, and any other place where a camera was stuck in her face, she was consistent, direct, honest, up front, gracious, articulate and her record popularity in Alaska (which I studied) preceded ALL of the ensuing controversy—meaning that she was doing great things while no one was looking. For that, I admire her. I bought her book, Going Rogue, the day it came out (bought one for dad, another one for a military hero and have mine on loan to a neighbor at present time) and read it within a few days. Funny when you read something "new" while the media is "reviewing" the book. The views on MSNBC were unbelievable—a whiner! For the record, Sarah Palin does not whine. Chris Matthews whines. Rachel Maddow scowls. Keith Olbermann condescends.

Palin addressed EVERY single issue during the campaign and then some in this well written, thorough book. And Sarah Palin is NO victim. She is a triple threat—a married, in love, mother of 5, one with special needs, and one who is an American hero. She is a competitive athlete and feminine at the same time. She is over 40. She wears glasses and makes them look sexy. She looks just as beautiful in a yellow fishing suit as she does in a business suit. She speaks with a midwestern accent, leaves "gs' off of "ing" words and occasionally says "crap" on TV. Bring it on. We need more of that and less of the "dazzle you with my big word "bull--it" the politicians spew as truth from their bullypulpits. The truth is that "thinking" Americans don't believe any of it anymore.

All this being said, after reading, seeing, watching all of the far left continue to tear her apart limb by limb long after she resigned LAST June, it was an exciting announcement to hear she would join the Fox News team. I thought that this was an excellent move—at first!

The first interview with Bill O'Reilly was okay at best. However, I immediately noticed that she did not seem to have the same "fire within her belly" during that interview that she had as a candidate. The next interview was with Glenn Beck. This highly anticipated "first meeting" was held in a sterile room "Barbara Walters" style in front of the Statue of Liberty.

Beck was original in that he finally asked her some questions that were NEW but I would have loved to see her on his set at the table with an energetic exchange between both. It was silent and almost sterile, and a bit awkward. Beck is best at the blackboard. I, and so many Americans, I'm sure, are also so tired of the questions about her intelligence, Levi Johnson and discerning whether she reads or not. Beck did a great job in asking some new questions. The best moment was in her revelation that she was studying up on the details of the Statue of Liberty, expecting to be asked about that. Thank you NBC for ensuring that only the most important questions are asked of a candidate so they have a "phone-a-friend" available during an interview. But, again, I didn't find Palin to be as relaxed and engaging as she was when repeatedly interviewed during the election process. Since then, she has virtually disappeared from Fox.

I have been eagerly awaiting seeing her featured in the segments that regularly include Newt Gingrich, Karl Rove, Monica Crowley and the like. But no Sarah. The last time I saw her was during the State of the Union on a split screen. Unlike the distinguished bluescreen backgrounds featuring other Fox remote broadcasters, it looked like she was commenting from a poorly lit office of her home. Even her makeup and hair from the famous in studio Fox makeup/hair folks haven't had her looking as coiffed as Megyn Kelly, Gretchen Carlson and Kimberly Guillfoyle. I am left wondering whether Fox regrets hiring her and also if Palin regrets being hired.

Former presidential candidate, Mike Huckabee, has managed to create a successful show on Fox during the past year or two. I remember that his first show was awkward as well. It took a few times for him to hit his stride. It remains to be seen if Palin or Fox is really certain of where they are headed in this venture—remember, OTHERS are saying she wants to run for president in 2010—she has never said that and she also admitted freely in her book that stepping down as governor might be the nail in the coffin for a future run for any major political office. Sarah Palin is at her best when she is speaking on an issue that she is passionate about. Where she falls short is in the expanded use of her vocabulary. She uses the phrase "common sense solutions" far too much. This redundancy doesn't serve her well. Unfortunately, the use of the word "uncomfortableness" during the O'Reilly interview made even me cringe—if she had just laughed about it and said "was that a word?" THAT would have been quintessential Palin and disarmed her critics, but she is seeming quite stiff these days, almost afraid to show any of her human side. It is unfortunate but I understand the road she has had to travel.

But if you're going to run with the big dogs on Fox, you've got to be able to present well, vary your vocabulary and hit a home run. Otherwise, you're going to be a very easy target for Olbermann and Matthews. Not that anyone is watching them of course, but why give them any material?

I am now left wondering if Sarah Palin will suddenly disappear from Fox. If she "quits," it will be a very bad thing for her going forward. If she is fired from Fox, it will be worse. For now, I remain hopeful but am sadly disappointed in her broadcasts to date. I still believe in what she stands for and that she is an excellent representative for the average American family. I believe she shows tremendous integrity in governing. I just don't know if she is cut out to be a pundit. If these first few broadcasts don't give way to something more substantive, meaty and powerful, she may fade back into the landscape once again. That would be most unfortunate. Perhaps her keynote speech at the upcoming Tea Party Convention will once again remind people of her ability to lead, connect and inspire.