Pitbull with Lipstick

Governor Sarah Palin answered any questions about her ability to connect with her base last night.  Her introduction to the American public was a quick glance at her family album and a glaring stare back at the Democratic presidential ticket.  The direct hits to Sen. Obama's resume, particularly his community organizing experience is sure to get a response.  Having worked the majority of my life in community-based organizations, the role of an organizer is pivotal in connecting community resources to those most in need.  I'm sure there were plenty of others aside from Sen. Obama that found this offensive.  

Amidst all the attacks and cynicism, there was little to be found by way of substance.  What is your plan to improve the economy?  What are you going to do to improve health care for the uninsured and underinsured?  What is your plan to withdraw troops from an unpopular war?  I'm pretty sure Sen. John McCain will cover these points in his acceptance speech tonight.  However, Gov. Palin is the one who continues to tout all of her executive experience, so what would she do to bring about change if she was the Commander in Chief?

One thing is for sure, if this campaign turns into a brawl--which, invariably it will--the self-proclaimed pitbull with lipstick will be ready to fight.     

Country First?

The John McCain sales pitch was loud and clear last night as the Republicans opened their National Convention .  The predictable McCain "the war hero" characterization was repeated over and over again throughout the speeches by Sen. Joe Lieberman and former presidential candidate Fred Thompson.  I must admit, Thompson did a very good job of telling McCain's story.  However, he also underscored one very important point--being a war hero doesn't particularly mean you are ready to run a country.  

Now, let's turn to the convention's rallying cry--"Country First."  If the Republicans had put "Country First" 8 years ago, we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place.  Country First-foreign only dependency.  We continue to jones for foreign oil, while the Republicans fail to prioritize cleaner energy solutions, like wind, geothermal and solar.  Country First-national security.  We continue to exhaust much needed resources to support a war in Iraq that we should have never engaged in.  Billions go to Iraq each day to support the war, putting our country further and further in debt, while Iraq reports approximately 90 billion in surplus.   Country First-health care.  We have record numbers during the Bush Administration of children and families that are uninsured or underinsured in our country.  Country First--Poverty.  The economic prosperity for Americans, not in the upper 5% percentile is at an all-time low.  What is the Republican Party's plan--more tax breaks for large corporations. 

Sounds an awful lot like "Country First" to me.  The question is:  "What Country Are They Talking About?"