Okay, he's got my support now . . .
It's no secret to those around me that I dislike John McCain's politics. I've often viewed his "maverick" streak as disruptive, and, quite frankly, something that ill-served conservatives. My distaste has been such that I have publicly indicated that I would not consider voting for him should he win the nomination for the presidency.

All that changed this morning as Senator McCain selected a true rising star and young conservative as his running mate. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is a mother of five, a reformer, and, most importantly, is conservative.

How conservative? She just had her fifth child -- a boy named Trig. Trig is special -- he has Down's syndrome. Governor Palin decided to keep her child despite the results of prenatal testing that indicated Trig might indeed have the genetic abnormality.

I respect that decision. As many readers know, my youngest daughter, Katie, also has Down's syndrome. Amy and I did not know she suffered from this genetic abnormality until after her birth. We had decided to forgo prenatal testing because we knew we would keep our child under all circumstances.

I simply can't imagine the emotional turmoil Governor Palin must have endured during the time from she learned of the test results and her son's birth. It must have been incredibly stressful.

She stuck with her guns. I respect that.

In addition, she is a true energy advocate, calling for increased drilling at home, opening of ANWAR, and is a goodpublic speaker (from the clips I have heard online).

Finally, she has the potential of fulfilling something I have long (20+ years) predicted: the first woman president will be a Republican. Considering that McCain has said he will only serve one term, and that the economy should rebound in the next two years, she will stand as the heir apparent to the McCain presidency.

Heady thoughts, indeed.

Steve
- posted by MrSpkr @ 09:58