"Anchorage Daily News: "The Joan Of Arc Of Alaska Politics."Palin, 44, has been the Joan of Arc of Alaska politics, charging into battle against long odds on such big local issues as oil taxes and construction of a natural gas pipeline only to see her opposition crumble." (Tom Kizzia, "Gov. Sarah Palin: A Biography," Anchorage Daily News)
Now I know I may be cynical, but I know that Sarah Palin was picked by McCain to scoop up those disaffected Hilary supporters. If after all, McCain had decided to pick a women running-mate he would have said so earlier. I wonder who the black running-mate would have been if Hilary Clinton had picked up the Democratic nomination? It makes you wonder if the GOP doesn't really care about these groups, just who can be used the best in the current political situation. I wonder if the GOP has a collection of different minorities, religions and genders ready to go depending on whom they face. Hmmm.... picking a candidate based on who they are, not what they can do or know. Didn't the US fight a revolution to get away from that crap?
I have nothing against Gov. Sarah Palin, but as people have noted she is woefully lacking in experience in Federal Government. She only became governor of Alaska in 2004! Her credentials include being a councilor for 2 terms and mayor of Wasilla, Alaska for 2 terms. She has also been a sports reporter on a TV station in Anchorage. Hmm... yes I can see how people might mistake her for a Republican Hilary Clinton - all you have to do is ignore Hilary's years of service and political experience. Most likely if the ticket fails she will be tossed away and maybe even blamed for her inexperience. Where her inexperience really shows, is that she even accepted the nomination at this time!. Do a couple of terms as governor first!
Now if you have studied the career of Joan of Arc (Fr: Jeanne D'Arc), you know that it did not come to a good end. She fought for what she believed, claimed divine guidance, captured by the enemy, betrayed by her own King (Charles VII who refused to ransom her as was common in those days) and then burned at stake for heresy at the age of 19!
On the bright side she did eventually become a Holy Martre and a Saint in the Roman Catholic Church. Twenty-Four years after her death an ecclesiastical court reversed the decision and her innocence was proclaimed on 7th July 1456. If that is the metaphor and imagery that is chosen to represent Palin, let us hope that her fortunes do not mirror those of Joan too closely!
Medieval activist,
visionary, warrior
and scape-goat.
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