Retractions

It seems like my recent post about the state of our economy and our upcoming choice to make for President really riled everyone up. That's great. I think we should get all riled up about politics. And I am totally fine with people having different opinions from mine. I take it as a compliment that everyone felt safe enough to share their views with me.

So, was what I said about Sarah Palin sexist? Let's see. I said "I'm all for women in government, I just can't believe that there wasn't a more qualified, granted less pretty, woman for the job."

Let me explain what I meant. I was thinking that there were probably a lot of experienced, charasmatic, intelligent women that might have been looked over because they were not as camera friendly. And do I think that has an effect on why they chose her? Not that I'm mad she's pretty, I'm mad for the other women that maybe aren't as pretty who might not have been chosen because of that. Does that make sense?

I said it without really looking at the women in our government. So, I did a little research and here's what I found. Take a look at this. It says that there are currently only 3 women Republican governors in the US. So, I looked at the other two women who have been in their positions longer than her. You can take a look. That's all I'm saying about that.

Now, those other two governors may not have had the same political ideas as McCain. They may not have been able to serve as the Vice President for some other reason. I realize all of that. I honestly felt like there would be more women governors when I started researching this. I decided to check the Senate and here's what I found. It looks like there are 5 women there that are Republican.

What did I learn from all of this? First off, I have a much higher respect for Sarah Palin because I had no idea how few women there were, out there, doing what she is doing. And I have changed my mind about what I said being sexist. I believe that it was. But not for the reason you may think. I still believe that her good looks played a part in why she was chosen. BUT, when I think about it, it has been that way for men for years. Since the invention of the TV. Back when the politicians were on the radio, no one cared what they looked like. I would have never said that JFK, Clinton or Reagan (who was an actor before his political career) were helped by their good looks. So, it was sexist and I apologize. She has worked very hard to get where she is and I shouldn't have taken away from that by emplying that she got it because she was pretty.

Love ya. Can we all still be friends? Hope so.