"Sarah Palin's Big Day"

I saw a news headline on CNN today, watching the one-eyed-monster and drinking coffee.

"Sarah Palin's Big Day"

Whether or not one's political views tend towards conservatism, liberalism, or hopefully, moderation, whether or not one runs red, blue, or green, something in the title and subtle implications of the header lit a fire under my ass.

One may not agree with everything a politician does, says, demonstrates, or enacts into law. One may find hypocrisy throughout the legal system, and in practices of politicians in public and private life. One may fear the ramifications of certain measures taken by those in power, sometimes meant to protect us, sometimes serving a purpose benefiting those who sat down behind closed doors, hands in the coffer, and said "Yes, let's." For the sake of this wet blanket, please for the moment suspend these thoughts. Let's look at Sarah Palin as a public servant, one of many, all of whom hold different value systems.

Her "Big Day". Like she's some prom queen or debutante getting ready for her "coming out" into society? Oooh, Sarah! Where did you get your hair done? What designer are you wearing tonight? What's your morning ritual? What's your color chart? How do you manage to look so put together with five kids, a grandbaby on the way, and a state to run? Am I crazy for finding this offensive to all women? She might as well wear a veil and tell the audience she's waited for this moment her whole life, according to the announcement on the news. Why doesn't the media rise above and beyond trivial jibes and let one's opponent become done or undone without derisive, childish comments? Tongue in cheek is only good for gentle admonishment; it is much harder to act like an adult and give everyone equal credit to individual existence and values, whether or not one is in agreement.

The undertones of the "Big Day" statement wrench my female innards. I have a feeling some reporters will be focusing on her dress style and makeup rather than the fact she's a first in many political arenas, much like a certain member of the Democratic camp. Will they treat her as a politician with ideas to bring to the table (or ideas to oppose), or will they truss her up and bring her to stage as an oddity, a skirt suit show instead of suit and tie? Women, after all, were granted the right to vote after everyone else. Her "Big Day". Like she hasn't been running a state for the past two years, like this is the first speech she's ever given in her life. Similar to Obama's ethnicity and background forced to the forefront to make an issue of or take issue with--at the end of the day he is an American, plain and simple. This is how I view him, and how I view Palin. He has broken ground, much like Palin (following in Geraldine Ferraro's footsteps). He gets a Historic Moment In Time, she gets a "Big Day". Well, paint my nails and call me premenstrual! Obama called a reporter "sweetie" and dismisses her, but that's no matter now, is it?
( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Juy9NwI8_i0 )
She should be flattered he even noticed her, right? We'll let women play the game but won't give them any chips to bet with. And if she makes a fuss, there's always a stake and lighter fluid handy.

I don't give a sh** who anyone votes for or what people believe; I have my own path (always open to discourse and discussion). We all get to believe what we want in this country, and speak freely without fear of persecution and imprisonment, but while the constitution governs our supposed basic rights, there are those who refuse to govern their own mouths when it is their responsibility to the public to do so. All I hope for is that the person elected to office will give a hoot about this country and guide us towards a better state of being, even if I don't agree 100% with his or her beliefs. In the meantime, we are subjected to behaviours and opinions unfit for media representatives and public servants during the political gladiator fight. Deep wounds are reopened, rubbed with salt, and badly dressed with dirty linens. Reporters and campaign managers stand no better than schoolyard bullies. CNN, among other news agencies, took a big wool one, dunked it in a bucket, and held it over my face this morning. Of course, this is not the first time a mainstream media outlet has degraded a public servant--I'm touching the tip of the iceberg. Anyone remember the New Yorker's "humorous satire" of Michelle & Barack Obama? Where do these people get this stuff?

But then again, maybe I'm just experiencing some PMS, right? After all, women do tend to get a little emotional at times and it may affect our judgement. I'd better get back to finding the perfect cookie recipe, and I've got a pile of laundry up to my neck, mostly consisting of blankets.