Some Thoughts on the Upcoming Election

My mom sent me a link to an article written my playwright, performer, feminist and activist Eve Ensler that appeared in The Huffington Post. The article is aptly called Drill, Drill, Drill and covers the various issues in which Sarah Palin supports. Ensler discusses these from the female perspective, of course, but also from an environmental standpoint and even touches on why America was founded. When I read it, I heard Ensler’s sincerity and her imploring the nation to think about this decision, not just from a personal and national standpoint, but also an international one and with the future in mind.

I don’t normally blog about politics; although most of my friends know firmly where I stand. And I have passed up the many opportunities to use this as a forum in the weeks before election day. But this particular article sent it home for me; all of my arguments with friends and colleagues (most agreeing with me, some choosing a different viewpoint) solidified my more liberal perspective. The debates helped too—especially the third one with all the “my friends” and the eye rolling. That really pushed me over the edge. I’m all for disagreeing, but don’t act like a child. Argue with your words, not giggles.

All this aside, the most frustrating part of this election year is that Palin was chosen for vice president and I, as a woman, was supposed to be proud of this choice and rally around her. That by not rallying around her, I’m turning my back on women and thus, not acting as much like a feminist as I claim to be. I know this hasn’t been explicitly said, but I’m pretty sure Ensler is right on about the calculated decision the Republican party made her in getting the female vote. I’m embarrassed that Palin is our female choice. There are so many other more qualified, more experienced, and frankly way less radically fundamental that would have given the younger female generations something to look up to; someone they could call a role model; someone even from the Republican party. Well, honey, Palin ain’t her.

Besides the fact that I don’t agree with a number of her positions (ie, abortion, the environment, same-sex marriage—all of which I feel she leans way too much on her moral view of God and shouldn’t be the deciding factor for public policy), she simply is not experienced enough in national, let alone international, politics. She doesn’t know, and I’m not sure she knows how to get that knowledge.

What’s more frustrating is when we see all of these “soccer moms”—because that’s who she’s targeting—rally around her under the guise that she’s a woman out for their interests. Unfortunately, that simply is not the case and it’s sad that it’s enough for some voters.

I just wish people would see how damaging this is and to consider the pro-female policies at hand when choosing a candidate.