Madam, - It is highly questionable whether Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska is an "inspired choice" as running partner for Senator John McCain (Editorial, August 30th).
The selection of an unknown, two-year governor of a minor state, with no experience of the national economy, foreign affairs, or the federal bureaucracy, completely undercuts McCain's "experience" argument, which is his only real advantage over Senator Obama. The charges that Obama is "not ready" are now implausible. In a desperate effort to prise away dissatisfied Hillary Clinton supporters, McCain has taken his best card off the table.
There will, of course, be those who claim that Governor Palin's experience is commensurate with that of the Democratic nominee. Yet Senator Obama has run an 18-month campaign that has improbably bested the most formidable machine in American politics, has familiarised himself with large swathes of foreign and domestic policy, has authored and passed crucial legislation on ethics reform and nuclear weapons, and has proven an eloquent exponent of Democratic policy.
Senator Obama has also written books, articles and speeches on many major issues. A brief consulation of www.ontheissues.org, which catalogues politicians' views on various subjects, shows that Governor Palin has no recorded stance on such matters as foreign policy, free trade, jobs, poverty, welfare, war and peace. That a major candidate for high office can have no recorded position on these critical issues underlines the shallowness of her selection and will not go unnoticed by American voters.
There is also the question of the policy positions that she has taken. She believes in teaching creationism alongside evolution, denies that global warming is "man-made", and opposes abortion even in cases of rape or incest. These facts simply disqualify her as a serious candidate.
In a year in which the Democrats have monopolised the mantra of "change", to have ceded the mantle of responsible statesmanship seems like an unwise decision by the Republicans. There are many ways to characterise the choice of Governor Palin — scrambled, loopy, barmy — but "inspired" hardly seems like the right word. - Yours, etc,
SEAN COLEMAN,
Lindisfarne Lawn,
Clondalkin,
Dublin 22.
Madam, — Commentary on Senator John McCain's choice of Governor Sarah Palin as vice-presidential candidate has focused on her "conservatism" on social issues.
As far as I can see, Mrs Palin's social conservatism extents to her opposition to abortion and gay marriage.
Given that neither abortion nor gay marriage is permitted in Ireland, it's amusing to hear so much alarm being expressed here about Mrs Palin's conservatism. - Yours,etc,
MICHAEL KELLY,
Kilmainham,
Dublin 8.