Sarah Palin

Palin at son's deployment ceremony (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20080911/palin-army-ceremony/images/145c992e-df3c-4006-ade0-8a9f7fcb46d2.jpg)

It is hard to believe that over three years ago, Governor Sarah Palin was virtually unknown to a majority of thinking American citizens in the Lower forty-eight states. Like President Obama, Governor Palin's decisions made over the past two years have drawn praise, ridicule, adoration, and mockery. I cannot say how history will judge Sarah Palin fifty years from now; if it will look favorably upon her or with disdain. As of now, Palin would seem to be unpopular with a majority of the American public. To many, she embodies the image of the fear-mongering, intolerant bigot of the backwoods determined to obtain power she is neither ready for nor deserving of. But, putting politics aside for a moment, all I see is a kind woman who is concerned with God, country, and family. All I see is a woman who is unafraid to speak her mind, fully aware of the scrutiny she will face, and who has remained true to herself in spite of jaw-dropping success. She has stood up for women's rights, workers' rights, and has fought corruption on every level of her political career. She has defended her faith respectfully and coherently, and she has spoken glowingly on behalf of the military, while matching her words with her deeds. Palin and I may not agree on every issue, but political figures like her are few and hard to come by. Ultimately, Sarah Palin deserves better.