By Staff
Being offensive is not something I like to think I am, but I guess we all have our slip ups from time to time.
Last Sunday, I wrote an opinion column about the clothing budget of vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin. Although my intention was to illustrate what I believe unnecessary spending, it seems I offended, or otherwise upset, several readers.
First of all, let me say thanks for reading my columns. I've often wondered if anyone reads my columns or if they flip on by the page when they see my face or name attached to it. It's refreshing to know people are reading.
I received some cards, a couple of letters and several phone calls letting me know the column had offended some people. Although I don't apologize for my opinion, I do apologize for upsetting anyone. That's not my job and that wasn't my objective. The only objective I had was to state my opinion, plain and simple and throw in some humor along the way.
In all fairness, I feel that I must do as one writer suggested and berate the opponents in the race. Since I didn't attack John McCain, I feel that I can't properly attack Barack Obama. I don't believe my column was an attack on Mrs. Palin, but if that is how it was viewed, I guess I need to give similar attention to Joe Biden.
Joe Biden seems to be a little confused when it comes to some of the issues facing our nation.
In May 2006, Biden voted yes on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security.
Phooey. If they're illegal, why are they here in the first place? Who let them in? I can't believe anyone would allow someone who is doing something “illegal” to take part in anything they've worked hard to achieve.
Allowing illegal aliens to be benefited with money that every “legal” American has worked hard to put away for our golden years, is ridiculous. If someone comes to this country legally, then become a citizen and get to work. If someone thinks America is a better place to live, work and retire, then participate like every other American. Don't come running into this country just for the money.
If Biden believes we should share our Social Security benefits with “illegal” aliens, what else is he going to give away?
Another thing that worries me about Biden is that he voted in March of this year on an issue concerning minors and abortions.
According to his stand, he thinks minors who cross state lines for abortions shouldn't have their parents notified of those activities.
First of all, if my minor goes across state lines for any reason, they are most certainly going to be in trouble with me. But for a man in Biden's position to say we shouldn't subject a 15-year-old girl to the wrath of her parents just because she wants an abortion is appalling.
When I began considering the candidates I tried to make it a policy issue and not a male/female, black/white or democrat/republican thing. Seriously, I just looked at each candidate's policies, where they stood on issues that are important to me and have made up my mind based on that information. I think everyone should vote based on that same information. Decide what's important to you and what would be a deal-breaker for a candidate and vote accordingly. Forget about race, gender or party affiliation and vote for the person you believe most closely aligns with your beliefs and ideals.
Yes, I fussed about how much money was being spent for Sarah Palin's clothes. I didn't mean it as a slam against her; I just was outraged that anyone, regardless of party affiliation or public visibility, would spend that much money on clothes. Personally, I wish the money had been spent on advertising; then maybe I wouldn't have to hear “I'm Barack Obama and I approved this message” 50,000 times during a half-hour national television program.
But, again that's just my opinion. I have decided, without question, for whom I intend to vote in Tuesday's big race. And if you thought you knew whom I'm voting for, you just might be wrong.
President Chuck is sounding better every day.
Lisa Tindell is news editor for The Brewton Standard. She can be reached by email at lisa.tindell@brewtonstandard.com.