Friends and relatives assumed I would be happy about John Mc Cain’s choosing of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate because I lived in Alaska for 15 years and because she is a woman (I was a Hillary Clinton supporter). What they don’t realize is that I don’t see the two women (Clinton & Palin) as interchangeable! Look at Palin’s environmental record or consider that she is not pro-choice. (By the way if you go to the gop.com “news” page, you will see the use of two very unflattering photos of Hillary and Obama where she looks old and he looks goofy. That’s what I call dirty politicking, LOL)
It is exciting to see that the two major party tickets have diversity – Democrats has a bi-racial presidential candidate and the Republicans a female VP. This pretty much assures that something will change on November 4th; however, look a little deeper and you’ll find something more exciting. The Green Party (my registered party) has TWO female candidates, Cynthia McKinney & Rosa Clemente, and they are both African-American.
Now for my point. America is big, diverse place. I strongly believe that two parties can’t come anywhere close to representing the entire population. That is why about 15 years ago I switched my registration from Democrat to Green Party. And, that is also why I believe that forums such as Presidential debates should always be open to the other established parties no matter how small their following. You don’t truly have diversity if you don’t have inclusion. There! I said it! I’m stepping down from my soap box now.Here’s a GREAT site for history and links to the many political parties in the US. http://www.politics1.com/parties.htm It was interesting to browse while awake at 4am on a Saturday morning :) ALso, good for rainy day reading.
Photo from Greenparty of the United States web site