Palin's Importance

IBD Editorials ^ | September 2, 2008

[Kaslin]

Security: The impact of prolonged high oil prices is moving well beyond economics. Russia now takes license to assault Georgia, and intends worse. John McCain's Alaska running mate has the only weapon.

---

When Alaska governor Sarah Palin was chosen for the McCain vice presidential ticket, most attention was on her beauty-queen past and down-home North Woods family life. In reality, she's the powerful governor of Alaska, the most pivotal state in the union for energy.

John McCain understood well that it's the one state that can liberate the U.S. not just from high prices but from increasingly threatening enemies whose power derives solely from high oil prices.

Alaska was purchased in 1867 explicitly to ensure America's energy future. Palin's leadership has done much to develop Alaska's energy resources, but the state is still stonewalled by Congress.

Palin's strong Alaskan presence in Washington will change that.

It's got to because America is nearly helpless in the face of a resurgent Russia intent on reclaiming its czarist empire, an Iran hellbent on acquiring nuclear weapons, a China making common cause with dictators to acquire energy and a menacing Venezuela aligning with Russia and Cuba to control sea lanes in the Caribbean, where 64% of all U.S.-bound tanker traffic passes.

These are all emerging threats. That's why Alaska has never been more critical to U.S. security interests.

[impeachedrapist]

I think you mean the trasncanada deal?

I'm really not sure. Let me go see if I can find it. I read about it within the past few days, just since her announcement on the ticket. You may well be right, but I thought it involved the Canadian government in some capacity.

[impeachedrapist]

Oops. In the post just above yours Ryan had a reference from this very article mentioning Palin working with the Canadian government.

[redhead]

"I’d like to see us develop coal-to-diesel, shale oil, and methane hydrate and become the world’s largest energy exporter again. Think of the jobs! Think of the effect on our GNP! Gov. Palin should champion such a vision."

Amen! Don't forget the HUGE anthracite deposits sequestered by the slickmeister at Escalante-Grand Staircase. Removing that designation would free up the world's largest anthracite resource. Willie locked it up in payment for the campaign cash he got from the Riyadi Brothers of Indonesia, remember?

[Ethrane]

What’s Palin’s expereince in dealing with foreign countries? Iran, China, Afganistan?

Isn't that what we have diplomats for?

Seriously, all that should matter in considering the requirements for the POTUS is an understanding of the U.S. Constitution and a firm value system accompanied by the resolve to stand by what you believe in. Everything else can be figured out, reasoned or divined using God given abilities to comprehend and be standfast in your beliefs. Just becuase someone has a certain number of years working for the feds or government does not make them any more likely to successful as POTUS.

The founding fathers believed that the only requirements be that you were a a natural born citizen and at least 35 years of age...nothing else has changed. The world ain't more complex and right and wrong are still well defined for those with moral clarity...

I am more than qualified to be POTUS...48, owner of a small business, a physician, 22 years military, father of 2, husband of 1. I know right from wrong, understand the U.S. Constitution and have a reverence for the almighty.

When did the requirements for the presidency include the necessity for a law degree, time in Washington, bumping elbows with other 'leaders' and being a household name?

[girlangler]

LOL, you sound like me SamAdams. When I get mad I work my butt off!!! I should get mad more often.

Love your story, pinging the garden thread.

[Syberyenta]

Thank you, Governor Palin, for volunteering to serve this great nation by joining the Republican Presidential ticket.

Let’s go make history !!!

[Operation_Shock_N_Awe]

nope Canada is the 58th state

[AFreeBird]

What's Palin’s experience in dealing with foreign countries?

Name one US State that borders Alaska.

[snowsislander]

What’s Palin’s expereince in dealing with foreign countries? Iran, China, Afganistan?

I don't believe that she has had any meetings with government representatives from Iran or Afghanistan, but she has met with representatives from China --- and quite a few other countries.

For instance,

Governor Welcomes Diplomats to Fairbanks

...

The international representatives include diplomats, business leaders, airline executives and others from Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Russia, The Seychelles, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Four international airlines--Japan Airlines, China Airlines, Korean Air, and Nippon Cargo Airlines--are participating in Alaska Fur & Ice events over the weekend. Alaska Fur & Ice events coincide with a familiarization tour organized by the Alaska Travel Industry Association for visitor industry representatives from Australia and New Zealand.

(This article can be found at http://www.gov.state.ak.us/archive-3525.html.)

[hinckley buzzard]

this could have meant more American jobs and more American control over our pipeline but now it is going through Canada

How did you think you could pipe natural gas from Alaska to the lower 48 without going through Canada? And why should Canada let you run a pipeline through their country without sharing in the benefits? Just asking.

[allmendream]

How about the aparently new requirement ‘has been on Meet the Press’? ;)

[Ethrane]

LOL...

It’s all become this ‘big show’...24/7/365, everyone trying to grab the power/money/influence with an apparent disregard for the future of the country.

Sad!