Armed and Sexy...and a Democrat

The recent announcement from the McCain Camp regarding his decision to select Sarah Palin for VP is causing the media to bring the rising star into the spotlight with tall tales of "I am woman, hear me roar" gusto in this jungle of chaos known as election year. Glossy pics and slick bios celebrating her ability to wrangle the Republican steer in the backcountry of Alaska to rid the state of corruption while raising a family seem like bedtime stories for future politicos.

I don't want to make this into a political column, but a lot of news outlets are praising her for being a hockey mom, fisherman (woman - to be PC???), and her belief in the right to bear arms.

With five children, Palin isn't talking babies, but ballistics and, perhaps, BFGs (big, f@#$% guns).

As a Democrat, there are some Republicans out there who foam at the mouth and say I don't support gun ownership and the NRA because I'm a Democrat. Well, sweetheart, if you believe that then I have a bridge to sell you in Alaska.

Currently, I'm in the process of getting my gun license and looking for a gun club in PDX. As the daughter of a man who served in the military, I was taught to respect guns, learn how use to them properly, and enjoy the sport (itself) of target shooting. Going to the range with my now ex-boyfriend, dad, and brother, I felt the kick of an M-1 Carbine.

If you don't know what an M-1 Carbine is, it was the standard issue firearm for the U.S. military during WWII and the Korean War. Firing that baby made me realize some doughboy held this rifle in his hand and that is more interesting than shopping at Nordie's on a Saturday.

Range or target shooting requires patience, skill, and safety, so when you're out there - it's just you and the gun. All things disappear, like work, and help you concentrate on the task at hand - hitting the target.

I continue to support gun ownership and it drives me nuts when I hear people talking about how Democrats want to rid the U.S. of guns and gun rights. Painting all Democrats (just like Democrats saying all Republicans are pro-life) with a broad brush stroke is a disservice to this country and all that it stands for.

Getting back to our gun-toting potential future VP...

In a time where we are more divided than united, it seems Palin is the playboy, er, political bunny for a lot of issues that seem to push the buttons of many voters: abortion, Alaskan oil drilling, and gun control. It doesn't hurt she is attractive, a full-time mom and full-time politician, and pro-life candidate.

Why do I mention her attractiveness?

The sad truth is both men and women perpetuate stereotypes and continue to crucify women based on their appearance. How many disparaging articles did we see about Hilary Clinton's pantsuits or her alleged homosexual tendencies? Now, we are seeing articles praising Palin's former beauty pageant background and her now-current taste for designer eye glasses and boots? If Palin didn't look good in her Jimmy Choos (and looked more like Hillary Clinton), do you think she'd be the media darling she is right now for some?

The media is just as guilty as the politicians for watering-down Palin's pool (although one might disagree how deep) of expertise into droplets. When I was in college, I thought about entering the military to go to OCS - I looked into the Navy and Army (even took the physical and tests). However, after a representative from the Army showed me a catalog with perfumes I could get at a discount, I decided it was easier to deal with sexism at the corporate level than the military.

I didn't want to turn this into a political column, but it has. Sure, I've hit a few places on the map here, but the most important point is this -

As a woman, I feel insulted (as should Palin) the Republican party thinks they can sway a female voter to select the McCain/Palin ticket based on the VP's gender. Sadly, some women will vote blindly for Palin - without researching her background or experience - simply because Palin is a mom just like them.

Or, maybe what it boils down to is women need to show politicians (both Democrat and Republican) that just because we are women doesn't mean we vote with our crotches.