Welcome To My Island

Greetings, Class!

While I physically live on an island, this morning I became more aware that I also politically live on an island. And now that the four major players in this year's Presidential election have finally been named, I feel compelled to quote former candidate John Kerry of a few nights ago: "Are you kidding me?"

I was first introduced to feminism in the early 1970s, at a rally at which a number of women - who later went on to become famous as feminists - spoke. In those days it was called "Women's Lib", and, while somewhat scattered in intention, it generated a lot of enthusiasm but little substantive change in the early years. (The failed ERA Amendment must still be kicking around somewhere.)

Through marriage, children, and 2 graduate degrees in a somewhat esoteric area, I met and read some of the greatest female minds of the time, from around the world. Yet I became disappointed and disillusioned that the progress that women were making appeared - to me! - to be on the lowest level of self-actualization.

I now call myself a "post-feminist" - and have not completely defined that term, even for myself. But this morning, while sitting in a waiting room blaring CNN and it's hype prior to McCain's announcement of running mate Gov. Sara Palin of Alaska, the ol' bra-burning, hair-set-on-fire, "men just don't get it" feelings resurfaced. Lucky thing I was in a hospital, because I had visions of stroking out on the spot.

I can completely understand John McCain going after disappointed Hillary Clinton supporters, for what looks to be a tight race between himself and Barak Obama...just as I can understand him going after disappointed John Edwards supporters. But somehow, the poor old dear convinced his muddled self that one uterus is equal to another - hence the selection of Palin. He seems to feel that, since she is a woman, all women will get her support.

Back in a 1988 Vice Presidential debate, Lloyd Bentsen chastised an inexperienced Dan Quayle for his attempt to appear John Kennedy-esque with the following: "Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy."

While Hillary Clinton was not my first choice during the primaries, and I am not a disappointed Clinton supporter, I must paraphrase Bentsen: Governor, you are no Hillary Clinton.

McCain turned 72 today. As the primary caregiver of my 89 year old mother with dementia, I recognize the signs. The lack of consistency...of self control...the inability to remember important details (how many houses is it?). This 72 year old man with a long history of malignant melanoma - an often fatal disease - then went on to continue to play his commercial about Obama lacking experience. Has he lost his mind? Oh - forgive me! - I already said he did!

So...welcome to my political island. It's quiet here, so I may have a lot to say. You're welcome to join in the conversation - just remember...it's my chalk and my grade book. I get the final say on what's passing and what isn't.

But then...that's what the last seven and a half years has been all about, isn't it?