The GOP has made the perfect VP pick

I have spent the last eight months tracking every inch of the Democratic primaries, captivated by history in the making. Until now, I had largely ignored the activity of my own party because Republicans seemed to be marching to the same old tune of suiting up a gray-haired, white male to lead the ticket, with a slightly less gray-haired, white male as his running mate.

Still, the Republican Party had my vote because I feared the alternative. From a policy standpoint, my mind was behind the Republican Party, but not my heart. I told my husband that I really wished the Republicans would abandon the front-runners for the VP spot and choose a woman.

When I turned on the television Friday morning, I was shocked that the Republican Party had heard my female voice. With the announcement that Gov. Sarah Palin would be John McCain's running mate, the long-standing gender gap between the Democrats and Republicans is closed ("McCain's Surprise VP: Alaska Governor Palin," Aug. 30). Barack Obama's failure to put Hillary Clinton on the ticket is now our opportunity to capitalize on making history in the gender arena. It is a game changer -- and a perfect illustration of "change you can believe in."

Gov. Sarah Palin's pro-life beliefs are consistent with the conservative ideals of the party, her experience as a working mother connects her with many women's issues and her role as governor of Alaska puts her at the forefront of the energy crisis debate.

Bravo, Republicans! You got it right. And you brought my heart back to the party.

TARA FISHER
McCandless

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Politically insulting

Sen. John McCain continues to prove that he is no "maverick." His choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to run on his ticket is, first, good old-fashioned political calculation. Second, the wrongness of that calculation helps to exhibit the senator's inherent sexism.

Does he honestly believe that many of Hillary Clinton's supporters backed her only because she was female? Is he chuckling to himself that he will now get all their votes in November -- because women are stupid enough to vote strictly on the candidate's gender? Is he giving me a pat on the head? A "There, there, little lady"? It certainly looks like it from here.

This is an insult to those who backed Mrs. Clinton because of where she stood on issues, her understanding of the problems faced by a huge chunk of the population regardless of gender and her ability to effectively fight for what she believes in.

As usual, Sen. McCain "misunderestimates" us and demonstrates just how out of touch he is. Americans have come to realize that, for their own well-being, they have to carefully listen to a candidate's stands and proposals on issues, rather than being blinded by their race, religion or gender. Mr. McCain is demonstrating his lack of judgment and lack of respect for the people he proposes to lead.

DEBORAH SCHMITT
Green Tree

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Puerile analysis

I had to check the date at the top of the page after reading LaMont Jones' piece "Is Michelle Obama's Fashion Too Bold?" (Aug. 27). I can't believe that anyone would be put off by a woman of the 21st century being "independent." Mamie Eisenhower left the White House 50 years ago; please, let's move on.

It saddens me to think that citizens, especially women, would prefer the staid, docile Laura Bush. The article reminded me of catty girls whispering behind their classmates' backs in middle school: "She bared a significant amount of skin, from the three-quarter-length sleeves to the wide V cuts at the neckline and backline." That's a significant amount of skin, three-quarter-length sleeves?

It isn't Michelle Obama who needs to be aware of her visual image so much as we need to change our perception of what a strong, independent woman looks like. I'm looking forward to seeing Michelle at her husband's inauguration ceremony wearing something bold and beautiful, a look that complements a bold, beautiful and strong woman.

LYNN TAFFEL
Upper St. Clair

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Loony comparisons

Recently, the PG has published letters from people equating Barack Obama first with Fidel Castro ("Weak on Energy," Aug. 23), then with King Herod ("Unacceptable View," Aug. 24). This is more proof to me that there is no longer a lunatic fringe to conservatism today: conservatism is the loony fringe!

PAUL E. VONDRA
Bellevue

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Make the switch

Kris Sanders' letter ("Unacceptable View," Aug. 24) was like the breath of fresh air I needed after reading a printed booklet that tried to explain what voters should do when all the candidates in their parties were pro-abortion.

My advice to those voters would be to change their registration so they could easily find a candidate like John McCain who is "against abortion from the moment of conception."

Please don't be ill-advised by anyone like the lady who told me that I shouldn't be concerned about all those aborted babies because they all went straight to heaven. I kid you not.

Instead, consider Kris Sanders' figures of 49 million unborn babies being killed since Roe v. Wade. Even though I do believe that they are in heaven, I also believe that God has a long list of names of all those who are responsible.

RUTH RUPP
Lawrenceville

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Faith vs. policy

I am a Christian and a pastor. I believe life begins at conception. It is a concept deeply rooted in my faith. And because it is what I believe and it is rooted in my faith, I am personally pro-life while politically pro-choice.

Many may see this as a disconnect. To see it as a disconnect places one in dangerously close company with religious radicals our soldiers are trying to eradicate. As a person, I seek to live out my faith in the context of my everyday life. Sometimes I succeed and other times I seek the forgiveness and restoration the situation demands. However, to impose my beliefs and indeed my faith in the context of public policy places me on the same playing field as fundamentalist regimes that have made their faith the standard for public policy.

I cringed when John McCain stated he would have a "pro-life" administration. He offered no context for the statement and still many applauded. If we who believe life begins at conception as a matter of faith would behave accordingly, the abortion industry would be greatly hampered if not eradicated. Yet, we often desire to politicize what morally we do not want to adhere to. Recall Second Chronicles 8:12-22.

REV. RICHARD L. FREEMAN SR.
Upper St. Clair

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Put people first

Saving buildings is more important than saving people, according to our City Council, the Central Northside Neighborhood Council and the Mexican War Streets Society.

City Council essentially shut down the Salvation Army's efforts on Pittsburgh's North Side to develop a family services center by approving the Malta Temple for city historic status ("Malta Temple Building Gets Historic Status," Aug. 6).

Councilman Ricky Burgess, the lone dissenter, pointed out that a church is exempt from getting restrictions placed on its building codes, but the city solicitor made the decision that the Salvation Army is not a church, differing from federal guidelines. It was courageous for Mr. Burgess to vote his conscience.

It is one of the few churches doing what churches are supposed to do. It feeds the hungry, gives shelter to the poor and offers church services to those who might not otherwise be welcomed into a congregation.

In a community where the poverty level is shameful, council members Tonya Payne and Darlene Harris should be embarrassed for this vote, and I hope that David McMunn, who spearheaded the effort and garnered support from the CNNC, is proud of himself for shutting down these desperately needed services for the sake of "historic preservation." I disagree with the "remuddling" that happens to historic buildings, but to place brick and mortar above the soul of a person is reprehensible.

JENNIFER A. RUSSELL
North Side

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What's really going on with gas prices is the usual greed

Just the slightest hint of friction in an oil-producing country and the price of gas went up. The mere trace of a weather catastrophe and the price of gas went up. Any hint of potential conflict in a Mideast country made the price of gas go up. It's all hogwash!

There's a war between Russia and Georgia and gas prices go down. There's a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico and the price of gas goes down. There's the continuing threat of a potential confrontation between Iran and the United States/Israel and the price of gas goes down. What's the real reason?

It's an election year and the pols don't want "gas" to be a major issue, so they put the pressure on the oil companies. The nation's automotive industry is in a financial nose dive and their execs have put the pressure on the oil companies.

"You've gone too far" goes the cry from all sides. Drop those gas prices or we'll legislate out all your tax breaks. Drop those prices or we'll design our car engines so that they get 60 miles to the gallon (and you know that for years we could have done that at any time).

The only reason for dropping gas prices is the fear, by oil companies, of retaliation and the subsequent quarantined loss of their excessive profits. These aren't national companies. They are multinational "bloodsuckers," and all that drives them is worldwide profit!

JAY GARBER
Monroeville

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