My view of Mrs.Palin's decision

I think her primary reasons were financial. The Democrats in Alaska -despite the fact that she saved tens of thousands of dollars by getting rid of the chef and the plane- harassed her for her reimbursements for her frequent trips home. She was harassed for travelling with her children and forced to pay back much of that money. And more importantly she has by her own admissions $500,000 in legal bills to pay. The Palins are not wealthy people. They have few savings and few assets besides their home (mortgaged) and their vehicles. I think the financial bleeding month to month -made worse by not allowing her per diem reembursemens was becoming intolerable. If she did nothing and stayed where she was she might end her term millions of debt and in a very precarious financial situation. Now she can earn money for speaking engagements and write her book. It is very possible that she has no desire to run for president at all but wants to be with her family (especially Piper and the baby).

So whatever reason she had (and I think it must have been a good one) I support her decision 100%. Life is not about glory it is about doing the right thing. It is about love and friendship. Service to the state and nation is one thing but neglect of one's family and security are another. I personally understand this well. I was very , very action in two campaigns in my adult life and in one I was virtually at the center as one of the top campaingers, translators and advisors to Ron Unz (Prop 227). But If there is one thing I have learned about politics is that one must have strong political base (such as a union) or a personal fortune. Citizens can participate in politics at a low level which means being informed, writing letters , voting and perhaps some local canvassing or campaigning. But only the moneyed elite can stop what they are doing, stop working and dedicate the time and money to 'public service.' There is nothing bizarre about Sarah Palin's decision at all. She is getting out while the going is good. She has a very positive record as governor and she is placing a strong politcal ally in her place. She is still a power in Alaska politics if she wants to be. But we really don't know what is in her mind. But we do know her family was unhappy with the media attention and attacks and by her frequent absences.

From the strictly political point of view it may have been suicidal (she should have perhaps stayed on until the end of her term). But i wouldn't count her out. She is the most popular woman in Alaska. If she ran for Senator she would win and by that time she would have solidified her personal finances and her campaign war chest.

I still thank God to know we have great American women like Mrs. Palin.


Richard K. Munro