I have lived the life of a liberated woman; I am divorced, re-married and my husband and I have four kids between us. I had a career in the financial industry before I had kids at 28 and I currently have a career in real estate that allows me to juggle my time between work and family and am fortunate that my current husband supports prioritizing my kids as much as possible.
When my first child was born, I learned something very important; I realized that one of the greatest contributions I could make to society would be to nurture my child and teach her all I could about love and commitment myself. I felt that if I could sacrifice and spend as much time with her as possible, especially in her early years, being her primary caregiver would build between us a bond that would make her a better, more secure individual who could then take that sense of connection out into the world without hesitation. I am not saying that caregivers who are not parents cannot offer much love and compassion but there is no role like mother (or father who in some cases is the primary caregiver) that has so much influence over a child's development, character and confidence.

Some parents are unable to stay home with their children. Due to financial responsibility, both parents must work to make ends meet. I know these decisions are difficult and I am sure that all mothers agonize over being unable to care for their small children on their own. What I don't understand are women who choose not to prioritize their children and strive more for power and public recognition than to build a strong and consistent relationship with their own children.

This is how I feel about Sarah Palin. Here is a woman relatively unknown nationally until a few weeks ago who is now in line to be one of the most powerful people in the world. She has talked publicly about her choice to give birth to a special needs child but who will care for that child on a daily basis as she heads to Washington? Am I the only one who has looked at both Presidents and Vice Presidents in years past and noticed how much they age in the four years of constant demands on their time and energy? The schedules are physically grueling and mentally I imagine the pressure of responsibility for a nation might take a daily toll on someone. Add to that someone who at the end of the day has kids that cry out for "mommy" not knowing where she is and why she is unavailable to them consistently.

Don't think that I am against a woman in a position of power in general. I absolutely believe a woman could make a wonderful leader of our nation and the last few months have encouraged me that it is only a matter of time before it happens but give me someone whose kids are grown and self sufficient, who is not abandoning small children at home. Give me someone who is nationally known and recognized; active in both national and international politics for years before they would even consider running for this high an office.

My mom's lesson to me at an early age was absolutely true: a woman can do anything and everything. Just not all at the same time and still do it well. Where will Sarah Palin fall short? At home or in the White House? I think it is a shame either way and if she is such a great politician, she should consider running on her own eight or more years from now.

More about me:

http://snuffy40726.blogspot.com/

You see those two states elected the next president. Well, not exactly. But they did limit the field of candidates, diminishing the choices available to voters in other states.

As any good secretary knows, the one who limits the options has more power than the final decision maker. By deciding who won't be president, Iowa and New Hampshire did a disservice to the rest of the country. Their limiting processes produced candidates whose policy views are almost identical. Mainly differences are in nuance. That assures a contest that is personality rather than policy driven. Almost by definition such contests are petty and nasty.

If we are lucky, this will be the last year anyone more than a hundred miles from Dubuque gives a hoot about the Iowa Caucus. Ditto the New Hampshire Primary.

Of course, there are those who believe that candidates mature in the unique atmospheres of Iowa and New Hampshire. They hone their messages. They are forced to meet and learn to connect with small groups.

True, Iowa and New Hampshire look more like the idyllic image of 1950s America than does the country as a whole. Those states are less diverse, better educated and more financially secure than the nation in general. That is partly why those states' early elimination of presidential candidates doesn't produce better presidents for the people of Indiana, Texas, Kansas or North Carolina.

And as for that malarkey about Iowa being a finishing school for candidates, that's just a fancy way of saying amateurs get to spend time practicing before the big show. The nation's problems are urgent and diverse. Being a good president involves more than just getting your speech right. It also requires learning about the diverse problems we face so that together we can build better communities, a better nation and a better world. It's also about developing a mandate by speaking forthrightly on issues about which honorable people strongly disagree. Is that too much to ask of one who aspires to be president of the whole United States?

Such candidates aren't made more numerous by the Iowa Caucus and the New Hampshire Primary. The uniqueness of their vetting processes is that those states protect the status quo by steering the conversation to the center. They produce candidates who offend the fewest number of voters, and who accordingly will have no mandate to tackle any major problem. Their processes produce candidates who are consistently average.

America's problems aren't 1950s average. Our problems reflect our national diversity. Many of those problems involve balancing the interest of one region against the detriment of another. A presidential election process that permits one or two states to narrow the choices available to 48 other states is a disgrace.

We should shorten this process so that candidates can either win and get on with governing, or lose and go back to work. A national primary system would provide the greatest opportunity for the many diverse and competing interest to equally impact the election. In the alternative, there could be regional primaries where at least two regions voted at a time.

Anything else will continue us down a road toward more and more mediocre presidents who leave office without having tackled the nation's ever-increasing and ever-more complex problems. Worse, we'll move closer to having elections that are mere entertainment where the biggest “star” wins.

Let me explain a little of the reasoning behind my comments. First of all, we as the American people do not necessarily want a female president. For goodness sakes, she cried when she lost one of her primaries. We all know that shows weakness. It's more like, the more I learned about Obama, I'm like," to heck with Hillary!" It's kind of like a stigma attached to her that won't go away. Hypothetically speaking, had she been the nominee; we all know who her husband is. Duh, former president, Bill Clinton. That in itself has bad vibes stemming from it. Then on the other hand, you have Obama. He has been put him through the mud and back. I must admit, he's still standing strong. She even engaged in scandalous mudslinging. Obama was hanging on like the underdog or is he? He's definitely a dark horse candidate.

To sum everything up, Obama is a unifying figure/presidential candidate. He represents both races that for decades have had differences. Now, its like, the same people whom were denigrated and put down will be the same mixed race that leads this country to worldwide peace. When I see Obama, I don't say here's a black president. I say that's our American president. He can relate to both white and black. He will be our next president. Let's watch and see.

When the first word came out about Pastor Wrong, sorry, I mean Wright but then wrong may me more correct, I wondered why as a friend he did not try to slip into the background. Some will blame the press and the evil right wing conspiracy. The right has been more tolerant of Pastor Wright than the left wing press. And the left has been relatively silent till they had no alternative. As Churchill said, "Americans can be counted upon to do the right thing after they have exhausted the alternatives." The left wing press ignored it till they had no alternative. Remember that B Hussein O is the most liberal senator in the US Senate. They have a vested interest in him.

But why didn't Wright just hide? At least stay off TV? This is a good question and one I believe I can answer.

First, it's all about money. Jeremiah Wright is not really a great speaker, in fact as a pastor he rates with the discredited Bob Tilton in his license with the truth. His knowledge of scripture pales when compared to men like Ken Hagen, Ken Copeland, and Bishop Fulton Sheen. I could list at least fifty others. He has been given his moment in the sun. He is the "poor player who struts and frets his hour upon the stage" and he wants to extend it as far as he can. With a little help from the press he can sign a book deal for at least a mill and maybe a second one in a year.

The church had supposedly replaced him as pastor but that is little more than window dressing. The week after he was removed the message from the pulpit sounded much the same. Do you wonder why? Look at the tucc web page. J Wright is still the pastor! The motto, "Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian" still remains the theme of the church. Imagine the stink if Hillary's church had a motto, The motto, "Unashamedly White and Unapologetically Christian"! Nothing has changed at TUCC. (Pronounced Tee Yucck.)

He must remain a controversial figure no matter what happens to B Hussein to continue to collect the money. He took a page from Jim Bakker and called the press reporting an assassination. The press was against him. They were treating him unfairly. How? By reporting accurately what he said! They didn't have to make up anything. What he said was condemning enough.

Second, it is about power and credibility. Wright has preached a "black oppression by the whites" doctrine all of his career. That doctrine is threatened by the possibility of the B Hussein's nomination. Even if he were to win the nomination and fail in November the pastor's doctrine is upheld. In fact, it is more credible if it happens this way because he can say, "Whitey will let you think they are letting you get ahead but in the back room the New England Jews will take if away from you. You see, we have to pull into the black church where you are not mistreated." There is much that is self serving in this statement. Note that I took the more offensive portions of that line from a sentence he spoke. Wright's whole career could go down the drain if B Hussein actually becomes president.

Even with the turmoil they are in there must be smiles in the Clinton camp. Without Pastor Wright Hillary would have already been fried. This would easily be worth two million dollars in advertising.

If BHO thinks JW is his friend, he may mistake Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as a friend also.

As well, she is losing in her ability to raise funds for her campaign. Hillary was once determined and witty. Now she has engaged on an attack of Barack Obama’s character. She is simply doing a lot of finger pointing instead of informing the American people about her policies and platform. This is simply bad politics and mudslinging. In retrospect, Barack Obama has the popular vote and he is the best choice to beat the G.O.P.’s nominee, John McCain. It is not feasible for Hillary to continue with her vie for the Democratic nomination. She has fallen too far behind.

In addition, her top aide was endorsing issues that she opposes. That is a clear indication that her campaign is falling apart or has fallen apart. Somehow, Illinois Senator Barack Obama has convinced the American people, more importantly; the Democrats that he is their nominee. If Hillary drops out at this point and give Barack Obama her endorsement; then this will allow all Democrats and American people to vote for Obama as this country’s next President. Otherwise, they are giving the presidency to McCain. This will in fact split the very votes that we need.

Instead of talking about his pastor, we should be discussing his qualities as our next president. We should be trying to find out about his leadership ability, style, his stance about the war, economy, balancing the budget, and foreign affairs. The average American, even in the Ghetto, could care less about his pastor. More importantly, Obama's former pastor. They want to know, how am I going to get to work to make the little money that I am making or how am I going to feed my children? What is the government going to do about Healthcare for my children/family? These are the key issues the average American is concerned about. I encourage everyone, don’t listen to the hype! We don’t care, he’s not our pastor. And if he was, let his church deal with that. There’s nothing different about him than the Catholic priests molesting little boys.

There are many reasons for that passion -- foremost is the direction I have seen our country go since the beginning of the Bush administration. My father, my uncle and my only male cousin all gave their lives for this country -- for the rights we have as Americans. But with a few Presidential signing statements or things just not told to Congress, I have watched those rights eroded -- little by little, bit by bit. I have seen the war in Iraq -- an unnecessary war -- which destroyed a country and killed 4000+ Americans and by some estimates 800,000 Iraqis' (most of them innocent).

I have seen bad decision after bad decision trickle down to me - to one layoff after another until now I can only get temporary or contract assignments which have no healthcare insurance. I have two chronic medical conditions - so ask me if I am better off than I was seven years ago. I have seen my life go from being really great with a stable income and insurance to a battle just to continue to live day after day. I am one of those people who have to split medications in half so the prescriptions will last longer.

I have also watched the price of gas and everything else go up, (while the oil companies have made record profits - and not pay taxes on those profits.)

I have had to work under bosses who have absolutely no business in a civilized society much less supervising staff. So, after working for people who have no idea how to run a business and to save gas - I have started my own small business working on the internet from home. Thank God my family believes in me for I have had to totally depend on them to keep everything going. Soon, I am applying for a small business grant or loan from the government but I am sure with the Republicans in charge that will be a total nightmare also.

I have watched while millions have lost their homes because of predatory lending companies selling very creative financing and also because so many owners have seen their jobs shipped overseas.

I have also seen a surplus turn into a massive debt owned by countries who we have issues with. Example China -- we owe them trillions and we have trade problems with them. Now, you tell me, how do we go to our "banker" and complain about the way they are "running their other businesses".

China uses the interest we pay on the debt to buy oil from the Sudanese government and remains Sudan's major weapons provider -- weapons which are passed down to armies who continue the genocide in Darfur.

I have sat and watched one of our major cities destroyed by a hurricane and the government waiting a good week to help the people who lost everything. What I still don't understand is if the news could show video of dead bodies floating in the flooded streets of New Orleans, why couldn't our government get there faster with water and other supplies? (Heck of a job, Brownie!)

Passionate - - passionate??? No - actually I am damn angry - I want my life back, my stable income with my healthcare benefits. I am mad and I have no idea what to about it except to make sure that the next president will at least be a person who has a clue what is going on in this world. And I guess if that doesn't work, I will join the movement to replace our government, which our Constitution tells us to do when the old government isn't working anymore.

“America is on the verge of history #1” said Joyce S. Johnson, daughter of former Poughkeepsie alderman Stanley “Cubby” Johnson, and Barack Obama's statewide petition coordinator in the New York Office. Johnson also put together the slate of delegates from New York State who support and stand behind the man who coined the phrase “Fired up and ready to go!”.

Delegates took turns speaking to the room, packed tightly with Obama supporters. “What we do locally is going to affect what happens globally” Frederica Goodman stated to inspired applause. Goodman, along with other volunteers, helped to locate and open the headquarters to serve as a local meeting and planning point for the Obama campaign in the Hudson Valley. With Super Tuesday fast approaching on February 5th, these dedicated individuals came together and organized very quickly. “I've been involved with the community for a lifetime” said Goodman, who was full of praise for the Presidential candidate “He's the face of the future for this country” she stated, “If ever there was a time for people to reach out, this is it”.

Audience members listened with focus, cheered and chanted throughout the proceedings. “I'm a registered Republican” one person yelled out during the ceremony, “So am I” someone else added. Information about upcoming activities, lists of the issues, buttons and bumper stickers were all available. Refreshments were also on hand. “Obama is clearly the right choice for us” added Pete Wassell, Dutchess County Legislator for Dover/Uniondale, who went on the record to say he was officially endorsing the candidate. “He brings inspiration and hope, he's the right choice”

Supporter Paula Williams, daughter of Blueford Jackson, the first black American Legion Commander in the county and head of the Republican Committee for many years was showing her ardent support throughout the evening. She reflected “My father said you will see a black president in your lifetime” and carried much of the rhetoric that was floating throughout the crowd: “If you listen to him (Barack)” she said, “all the others say "I will", but he says "We will" - it's not "I" it's "We"”. Curtiz Simpson, another self-proclaimed Republican in attendance and a DCC Student majoring in Internation Law and Diplomacy added “He has a trustworthiness that the others just don't have - as a student I believe he's going to be able to help education”.

“We're fired up” chanted delegate Judy Aydelott from the stage to a resounding “and ready to go” from the rally anxious crowd. Although traditional chanting and rallying were somewhat tempered throughout the evening, delegates and organizers made sure to inform the attendees about upcoming campaign events taking place, and where their help is needed. Regular walk-in office hours are planned for 5-8pm on weeknights and 12-8pm on weekends. The volunteers will also be meeting Tuesday nights at 8pm at the Muddy Cup on Main Street in Poughkeepsie up until February 5th. Volunteers are needed for door to door campaigning, phone banks, and planned rallies. If Obama wins the primary election, it is certain that these volunteers will have plenty of more work on their table, and most are looking forward to the challenge.

“After he wins the primary, I am sure, yes, he will come to Poughkeepsie” said Johnson when asked if Obama might make an appearance at the local headquarters. Even though Obama is not scheduled to appear in Poughkeepsie any time soon, the supporters are still confident and excited, and willing to put in the extra hours and energy to get their candidate elected “What's so great about this is it's a volunteer effort” explained Johnson, “This is life in fine form”.

Though we've tried to keep it connected and comprised of the issues that face all Americans, it's a hard task when you have not one, but two minorities facing off.

I think, as an observer like yourself probably does that voters like me and you will go to the polls asking the question, “What kind of history do I want to take part in?” Do you want to elect the first woman to the White House? Or do you want to elect the first man whose heritage is of color to the White House?

I say it that way because Senator Obama's mother was white, and we don't want to take away from his family and their respects.

And for those who wish not to participate in this daunting task, there is Sen. McCain, who is just as good as Obama and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

I would be remised if I did not say that this country is blessed to have not one, not two, but three pretty good choices.

I believe with the right tools and the right people around them either one could be a good president; however, as in the words of Highlander, “There can be only one.”

So this year I ask not who you are voting for but WHAT are you voting for? The turn of history? Or for the progress of the Union? I'm not sure if the two facets of this election can be mixed, or should be mixed. One thing is for sure, Republicans have had a rough couple of years and if the last elections were any prelude to these, then it will be safe to say that there is a change in the wind.

When I think of the progress of this fine nation we live in, serve, and defend, the rights that women and minorities alike have greatly moved forward. And when I think of those rights, I think of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, who this year we celebrated in remembrance.

The death of such a great man should remind us all of just how early in transition this country is in when it comes to race relations, and the unification and equality for all Americans living today. For 40 years we have worked hard to maintain the dream that Dr. King presented to us and for 40 years we have seen the fruits of that labor. But we have also seen the fruit that didn't taste that good, which means that there is still some proper planting to be done in the off season.

If anything, this year should be the time in which all Americans say, “A change will be made”. If we say that, then who wins the election will not matter, because we as a nation would have already made it clear to that person that this change will be your first and foremost priority.