Palin could be next Teddy Roosevelt
Sir Winston Churchill first became prime minister of England at age 66 and again at age 77. He continued to serve in Parliament until he was 90 years old. Charles DeGaulle became president of France at age 68. Our beloved President Reagan became president of the United States at age 69. The esteemed Golda Meir became prime minister of Israel at age 71.
None of these exemplary world leaders were old, senile or frail when they assumed the duties and responsibilities of the highest offices of their homelands. Rather, they were mature, seasoned and wise leaders. They were uniquely prepared for the unique challenges they faced. They could have attained their enviable states of preparedness and wisdom in no other way than through lifetimes of experience and dedicated service to their countries.
Likewise, Sen. McCain is not old, senile or frail, but rather a mature, seasoned and wise leader, well prepared to assume the office of President of the United States. His preparedness has come through the experiences he has gained in a lifetime of dedicated service to our country.
Sen. McCain's wisdom has most recently been demonstrated in his choice for running mate as vice president. Gov. Sarah Palin, though young enough to be his daughter, has accomplished a lifetime of enviable achievements attributable to her wisdom and dedication to universal and timeless personal and civic principles and values.
In addition, she has two more years of executive experience than both the Democrat candidates for president and vice president combined. They have zero experience.
Theodore Roosevelt was elected vice president at age 42 - even younger than Gov. Sarah Palin. In six months, still at the age of 42, he had the formidable burdens and responsibilities of president thrust on his shoulders as a result of the assassination of President William McKinley. He is the youngest person to become President of the U.S. He was the first American to be awarded the Nobel Prize, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906. He wrote 35 books over a wide array of topics. Surveys of scholars have consistently ranked him from third to seventh of the greatest American presidents. His image stands alongside Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln on Mount Rushmore.
Some are comparing Gov. Palin's rise to national and international fame to that of President Roosevelt. There are many similarities in their interests and values in all areas of life. They are considered mavericks of sorts.
Not withstanding the above facts, the liberals still insist that Sen. McCain is too old to be president and Gov. Palin is too young to be vice president.
I look forward to the day (after Sen. McCain's revered presidency) when President Palin will have written 35 or more books, been awarded the Nobel Prize and will be right up there with President Teddy Roosevelt - both in popularity and on Mt. Rushmore.
The choice is clear. Do we want wisdom and experience in national leadership as offered by McCain and Palin, or do we want sensationalism instead of substance, as presented by Obama and Biden?
L. Dean Hufsey
Elgin