Pieces Of Sarah

Monday, September 15th, 2008 | All Things Palin, Politics | No Comments

Did ABC News and Charlie Gibson deliberately leave pieces of Gov. Sarah Palin on the editing room floor when they interviewed her? Did they attempt to portray her as someone unfit to run for the second highest office in the land—to make her look like the bimbo SNL tried to portray under the guise of humor. One in particular thought SNL did not go far enough and wanted Gov. Palin decimated.

Though one might want to give them the benefit of the doubt, it seems impossible to do so when comparing Mr. Gibson’s interviews with Senator Obama. In Gibson’s interviews of Senator Obama I wasn’t sure if he wanted to know if Senator Obama could be president or a contestant on something akin to American Idol or someone wanting to sell their book on Oprah. I was waiting for Mr. Gibson to ask Senator Obama for his favorite Paula Dean recipe or what actor was going to play him in an upcoming Hallmark Movie.

I am not against tough questioning and like most I have heard opine on this very subject, all we want is a fair shake and for journalist to be journalist. We do not want them to be propagators of free campaign ads aimed at propagating lies, half-truths or acting as surrogates for the Democratic Party.

Many times we have a tendency to over look the meaning of simple and often used words. Take propagate for instance. Part of the definition of propagate according to MSW Encarta Dictionary is a shallow box with a transparent cover used for germinating seeds or allowing cuttings to take root […] or to spread ideas or beliefs widely.

Whether ABC believes it or not, those with any sense of decency at all, looked at their TV (shallow box with a transparent cover) and saw it for what it was worth; a place to propagate or spread widely their own biased views in hopes they would root into the hearts of American people. Yes, in hopes we Americans would judge Gov. Palin as they have. Bad journalism…bad assumption…not going to happen.

There might have been good questions in the mix but they got lost in the willingness to edit Gov. Palin in attempts to throw out the good pieces (the good seed) on to the editing room floor.

In doing this ABC and Mr. Gibson propagated their ideas and beliefs widely by editing Sarah’s words making them in to sound bites (or should we say seeds) in order to plant them in the minds of those listening. Sure they put the transcript on line but the damage has already been done.

Therefore, it is time has come for all fair-minded Americans to pick up the Pieces of Sarah and present her as she truly is, not as they, the elite media” see her.

Far be it from me to malign someone who is supposed to report the news fairly in relation to their choice as to who they support or how they vote. However, if they are going to be so obvious they might want to consider stepping down from journalism and become part of any given campaign.

As an average American woman, wife, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur and published author (oh yes, and a Wal-Mart mom/shopper) I would like to weigh in on the so called “gotcha moment.” I would like to speak to one of the Pieces of Sarah not found on the editing room floor but completely edited across the air waves by the perceived physic abilities of the “left.” Words misunderstood from my point of view.

I have only read one other commentary on the point of view I am about to express (though there may be more)  and sadly enough it came from a far left seemingly bitter person. Suffice to say, I will not make room for her bitter remarks here but she did in some respects notice Gov. Palin’s bravado in responding to Charles Gibson, though not in a complementary way.

Many have tried to edit her words by contorting them into something to fit their own agenda or out of the inability to discern the gleam in her eye when she said this in response to one of Mr. Gibson’s questions

GIBSON: Do you agree with the Bush doctrine?

PALIN: In what respect, Charlie?

The moment the camera panned in on her face I noticed something quite interesting and seemingly not discussed by most. I did not see a “dear in the headlights" look. I saw a look of challenge in her eyes—an awareness of exactly what was happening. Truly a picture can speak a thousand words.

Regardless of whether she knew the Bush doctrine, something many pundits have stated is arguably ambiguous and wears many faces, is irrelevant to me at this point. What is more relevant was what I saw in her eyes, her demeanor and her attitude. I saw a Piece of Sarah I recognized, liked and have demonstrated in my own life when being confronted by a bully. I saw her stand up on the inside and express said bravado and courage with attitude and forthrightness.

I and many others are proud of her. She exhibited an undeniable spunk. I could see the pit bull speaking through the gleam in her eyes and I thought, “Charlie, as she called him, you had better watch out. You might be a fixin to get some lipstick on your face.”

When it comes to propagating seeds (words) in the hopes they will take root in the minds of Americans, ABC and Charles Gibson might want to keep in mind the law of “sewing and reaping.” You cannot plant sarcasm and underhandedness with the hope of receiving grace and mercy in return.

All I can say is this, “Be careful ABC. Be careful Charles Gibson. Be very careful while walking around on your editing room floor. The glass ceiling is falling and you just might step on some shards of glass.” And this goes for all pundits, media and bloggers intent on propagating lies and half truths. Things have and will most likely continue to backfire.

Brenda Craig ©Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved

Tags: ABC, Sarah Palin

Audio: Palin Verses Obama

Sunday, September 14th, 2008 | All Things Palin, Books, Politics | 1 Comment

Audio: “Palin Verses Obama, A Tale Of Two Babies With Down Syndrome”.
Recorded by Raquel Soto

[Download]

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Tags: Abortion, Jill Stanek, Obama, Sarah Palin

Gibson’s Hubris Boomerang And The Unblinking Resolve Of Sarah Palin

Friday, September 12th, 2008 | All Things Palin, Politics | 2 Comments

Hey, wait a minute. Wasn’t it Gibson who accused Governor Sarah Palin of hubris? Yes, but I propose this. He may have accused her, but who demonstrated true “hubris” in form and action. His  headmaster stance was meant to tower and intimidate as he aimed to dismiss the viability of qualified reformer Gov. Palin.

Is the media coverage of Gov. Palin fair? This from an Ex-Clinton aide. What did Charles Gibson ask John Edwards in 2004 or Obama in 2007?

What happened to the conversational format afforded Senator Obama. The stage setup and interrogation style format ABC provided Gov. Palin should give pause to every woman who watched. Make no mistake; Gov. Palin is no school girl pawn in the hands of the media and she will prevail regardless of evident bias.

Before we go on maybe we should define “hubris” and take some time to contemplate how Gibson might have meant hubris in reference to Gov. Sara Palin.

According to Microsoft Word Encarta Dictionary, hubris is defined this way: excessive pride or arrogance, the excessive pride and ambition that usually leads to the downfall of a hero [...].

Wow, this brings things into a whole new perspective. Gibson accused her of hubris all the while demonstrating its definition with his body language and inquisition style questioning as he stared down his spectacle laden nose at her. Please?

After questioning her about whether she felt qualified to be Vice-President or perhaps President he was seemingly incensed at her “Yes” answer. What was she supposed to do? Say no. Didn’t the very fact she accepted the nomination state loud and clear her intentions, self-confidence and ability to do the job. What kind of question is this from the upper crust of the media elite who supposedly has their finger on the pulse of the nation?

I submit Gibson questioned her in such a way as to be able to accuse her of prideful audacity and illicit a “gotcha moment” However, it was his own actions and attitudes that gave way to a very good representation and definition of the word hubris. Sadly, he mistook sincerity, ability and confidence for pride and arrogance.

Gibson asserted, “Can you look the country in the eye and say ‘I have the experience and I have the ability to be not just Vice President, but perhaps President of the United States of America?’”

When she denied any hesitation about her abilities, Gibson asserted: “Doesn’t that take some hubris?”

Did she blink? NO.

So, who in this, debate, yes debate, is the true perpetrator of hubris in its most elitist misogynistic form? Do men of Mr. Gibson’s ilk truly champion women’s rights in general? I think not.

Well, Mr. Gibson, your actions speak louder than words, and I submit your style of questioning as evidence of your own hubris. People in glass houses shouldn’t be throwing stones.

Wasn’t it Gibson and ABC who used the wrong You Tube video of Palin to accuse her of stating we are in a “Holy War?” A little bit of a creditably problem here wouldn’t you say? Yes, they did correct it for the West Coast feed but not before disseminating it at large. Needles to say, they did not prevail.

Governor Sarah Palin, true to her words, did not blink and in the process revealed Gibson’s motive—a motive inherent in the definition of hubris itself. In my opinion, he used hubris (arrogance and pride) to hopefully bring about the downfall of someone who has become a hero of classic proportions on the political landscape of today. Why? Because she doesn’t fit the elitist definition of viable. After all, they (the news media) didn’t get to vet her. They just don’t get it.

Talk about falling into your own trap. Gibson’s actions spoke louder than the words he used to accuse Gov. Palin and instead of diminishing her he created his own boomerang—a boomerang which mirrors him as one who has the most hubris of all.

Right back at ya Gibson! Sorry, no "gotcha moments" allowed. Did you forget the word “Barracuda?” I think so. Did you show lack of respect and knowledge of the American people and their ability to read between thinly veiled biased questions—their ability to see the truth all the while self-defining the definition of hubris? Let the people judge.

Tags: Sarah Palin

Palin Verses Obama, A Tale Of Two Babies With Down Syndrome

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008 | All Things Palin, Books, Faith And Politics | 9 Comments

Disposable people and those who choose to honor and save them.

Are we our “brother’s keeper” and what does it mean? To what lengths are we as a people willing to sacrifice to save the “least of these”?

When it comes to Governor Palin and Senator Obama the answer could not be any clearer. One is willing to sacrifice and one is not…one values the tiniest of heartbeats and one does not. You could say their values are separated by the ability to hear the voice of a beating heart.

I have come to observe, for the most part, that we live in a disposable society, where the intrinsic value of human life seems to have lost its way. In sharp contrast, I have personally spent the last several years of my life writing to the beauty of how our Creator—our Father in Heaven sees us…what He thinks about us. With utmost humility I have endeavored to capture His thoughts in a book chronicling What God Thinks When He Whispers Your Name to encourage those He loves; you and I.

God often speaks in a still, quiet voice I like to call a “God Whisper.” It is the whispers of His heart that have brought me to reflect on the value of life as it relates to two babies with Down syndrome in the forefront of the news today. And the very fact we are discussing both; one aborted in 2005…one born in 2008 proves all are valuable and none are forgotten by God. Though years apart they are now inexorably connected by events surrounding our upcoming elections.

First there is the infamous story about a baby boy with Down syndrome who survived a botched abortion and was held by Jill Stanek  in her arms for some forty-five minutes until his life ebbed away. Jill intervened as a co-worker was taking the baby to place it in Soiled Utility Room to die alone.  Jill Stanek, according to her own testimony, could not bear letting the child die unattended. Out of compassion and a tender heart she held God’s precious creation until he breathed his last. She carefully wrapped him in a tiny shroud and took him to the hospital morgue.

Secondly, there is the beautiful contrasting birth of a special baby boy with Down syndrome, named Trig Paxson Van Palin, born to Governor Sarah Palin and Todd Palin in April of 2008. Though Sarah and Todd felt the revelation of Trig’s special needs to be “very, very challenging” they chose life and not death. They did not bend to the seemingly prevalent views shouted by the “left” and those who despise life…those who honor selfishness over sacrifice…often considering the choice to protect life as some kind of punishment.

Sarah Palin, like I, heard “God Whisper.” The Anchorage Daily News reported this;

“In a letter she e-mailed to relatives and close friends Friday after giving birth, Palin wrote, "Many people will express sympathy, but you don’t want or need that, because Trig will be a joy. You will have to trust me on this." She wrote it in the voice of and signed it as "Trig’s Creator, Your Heavenly Father."

"Children are the most precious and promising ingredient in this mixed-up world you live in down there on Earth. Trig is no different, except he has one extra chromosome," Palin wrote.

“As for people who think a baby like Trig shouldn’t even be born, look around, the governor wrote. Who is perfect or even normal?”

Two babies…two different circumstances…two different values which brings me to several thoughts worth contemplating…questions worth asking.

What did the Creator, Father God, whisper about the baby Jill Stanek held in her arms. Does He attribute the same value to an aborted a baby with Down syndrome as He does to one given the opportunity to live a productive life? I say “yes” to both questions.

As I contemplated God’s great love I could hear the Father saying to one ten inch baby about the size of a hand, “I think you are perfect.” In fact, He cared so much He sent someone to hold him in their embrace.” Not all babies who survive failed abortion attempts are afforded the same luxury, but it does not mean they are imperfect, unwanted or uncared for. The Father loves each one and I believe their guardian angels are sent to attend them and usher them into the Father’s presence.

Just as the Palin family think Trig is perfect, our Father in Heaven thinks the same about every baby in every womb regardless of whether the world thinks it is perfect or not. And the Palin family is not alone in their beliefs or sacrifice.

Take Albert and Deidre Pujols who gave birth to a child with Down syndrome named Isabella. Not only did they give birth but they started the Pujols Family Foundation to honor God and the dignity of human life. Their website is dedicated to the love, care and development of people with Down syndrome and their families. Like the Palin family, they listened to the whispers of God’s heart and acted accordingly.

You see, God does not look on the outside, but instead, looks on the heart. Ask Jodi Erickson Tada if life can be productive. As for those with Down syndrome, you might want to ask them: Jane Cameron, Michael Jurogue Johnson, Bernadette Resha, and Jacob Halpin just to mention a few and see what they think about the value of life.

In the political discourse of the day words by the “left” have declared we must be our “brother’s keeper,” yet, they consider life disposable and do not advocate for the least of these who do not have the freedom of choice. The “left” so called champions of the downcast, the poor, minorities, illegal aliens, gay rights and even the prisoners of Guantanamo Bay fall short in protecting the unborn who have no way to speak for themselves except we speak for them.

One baby with Down syndrome held by Jill Stanek was and is still considered by the “left” unworthy of receiving medical attention when having the audacity to survive an abortion. How do we know?

Consider Senator Barak Obama’s own words, words he still advocates.

His words about the Born Alive Infant Protection Act according to The Illinois Conservative Review reverberated through the legislative halls of Illinois and declared, “What we are doing here is to create one more burden on women, and I can’t support that.”

Simply stated, to call in a doctor or to give medical attention would not do." What more can you say? There is more. Just ask NARAL, Pro Choice America.

Another baby with Down syndrome, born to Governor Sarah Palin and her husband by the name of Trig, is considered a beautiful gift capable of giving joy to the whole family. Trig, because of the belief in the sanctity of life, now has a chance to enter the annals of all those gone before him who have lived incredibly productive lives. The “Whispers of Heaven” for Trig’s life and purpose placed in his mother’s heart now have a chance to flourish.

There is a sharp contrast between the McCain/Palin ticket and the Obama/Biden ticket. One embraces life and one does not. There is an even sharper contrast, one worthy of considering when we stand in the voting booth. It is the tale of two babies with Down syndrome, one who died and one who lived.

When it comes to Senator Barak Obama, somehow the words “we are our brother’s keeper” resounds through the halls of this political season with a hollow ring while the quiet whisper to Sarah Palin’s heart has produced a sound which proclaims throughout this land, “I think you are perfect!”

Brenda Craig  © Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved

Tags: Anchorage Daily News Sarah Palin, arrow publications, arrow publishing, Born Alive Infant Protection Act Barak Obama, brenda craig, cavings in his palm, Governor Sarah Palin, how to journal, how to journal God's heart, Jill Stanek, journals of the heart, Pujols Family Foundation, spirit food, spirit food for life, spiritual decrees, Trig Paxson Van Palin, when God whispers your name

Senator McCain’s Green Backgrounds - An Error Or A Hopeful Glimpse Into The Future

Monday, September 8th, 2008 | All Things Palin, Politics | No Comments

Many pundits on both sides of the spectrum of politics had much to say about the green background displayed behind Senator McCain at the RNC this last week including the actual school itself; Walter Reed Middle School. Seemed most everyone wanted to connect it with what some considered to be an embarrassment Senator McCain suffered in relation to a lime green background used by his campaign when giving a speech in New Orleans. I beg to differ.

Imagine focusing on the color green in the light of the many issues facing our nation in this day and hour. However, if we have to let’s look at it in a more positive light. After all, it is a whole new day and a whole new campaign; enter Governor Sarah Palin.

When I watched the RNC and saw the video behind him I was encouraged. Quite a step up compared to the lime green New Orleans background. In fact, I saw it as evidence of promises to come…evidence of a whole new campaign filled with hope which Governor Sarah Palin set in motion on Wednesday night of the RNC.

Want to read between the lines with me? Now don’t shake your head when you read the following. Stretch yourself a bit and give the pundits a bit of a “kick in the grass” so to speak.

Let’s break down the actual picture. First, it contained a school which we all know is a place to receive knowledge and grow in wisdom given by others who have learned themselves in different way and periods time…something Senator McCain has to offer and has definitely grown in regarding the current campaign since he made his infamous New Orleans speech—a speech which brought a strong response from Senator McCain’s campaign manager Steve Schmidt.

Second, it contained a middle school. What does that have to do with anything? A lot, if you’re willing to look a little deeper and can go beyond petty pontifications. What part of America has the Obama/Biden ticket seem to have lost touch with? Middle America of course! Derisive comments about Governor Palin’s small town and bitter people clinging to guns and religion speaks for itself while hanging out with Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

This is where the McCain/Palin ticket resounds with a clear and proven message. They are the champions of Middle America having the knowledge and wisdom to share with America what they have learned in the school of life…learned in the school of politics based on reform, refusal to compromise or bend to the will of polls. What refreshing agents of change and transformation they are.

Third, there is the beautiful green lawn which speaks of being new or newness of life. Many have commented on Governor Sarah Palin as a “breath of fresh air” capable of bringing a fresh new look and feel to Washington DC. This is a much more encouraging and hopeful picture than the people’s “approval rating of Congress” represents today. And it is definitely more verdant with promise than the same old tax and spend policies of the Obama/Biden ticket.

So, what do we have in the McCain/Palin ticket? We have knowledge, wisdom and maturity and newness all of which are going to take the White House by storm this November. With this in mind, I looked at the video behind Senator John McCain and saw hope for the future—a drastic contrast to the democratic ticket.

Congress has a dismal approval rating due to acts of corruption, lack of competence, and a “me first” attitude. There is a total lack of connection with average Americans and an unwillingness to bend to the will of the people as a democratically controlled Congress continue to appoint judges who legislate from the bench. Despite the pleas of their constituents the “left” in Congress refuse to drill. When I hear their "No Way" the chants at the RNC, "Drill Baby Drill" speak to the deaf ears of the left.

In contrast the McCain/Palin ticket offers reform and true change while the Obama/Biden ticket along with Harry Reed and Nancy Pelosi offer empty wallets and a Global Tax.

Friends, God is in the business of restoring the years the locust have eaten and nothing has changed regardless of the “left” for the most part refusing to acknowledge what the true foundation America was and is founded on.

In light of this, a time of embarrassment Senator McCain experienced in New Orleans has been transformed into a total reversal of fortune as RNC was buoyed up by his speech and the speech of Governor Sarah Palin…speeches which caused the convention to become the most watched convention in history.

We are told the grass is never greener on the other side, however; I disagree in this instance. The grass is greener on the side of the fence where the McCain/Palin ticket resides. Was the video/picture at the RNC a mistake…an error? Not hardly, if you are willing to look a bit deeper while refusing to fall into the pit of silly pontifications of those with nothing better to do as they try and fill a 24/7 news cycle.

Make no mistake, to me the stately school and verdant green lawn gracing the screen behind Senator McCain declared a visionary statement which looks to the future and declares to all the America haters…declares to all the doubters, and saboteurs of our country, “The grass is still green in America!”

Yes, America is still a place of wisdom, knowledge, maturity, and an undying resilience having a love of freedom which has impacted the whole world by example and with blood.

Time has come for change i.e. reform. The time has arrived to come on over to the McCain/Palin side of the fence where the grass is indeed greener.

Brenda Craig ©Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved

Tags: John McCain, Obama, Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin, A Pit Bull In Lipstick & Stilettos

Sunday, September 7th, 2008 | All Things Palin, Politics | No Comments

The dissemination of the Obama/Biden Campaign by Governor Sarah Palin at the RNC

Some call Governor Sarah Palin a rising star, a rock star, a street fighter, the next Margaret Thatcher and per her own words, a hockey mom.

However, Wednesday night she took her hockey mom image one step further with a self-defining characterization not willing to equivocate about who she is. Who is she? She is someone to be reckoned with.

What we, who trusted Senator John McCain’s judgment, realized the day she was announced, the rest of the world came to know and immediately went on the defensive. Previous attempts to destroy her family did not go unnoticed. She was and is no novice.

I can just here her saying, “Wait a minute! Not so fast! I have something to say about that.” In comes the pit bull in stilettos declaring; to the dismay of those on the “left who champion the cause of women with words but not in deed” the only difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull is lipstick.

A line like this, which was only one of many she shot directly into the bow her opponents ship, is sure to go down as one of the greatest moments of this election cycle. And who would have known only a week ago this could or would happen? Seems Senator John McCain did. Kudos to him is all I can say. The game is on and I do believe I see chards of glass everywhere she goes. This is no chicken little and the glass ceiling is falling. The Obama/Biden ticket better watch where they are stepping.

While the crowd roared and clapped with rapturous admiration at the Republican National Convention, Governor Sarah Palin’s eyes gleamed and her lips gave way to what only mothers are capable of relaying with the slightest inflection, “I’m in charge here!” Her words were clear and her eyes gave no ground as a well knowing smile spoke volumes. She was and is not to be intimidated.

I must say I have never seen a more elegant pit bull in my life. With each well deserved barb she levied at Senator Obama and Senator Biden I could just see the heels of her stilettos poking hole after hole in their hot air balloon of elitism. Do they worry about the price of arugula (a substitute for lettuce used in trendy restaurants) in “Wasilly” Alaska? Just wondering?

With each well-aimed truth Governor Palin let the air out of Senator Obama’s thinly veiled dishonesty about what he really believes, until all the hot air escaped allowing those listening to see them for who him for who he really is “one who believes in the tenets of socialism while hiding under the veneer of experiential hypocrisy”.

And what did the pundits and news casters say in response to the Obama/Biden ticket in reference to Governor’s Palin dissemination of Obama’s so called “Experience.” Senator Barak Obama touted this when responding to Anderson Cooper. This leads me to believe he thinks running for President of the United States makes one qualified to be President. Scary thought. Maybe I should run.

After all was said and done, Governor Palin, not intimidated by the media’s excoriating brutal assault on her family, welcomed them on stage. Yes, she welcomed her daughter Bristol as well as Bristol’s finance with an emphasis none could miss and held her precious baby up for the entire world to see. I call this true love and humility in action.

What did we learn about Governor Sarah Palin? She is a pit bull in stilettos and lipstick who has a heart of courage and faith. She defends those she loves with heart of love and a backbone of steel. She stands up to the hypocritical and corrupt politicians of this day with uncompromising truth and an unflinching commitment to justice. And that’s not all folks. There is more to come, so get ready.

Brenda Craig © Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved

Tags: Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin A Friend Of Mine - David Murrow

Friday, September 5th, 2008 | All Things Palin, Politics | No Comments

Excerpt From Church For Men Blog by David Murrow

People around the world are asking, “Who is Sarah Palin?” I thought you might appreciate an analysis from someone who has worked with John McCain’s pick for Vice President.

Before I wrote Why Men Hate Going to Church, I was a full-time television producer in Anchorage, Alaska. I did quite a bit of political consulting in election years. Sarah came to me in 2002 and asked me to produce media for her Lt. Governor campaign. I knew right away she was a different kind of politician. She was confident but not arrogant. She was down-home approachable, yet sophisticated. She seemed utterly uninterested in the trappings of power, yet ambitious to wield power for good. As cameras rolled for her first commercial, I knew that Sarah Palin was a gifted communicator.  Complete Article

Tags: Sarah Palin