This has always been my philosophy—the philosophy of most thinkers. Like Socrates, I am the gadfly of a deeper truth. I was born with an innate sense of curiosity. You telling me something doesn’t necessarily make it true. I accept no authority of information as THE authority. I am compelled to investigate. And vice-versa my researching something you’ve told me doesn’t mean I believe it to be untrue—it is simply the manner in which I operate intellectually. I have always and will always think for myself.

Moreover, I believe others should do so as well. A little thinking could go a long way to getting us out of the current economic situation we are finding ourselves. Why are we allowing the so-called experts tell us we are in an economic depression that we cannot escape? Was it not other so-called experts who watched idly as we got into this mess through artificial financial prosperity, the hay day for bankers, Wall Street and middle America alike? Why should we accept their predictions, their explanation of reality? Why should we not think for ourselves and improve our situation?

This is exactly what I have been doing. Thinking about what we can do. Here are some of the things I believe will help us get back on track as a nation:

1. Tax according to our current laws — you will pay more than the next guy, if they you make more as you should.
2. Place a tariff on all imports from other countries to encourage new industry within our own country and discourage cheap, disposable crap flooding in from other countries while displacing local workers and exploiting foreign children in unsafe work conditions. This will also create extra revenue which we could put back into the economy.
3. Upgrade the power grids to be more efficient. This will save a gob of money and energy sources while preparing us for the needs of the technology of tomorrow.
4. Invest heavily in science, technology and alternative energy. We should be able to compete in all these areas. The Chinese said they want to be the leader in electric cars within a year—why should we not give them a run for their money? We already have excellent technology and the capability to do this.
5. Raise the standard of living in our own country. We as a society are only as good as the lowest rungs within. If the poor feel as if their well-being matters as much as the wealthiest than they will be willing and anxious to help improve our society.
6. Each of us take what we need and put the rest back into our economy. This means reasonable wages, solid benefits for employees—healthy  less profits for corporations, less waste and mindful consumption all around. No more keeping up with the Jones, no more million dollar wages.
7. Implement as severe punishments for white collar crimes as for other crimes. When someone robs a mini-mart and takes $250—they go to prison for multiple years. Yet, someone who embezzles 100′s of thousands often escape jail time or get reduced sentences. They should pay according to the crime.
8. No more bonuses for failing companies. Period. No more bailouts. No more excuses. And the government should put regulations harshly punishing such policies. And if a company is deemed ‘too big to fail’ — it should be split up into smaller companies with new management.
9. Reduce the number of HB-1 Visas. I know this will be controversial but we can train locally. There are thousands of displaced out-of-work technologically savvy people—why not put them to work?
10. Accept responsibility but refuse to be the donkey to which all blame is pinned. Insist the rest of the world do their part as well. For example, countries like India and China can work on effective birth control to reduce their excessive population. You cannot expect to properly provide for your citizens if you lack the resources and yet you continue to overpopulate and expect the world to help you. Countries must be willing to help themselves as well. And if two countries are perpetually at war and do not wish to stop being at war, as long as they are not harming other countries, we should not interfere.

These are just some of the things I think about. I think if we did these ten things we could go a long ways towards ending this economic recession and improving quality of life globally. Mostly, I wish to encourage everyone worldwide to think for themselves—to find answers nullius in verba.

This is such a slap in the face to anyone who wanted Hillary to break through the glass ceiling. Her support did not come from just being born a woman. That was a side note, an added bonus if you will, to people who do wish women had equal rights and equal opportunities. However, I digress, despite my urges to explain in detail how important equality is today (and always), I will get back on topic. Hillary has experience and cares about this country. She has made positive, real change in our country’s policies, especially with regards to health care for children. Now, I am not saying Palin has not done anything positive, I do not know what she has done, yet. What I am saying is as a feminist, I am cringing. And as a political citizen, I am retching.

The fact that very little is known about her works in the McCain camp’s favor but against logical reasoning. She is wet behind the ears politically speaking, what if something happens to McCain? Is she really ready to become president? The irony almost goes without saying, almost. McCain has attacked Obama for months now on his “inexperience” while stealing his ideas only a few days later and now he chooses someone with even less experience? This defies logic, unless the logic is to gain political attention and perhaps the attention of some fringe voters completely fixated on getting any woman into the White House at any cost.

This is what I have read about Sarah Heath Palin so far… she is anti-choice (aka Pro-Life)², supports teaching creationism in schools³, a lifetime member of the NRA, a former beauty pageant contestant (see picture) ⁴⁵, pro death-penalty⁶, supports the 2nd Amendment (right to keep and bear arms), opposes privatizing social security (even funded a relief bonus check to senior citizens for extra aid), “strongly opposes” shifting our reliance to alternative fuel sources⁷. I need to do some more research but I find it particularly interesting her husband, Todd Palin, works for BP — the oil company and there is controversy over this and some legislation she tried to push through which would affect BP to the tune of multi-millions⁸. She agreed with Obama’s energy plan in as much as the gas line she wants to lay across her own her state to get cheaper gas to the U.S., she wants to open ANWR⁹, this being a long-term debate between capitalists and environmentalists over the effects. She doesn’t even believe humans have an effect on global warming and wants to remove the endangered species protection on the polar bear.¹⁰

I recommend you research her. I will continue to do so as well and then we can comment further. In so much as I have learned today I know she lacks in experience having only been a State Governor for 2 years and having served previously as a mayor of a small town (population less than 6,000).¹¹ This hardly gives her the experience necessary to be Vice President.

While I do not know enough about Mrs. Palin to know if she is someone I would like personally, I do know enough about her to know I wouldn’t vote for her, especially not simply because she is a woman. And make no mistake about it, I am an ardent feminist. I am also a fan of Hillary Clinton. She was my candidate. She lost. I moved on. I support Barack, he has won me over completely. I agree with the policies he supports. Senator Obama and Senator Biden are the clear choice of any reasonable, rational person. If you have been paying attention at all, you must recognize this, unless of course your annual income is over 5 million.

Sarah “Barracuda” Palin does not have a long list of accomplishments nor the experience Hillary Clinton brought to the table. Nor does she have the national political experience that Biden clearly has. She is not prepared for this job. Sadly, she is the token female being used by the McCain camp to win over the imaginary disgruntled, dejected Hillary cast-aways. I think anyone who would have voted for Hillary, who would now swing towards McCain to spite Obama or because this vain gesture of picking a woman even McCain barely knows, doesn’t really know why Hillary was a good candidate, or for that matter, what is really important politically. I suggest they stop whatever they are doing politically and educate themselves, make an informed decision based on the real issues rather than relying on the news or superficial, irrelevant reasons for picking the people who will run our country.

1. Johnson, Kaylene 2008. “Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska’s Political Establishment Upside Down”. Epicenter Press.
2. http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/Sarah_Palin_Abortion.htm
3. Kizzia, Tom October 27, 2006. “‘Creation science’ enters the race”, Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved on 2008-08-29.
4. http://www.televisioninternet.com/news/pictures/sarah-palin-beauty-queen-1.jpg
5. , against same-sex marriage ((http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/Sarah_Palin_Abortion.htm
6. http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/Sarah_Palin_Crime.htm
7. http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/Sarah_Palin_Energy_+_Oil.htm
8. Ross, Mike (August 21, 2007). “Mr. Palin goes back to Prudhoe”, KTUU-TV. Retrieved on 2008-08-29.
9. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_National_Wildlife_Refuge
10. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/29/124640/036/945/578739
11. http://wasilla.areaconnect.com/statistics.htm