Palin signs reflect a double standard

Submitted, letter to the editor
Published: October 14, 2008

It appears that the Republicans have another double standard when it comes to referring to their vice presidential candidate (“Voting for the chick,” Oct. 13). If the Democrats refer to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as a “girl,” or some other feminine reference, they get blasted by the Republicans as sexist. However, it is all right for their supporters to call her a “babe” or to post their campaign signs stating, “I’m Voting For The Chick.”

I am sure women find this sign to be offensive and it is certainly sexist. Even worse, I find it shows a juvenile attitude, which is trivializing the selection of a person who may become the president of our country, to being based on looks and sex appeal.

Remember, there have been nine presidents who died in office and they were not 72-year-old cancer survivors.

We need a vice presidential candidate who is able to act presidential rather than just being a romantic object to foreign leaders and juvenile voters. Is our presidential election going to become simply a beauty contest? I can’t believe that intelligent voters are buying the political spin from both sides rather than truly checking out the facts regarding the candidates’ campaign statements and promises.

Kenneth Guyre
Fishersville