First , re. McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin for vice president (governor of Alaska), here is an excerpt from a Los Angeles Times story:

“Her presence on the ticket as a strongly antiabortion mother of five -- her infant son has Down syndrome -- promises to energize evangelical voters who have been skeptical of McCain.

Already, some top conservative Christian leaders who criticized McCain in the past have proclaimed enthusiasm for the pick.

Moreover, as a hunter, a member of the National Rifle Assn. and an avid snowmobiler, Palin appeals to many facets of the GOP base.”

Perhaps McCain’s main (or only) reason to choose Palin is to woo the conservative right who have been disenchanted with him for his flip-flop on a lot of their issues. Certainly, any Hillary supporter (perhaps McCain was also thinking of luring women to vote for another woman as if we are such ninnies that gender is all) who takes the time to read about Palin, will vomit before running away from her as fast as they can.

Apparently her Down’s child is a fairly recent birth. I don’t doubt her credentials as a caring mother, but I am certain I do not want her to be my president if McCain keels over (not that remote a possibility, especially with the strains of the presidency). Also, a member of any administration has very little time to mother. So I guess it’s nannies for the kids. But, hey, when a big job calls, sayonara little ones.

***

On another issue, an acquaintance I used to chat with on my morning walks, a widower and retiree, has moved to the east coast because he can no longer afford the rent on his house. His son was sharing expenses and is now going to school near Stuart, so John moved there too. John would walk his little shih tzu, Tyler, a dog with a personality if I ever saw one. I never asked John over (I am so sorry I did not) because the association seemed so casual. I am surprised by how saddened I feel about his leaving. And I will surely miss that little dog, who was a stubborn little tyke and thought he owned Island Avenue. So, not having had a chance to say a proper goodbye (I thought I would run into him before he left and I didn’t) I decided to E mail him. I got on Google this morning and got many sites that promise a free E mail search. Well, yes, the registration is free but after that, they want your credit card and your first born and it’s only $? for you to get whatever you want and why don’t I believe this part either?

Anyway, several searches on several sites came up empty but Intelius found him and will charge $4.95. Before I shell out $5 I have decided to ask a neighbor who knew John if he has any information, perhaps even a forwarding address. Or I can snail mail him at his former address with a “please forward” note. It’s the principle of the thing.

Well, I’ll pay the $5 if I can’t find him any other way.
And Island Girl, (now working and living in Missouri) who also knew him, would like his information when I get it. John will, I think, be tickled that we have gone to all this trouble.

xx, Teal