Appalled

As a working mother I am exasperated by those who, without knowing Sarah Palin at all, question just on principle whether she can be effective both in her work outside home and in her role as a mother.

I mean, come on. Are people still so ignorant as to believe that it's impossible for a woman with a career to be a good mother? Or that a woman with children can't be as capable at her work as a woman without? Or that a woman who works only in the home and not outside of it contributes less (or more) to society than a career woman? Come on.

But that's not what I'm most appalled about.

I am appalled that anyone who calls herself a true, loyal American, or feels prepared to assume leadership in the United States of America, should criticize her opponent with the statement,

"Al-Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America, and he's worried that someone won't read them their rights."

I was already appalled by the way she insulted community organizers by implying they don't have "actual responsibilities," but I was even more appalled at what followed that jab and the one above: applause.

Applause by people who consider themselves true, loyal Americans, living in a country founded on principles of respect for human and civil rights (and by de facto community organizers, no less, who rallied people together for the common cause of independence).

Now, I know what the Constitution says. I know Article I, Section 9, states, “The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.”

But I think this article needs to be interpreted very narrowly. I think the leader of the so-called free world SHOULD be worried about reading people their rights. Even a state of war doesn't entitle this country to abrogate the very principles of jurisprudence that have been established to ensure that decisions are predicated upon facts rather than feelings.

It's bad enough that the current administration has pretty much killed habeas corpus. But to take pride in that, and sneer at those who would uphold it? It's that kind of disdain for The Other that betrays an underlying sense of entitlement, arrogance, and complacency in a society, as well as that society's ignorance. It's only by consistently respecting human rights that we avoid becoming like the very Enemy we consider so hideous and against whom we hope to prevail.