I think Sarah Palin is getting a raw deal. Elections bring out the worst in people, particularly after a loss. I am not sure if there is any truth in the current batch of stories circulating on TV and the Internet but I do believe it is unnecessary. Polls continue to show that the majority of Republicans believe that Sarah was a net plus for the McCain campaign. Her nomination energized a lethargic conservative base in a way that no previous move by the McCain campaign had accomplished. I don’t believe all the rumors of extravagant spending on clothes for her or her family. Obviously, the demands on this Alaskan governor required some additional clothing to accommodate the variety of events she attended—from Florida to Colorado: the same for Todd, as he stood by her side. The media never liked Sarah and she didn’t care. She knows who she is, what she believes, and how to get there. The citizens of Alaska have elected a winner to lead them as governor but I believe we have not seen the last of Sarah on the National stage. Tomorrow is a new day...especially in the world of politics.

It is almost over. The talking heads hit at McCain/Palin in every broadcast. However, who is missing in this election? President George W. Bush. The criticism heaped on him in the last few weeks of this campaign—by both sides—does not diminish my admiration for this man. I cannot think of another president that has had to deal with so many crises during his eight years. There may have been some malfunctions and slow response along the way, but he has stood firm in the face of relentless scrutiny and second-guessing. As a result, there has not been another terrorist attack since 9/11 and the fact remains that I am safe today. The volatile economy has completely overshadowed the war on terror in recent days but I still fear what may happen under an Obama presidency. The terrorists were very patient as we watched their well-planned attack on the Twin Towers. I believe they are just waiting. Consider all issues carefully when you mark your ballot; supreme court justices, view of life at both the beginning and end of our days, war on terror, taxes, health care, and immigration to name a few. Our children and grandchildren will bear the consequences of this election for many years. What kind of change do you really want?

I don't think Joe ever thought he would be the focus of a Presidential election. He just asked a question...a good one at that. The price anyone pays for national attention has gone way over the top. Ask Sarah about the scrutiny of every aspect of her life. Those who are willing to stand up and be counted need our support and encouragement. Way to go, Joe!

Now is not the time to go "wobbly." Yes, the polls look bad, the numbers from Wall Street bounce all over the place, Israel and Iran may go to war, and Sarah has the highest ratings in recent history on Saturday Night Live. For a campaign that seems interminable, we are down to the final 14 days. It is crunch time! Yes, there are problems: savings and investments have dwindled and the war is not over, but do we want to turn these uncertainties over to someone inexperienced and questionable? I believe the bigger question is whom do you want to nominate the next Supreme Court justice—a lifetime appointment? Some believe that the next election can undo bad decisions made during an administration but this is not the case. We will reap some of the consequences of this election for a very long time. So, my encouragement to you is talk to your family and friends. Encourage them to think what kind of change is really important to them. Remind them to vote. Ultimately, the Creator is the only one who knows the end of the story. I will trust Him for the outcome.

I faithfully wear my McCain/Palin button these days but I have noticed that very few people even acknowledge it, let alone comment on it. Of the few who do, it is usually a whispered, “I like your button.” But, I had a couple of interesting conversations yesterday about the election. The first was with my hairdresser as he was cutting away. I don’t know his political persuasion but he asked me a question or two and I was not about to miss an opportunity to give him some answers. We talked about a variety of issues and I could tell that his busy life kept him from being up on the debates and some of the issues. When I mentioned the possibility that the terrorists are just waiting for Obama to be elected so that they can continue their attacks against the US, he looked at me dubiously. He had never given it a thought. I gave him some websites to check and encouraged him to listen and learn more about each candidate. Later, we were having dinner with three other couples as part of a church Supper Eight evening, and again, I brought up the election. Although, the first response was that it was impolite to talk politics around the table, I pushed the subject and we spent the next hour discussing the various aspects of the race, the economic meltdown, and issues on the ballot. No one got mad, everyone spoke, differences of opinion were obvious but the interaction helped all of us understand a little better the importance of current events. My husband now expects these types of conversations for the next three weeks. But the best part is that he is becoming armed and dangerous with facts in his own right. At least I have one convert!

It's time for a movie review after all the heavy political stuff. We saw FIREPROOF this weekend. I learned from the website that FIREPROOF is the third feature film from Sherwood Pictures, the creators of FACING THE GIANTS and FLYWHEEL. With hope-filled, heartfelt storytelling, the moviemaking ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church continues to touch the world from Albany, Georgia. An action-packed love story, FIREPROOF will have audiences laughing, crying, and inching toward the edge of their seats as they are drawn into the world of a firefighter, his wife ... and a marriage worth rescuing. This movie targets all audiences and hits the mark in its message. The storyline is lead by, Kirk Cameron, of Growing Pains fame. He does a great job, supported by many talented actors. Although not a professional Hollywood film, no couple will come out of the movie unmoved. Be sure and see it!

What a mess! I am both dismayed and flabbergasted as I listen and watch the latest news from DC. The dissembling and finger pointing by the various players illustrates how important the character traits of integrity and honesty are in the political process. Over the years, I have noticed that once a candidate is elected and moves to Washington, that something alters his DNA. Maybe it is in the water. There seem to be few who are willing to stand up under the withering glare of the media lights and speak up for the rights of the people. No one likes the idea of this bailout. No one likes the idea that saved money and investments are shaky and the future uncertain. One thing I have noticed is that John McCain is ready and willing to put the country over the politics of the day and work to find a solution to help all of us. It is not a matter of fighting for the survival of business and Wall Street but rather, making sure that families do not lose hard earned dollars because of shady deals by the housing industry. Smarter heads than mine are working to find a solution but I know that I am not willing to give the government a blank check. This problem did not happen overnight and the solution will not be instant. We have to stop the bleeding and avert the crisis. There will be plenty of time to assess blame and institute precautions and oversight. As a believer, I know that nothing surprises God. He knows the end from the beginning. Thankfully!