Showing judgment on vice presidency

To his credit, George W. Bush saw the vice presidency as an important office. He selected a person whom he believed could help him govern. He knew that as president of the United States, he could use the wisdom and input of a vice president. Knowing that the possibility existed that this person might have to assume the presidency, he also considered this possibility in making his decision. Likewise, by his own admission, Barack Obama selected a vice presidential candidate who could help him govern and possessed the background to assume the presidency if necessary.

Quite obviously, John McCain chose a vice presidential candidate to help him get elected. Let's be honest. President Palin? Once again, just which of our presidential candidates is showing the better judgment?

– Tom Griffin, Pollock Pines

Sarah Palin has the stuff

Remember that Alaska is considered the last frontier, and don't forget the TV show "Tougher in Alaska." As a daughter of the Golden West whose ancestors came to California in 1849, and who is an avid hunter and fisher and has always bucked the tradition of the good ol' boys in my career choice, I cannot but laud the choice John McCain has made in the governor of Alaska.

Does she have the grits? Damn right. What man can have five children, run a business, live in Alaska, run out the rotten politicians, follow through with her promises and still win against "the machine"? Sarah Palin has my wholehearted support, and may the force be with her.

– Roberta Burns, Garden Valley

Palin's experience as governor

You know they're coming: claims that Gov. Sarah Palin lacks the experience to be president.

What has Barack Obama done that is the equivalent of governing the state of Alaska? What has Obama done that is the equivalent of commanding the Alaska National Guard? Is dealing with Coast Guard operations on Lake Michigan the same as dealing with Coast Guard operations in the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea? Are relations between Illinois and Canada the same as relations between Alaska and Russia?

– John Paul, Carmichael

Now, Democrats like experience

My faith has been restored. For months, the Democrats did not seem to consider experience an important attribute for their candidate for president. In fact, they chose someone as their top candidate who had barely more experience than, well, most people. But suddenly, in the past few days, they have seen the light and have deemed experience an important quality for national office.

But, alas, it's only important for the person at the bottom of the ticket, not the person they want to be leader of the free world. Well, at least the Republican nominee for vice president is a union member, a working mom. Isn't that the group the Democrats generally work for? So wouldn't she know what's better for this important group that Democrats believe have been "left behind" than say, someone who has never been any of those?

– Ed Kaempf, Granite Bay

A threat to the environment

I have disturbing news about Alaska's Gov. Sarah Palin. The nation faces a huge blow with the National Rifle Association gun-toting Palin as the Republican vice presidential nominee.

What voters do not know about is her brutal approach to wildlife management, her desire to remove federal protections for polar bears – and that she is suing the government over the Endangered Species Act regarding polar bear protection. She also supports drilling in ANWAR. This woman is a threat to what all environmentalists strive to protect.

– Cindy Wade, West Sacramento

Frightening away the women?

Barack Obama's predictions prior to the war in Iraq demonstrated a keen understanding of the complexities of the Middle East. John McCain, despite his many years in Washington, thought we'd be greeted as liberators. Still, his experience has been his trump card against Obama. In selecting Sarah Palin, McCain has thrown that card away.

With this attempt to pander to women, we have another Republican who believes politics matter more than governance. Fortunately for our country, women are smarter than McCain gives them credit for. While Palin's nonexistent foreign-policy résumé is dangerous, her views on domestic issues may be even more frightening. The next president will appoint from one to three Supreme Court justices.