Yes....the plot thickens in this historical political year as my confusion increases.  According to the polls, 52% of white women are backing McCain.  Based on these past eight years, based on the country and economy falling down around our heads, based on the potential for another dismal and even frightening four years ahead......this should be a no-brainer.  But it's not. 

It's vividly clear that McCain doesn't "get it" but......neither do I.  I don't get how women can support a candidate who's running mate initially says she "welcomes" an investigation into Troopergate.  And then Monday evening decides she's not going to cooperate with investigators.  We've all heard and read what Palin and McCain represent and believe in....so I'm not going to repeat it here. 

OH, but wait a sec...........have we ALL heard and read how they stand on issues that impact each and every one of us?  Do they know and understand the ramifications concerning Wall Street, our economy, health care, education, Palin's thoughts on Russia and Georgia?  Did any of them visibly cringe on Monday following the latest crisis on Wall Street when McCain verbalized to a crowd in Jacksonville, Florida, "Fundamentally our economy is still strong?"  And yes, folks, I AM specifically referring to WOMEN here.  And from my OWN personal experience, I'll tell you why..........

I can count on one hand my personal female acquaintances or friends (excluding bloggers)  that TRULY understands what is going on in our country and in the world.  Sad, but true.  If there's more, they sure as heck have not made it obvious to me.  So bear in mind.....my thoughts and opinions here are simply that......MY thoughts and opinions based on what I've encountered.  And what I don't understand is......I don't understand.

During the 60's, I was busy being a young mom.  I wasn't involved in any protesting or being a politcal activist.  It didn't interest me.  Not in the least.  My life consisted of a small cocoon.  Then at age twenty-five, I went to college.  My horizons were broadened.  I began to see life in a very different perspective.  Some good.  Some bad.  All of it giving me the opportunity to take the knowledge and not only understand my country better, it enabled me to understand the world better. 

And during this time and for all the years to follow, little by little, all of a sudden politics began to become interesting to me.  How could it not?  It affected ME as a citizen of this country.  Until the end of time, it would/will affect my children, my grandchildren.  All of a sudden the focus of MY world, MY life shifted.  Rather than experiencing the insular life of a young mom in the 60's, my focus began to radiate OUTWARD.  Because I quickly began to realize that what affected this country, this world, would ultimately affect me. 

Watching the national nightly news became as necessary as breathing.  Over time, this in turn rippled out to include morning news (it's the first thing I do each morning....so I'll know what happened in the world overnight) and reading newspapers, articles and books that would enable me to better understand current issues and/or problems. 

And what I don't understand is how so many women seldom catch a newscast, read a newspaper or could explain (in a very general way) why and how major institutions like Lehman Brothers and others have crashed.  Do they realize it all has to do with the deregulation of the Bush Administration?

And what I also don't understand is............when questioned as to why they're supporting McCain?  It runs the gamut from "I like Palin"  "I think Palin will be good for women" "I think Palin has good family values and she's a good mother."  Right!  Very intelligent reasons for supporting McCain.  Are these women even AWARE of all the issues facing them and their families, beyond the fact "they like Palin?"  I think not!

So what I'm really wondering about and what I truly do not understand is.........WHY wouldn't the 52% of these women dig a little deeper, research a little more and...........come up with more valid reasons for the vote they might be casting?  Because those reasons sure as heck aren't going to make our country safe, improve our economy or make life easier for the middle class. 

See you here next time..............