by Music Gal

Created on: November 07, 2008   Last Updated: November 25, 2008

Engaging. Bright. Energetic. Tough. Genuine. Ethical. These are terms that would generate our confidence in any leader's ability, and these are words that surely describe Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska. But up until a few months ago, none of us even knew who she was. Although her first attempts at the National level were unsuccessful, most are wondering about future possibilities for Gov. Palin. In order to answer that, it is important to recognize just who this relatively unknown candidate is, and what she has to offer the over- saturated political landscape.

As the world watched the almost unbelievable happen, an obscure, though competent, candidate emerged fromwell, nowhere! Not many had even heard of Sarah Palin prior to John McCain's announcement of her as his running mate for the White House. But we were all in for a great surprise as Sarah (as we called her, feeling as if she had become a friend to us) began to show us her qualities.

We learned of Gov. Palin's love for Alaska and its people. Her love and concern was demonstrated in continuous Civil Servant roles throughout the years, culminating in her current position as their governor.

We learned of Gov. Palin's love for her family and her God. She never apologized for her faith; she did not use it as a crutch, nor did she heave it as a weapon. It is part of her, and evident in her calm, ethical demeanor. Gov. Palin was also completely open about her family's challenges (a Down's syndrome youngest child, and an unmarried pregnant daughter.) Again, the overwhelming message is, "This is who I am."

We learned of Gov. Palin's untiring dedication, as seen both in all her years of service, as well as during the campaign.

We saw a bright orator, who never allowed herself to become tangled in the political rhetoric or media attacks hurled in her direction. Any one of us who (dread the thought) would be microscopically investigated might crumble in a heap of distress. But the Governor stood firm, stated the truth, and went on to the more important things

But most of all, we sensed in this bright, new star in the previously muddied political sky a fresh love for her Country. The pride she showed for her son, as well as all the enlisted heroes of our time, was a reminder to us all that we are in this together. There was an optimism and almost Polyanna-like exuberance that made us all feel like everything wrong could be made rightif we only would believe and try.

Gov. Sarah Palin, the would-have-been, should-have-been Vice President of the United States, now is at the end of a well-fought fight for the White House. Some would say it was fatally flawed from the beginning, leaving no hope of winning. Possibly so. But is this the end for our new friend, Sarah?

A resounding NO!' echoes from the tops of mountains, down to the depths of the lowest gorges we now feel we are in. How could it be that she might merely recede back into the wilderness of the 49th State? Sarah has teased us with a small taste of how a noble and trusted politician looks. She has barely touched our lips with a sweet and refreshing drink for our previously parched throats. Our small sampling of Sarah has left us wantingno, needingmore.

If the Republican Party is looking for Revival, they have found the mechanism in Gov. Sarah Palin. It is not hard to imagine her taking the helm of our sinking ship, steadily steering us away from the brink of the current imminent disaster we face.

Let's hope that the wheels of the Political Machine are able to keep up with her!

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