Do we know who Sarah Palin really is?

 Sarah Palin told an interviewer from CBS that she accepted the nomination for vice president of the United States in the "blink of an eye."  She did not stop to consider what was in the best interest of her family, she did not stop to think what was in the best interest of her state and she did not stop to think what was in the best interest of her country, especially considering her lack of knowledge of the national economy and foreign policy. She certainly did not think "country first."  She just thought what was in the best interest of Sarah Palin.

Governor Palin promised Alaskans "transparency in the government," but she conducts some state business on a personal e-mail account, which leaves the state no electronic or paper trail. She originally told state employees to comply with requests about the "Troopergate" investigation. That has now changed - all records are closed.

She continues to feed supporters misinformation about her time as governor, giving partial and twisted truths. It would be interesting, if elected, who she surrounds herself with as confidants. In Alaska, she went through the Wasilla yearbook for her appointees, ignoring those with knowledge and know how. The person who oversees the state agriculture division (from Wasilla) was qualified for the job because she liked cows as a kid. We may not need "Washington insiders" on the president and vice president's staff, but we do need people who know what they are doing - especially in these volatile times.

 Palin would be a "heartbeat away " from the presidency. She may be looked at as the perky maverick, but in truth may be a person just out for Sarah Pain's best interest. Think hard before you vote for the McCain/Palin ticket.

ALICE SAMUELSON

Sandpoint