Palin's Op-Ed in Washington Post

I have been waiting for Sarah PalinSarah Palin to show me that she is an intelligent woman who has more to add to the political fray than "a pretty face". This morning, I had a glimmer of hope - she wrote an op-ed piece for the Washington Post.

I signed onto the Post website to read her words of wisdom. I wondered if she really wrote it or if her staff penned the piece and she signed her name. Following the three minutes it took to read the article, I have no doubt. Sarah wrote this piece, probably from taking bullet points from a Republic brochure on the cap and trade energy talking points.

Second paragraph in, "Unfortunately, many in the national media would rather focus on the personality-driven political gossip of the day than on the gravity of these challenges. So, at risk of disappointing the chattering class, let me make clear what is foremost on my mind and where my focus will be:" [Washington Post 7/14/2009]

Does that sound like her Alaskan speech writers? Heck no! It is Palin to the core.

"There is no denying that as the world becomes more industrialized, we need to reform our energy policy and become less dependent on foreign energy sources. But the answer doesn't lie in making energy scarcer and more expensive! Those who understand the issue know we can meet our energy needs and environmental challenges without destroying America's economy." [Ibid]

I do not disagree with her statement that a reform in energy policy is necessary. I do take issue with the ways in which she has suggested this happen. More drilling and additional consumption of fossil fuels will not create a sustainable, greener world. Of course, those ideas do not cross her mind.

"We must move in a new direction. We are ripe for economic growth and energy independence if we responsibly tap the resources that God created right underfoot on American soil. Just as important, we have more desire and ability to protect the environment than any foreign nation from which we purchase energy today.

"In Alaska, we are progressing on the largest private-sector energy project in history. Our 3,000-mile natural gas pipeline will transport hundreds of trillions of cubic feet of our clean natural gas to hungry markets across America. We can safely drill for U.S. oil offshore and in a tiny, 2,000-acre corner of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge if ever given the go-ahead by Washington bureaucrats." [Ibid]

I am not a proponent of cap and trade policy, but "drill, baby drill" is not the answer either. Sarah, you have a one track mind. This is the same discussion you put forth when you were coveting the VP spot. Is this what we have to look forward to as you "focus on your family"?

Ms. Palin, simply submitting an op-ed piece to the Washington Post will not give you the credibility you lack. Neither will copy and paste from Republican talking point memos. I am waiting to hear substance from you, but I am not holding my breath in the meantime.